NATURAL RESOURCES
Terry Gibb, Senior Extension Educator
586-469-5063
gibb@msu.edu
Justin Selden, Extension Educator
586-469-7139
seldenju@msu.edu
Michigan’s natural resources – water, forests, fisheries and wildlife – are economic drivers and important to our quality of life. Our programs improve public understanding of Michigan’s natural resources, help landowners and communities use those assets for sustainable long-term social and economic development, conserve natural resources for future generations, and broaden stakeholder engagement in natural resources decision making.
Understanding Groundwater
The Understanding Groundwater presentations target 5th graders but are adaptable to 4th and 6th grades as well. These class programs are held in conjunction with the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program. Using a groundwater model and hands on activities, students review basic water knowledge, learn what groundwater is, the surface/groundwater connection and the importance of protecting and conserving groundwater resources.
This one-hour program has been noted by teachers as relating well to MEAP test materials, school benchmarks and standards. The Understanding Groundwater Program is free and is scheduled November through March. Call (586) 469-7139 to register or use form below. Click here to print registration form (Acrobat reader needed)
Great Lakes Education Program (GLEP) introduces fourth-grade students to the unique features of the Great Lakes through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. The program is designed to stimulate interest in the Great Lakes and help students understand their role in protecting these vital freshwater resources.
More than 80,000 students, teachers, adult chaperones and volunteers in southeast Michigan have participated in the Great Lakes Education Program since it began in 1991. GLEP can be adapted to meet the needs of K-12 and college classes.
Educational Relevance
The Great Lakes Education Program is part of an approved science curriculum for fourth-grade students and addresses an important need. Studies have shown that fourth grade students in Michigan generally have little understanding of the Great Lakes and local water resources. GLEP helps bridge this gap and prepare students for their roles as future decision-makers responsible for the state's natural resources.
For more information, go to www.glep.us.
Master Composter Program
The Macomb MSU Extension offers the Master Composter course to instruct residents about yard waste composting and reduction. Composting is important because it:
- Improves your yard and garden and flower beds at little or no cost
- Provides a rich humus without producing odors or attracting critters
- Reduces waste that must be disposed
The Master Composter program has two main objectives:
- to provide individuals with current, correct knowledge and information on composting
- to promote the sharing of this knowledge with others in the community through volunteer activities
The Master Composter classes are taught by a team of regional extension agents, Michigan State University specialists, and other local experts.
| Course Topics | ||
| History of Composting | Basic Composting Techniques | Yard Waste Reduction |
| Michigan Legislation and Local Ordinances | Composting Systems and Equipment | Composting Composition and Chemistry |
| Bin and Site Selection | Application to Garden Soils | Uses of Finished Compost |
| Worm Composting and Bin Building |
The next class will be held on Wednesday, October 4 through November 8, 2017. Please call the office for more information at 586-469-6440 and to register.
The Master Composter certificate is awarded when 15 volunteer hours have been completed. Classes meet here at the MSU Extension Assembly Rooms.
Water Conservation
Michigan Sea Grant Extension provides educational outreach for this classroom-based program, which is designed for first- through third-graders. The children explore water conservation topics such as where water comes from, how to use water wisely, and how to protect and conserve this precious resource.
The presentation incorporates hands-on activities, demonstrations and games to educate and reinforce learning activities. This 50 minute program is noted by teachers as age appropriate and relates well to school standards and benchmarks.
The Water Conservation Program is free, is presented in classroom and may be scheduled November through March.
The on-line registration form is here.
The Water Conservation Program is currently seeking volunteers to help present the Water Conservation Program to first through third grade students in schools throughout Macomb County.
For more information, contact Justin Selden at 586-469-7139 or seldenju@anr.msu.edu
Natural Resource Links:
MSU Extension Natural Resource Website
Michigan Department of Agriculture
MSU Extension Department of Forestry