Natural Resources education programs:

School Education Programs:

Water Conservation:
This program targets students in first and second grade and uses visuals, games and hands-on activities to teach about water, the water cycle, how water gets to homes, how water is used and what can be done to conserve it.

Understanding Groundwater:
This program targets fifth grade students and uses a groundwater model and hands-on activities to teach about groundwater, the surface/groundwater connection and the importance of protecting groundwater resources.

Great Lakes Education Program (GLEP):
This program targets fourth grade students (but is adaptable to fifth or sixth grade) and includes a 2 ½ hour boat cruise on the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair where students will participate in hands-on activities related to the biological, chemical and physical aspects of water quality, including plankton studies, bottom sampling, dissolved oxygen, pH testing and weather. Students also will learn navigation terminology and knot tying. There is a $500 cost per class to participate.

Public Education Programs:

Green Living:
This program provides information on what is meant by “green living” and how to live green in relation to energy use, transportation, consumerism, food, conservation, waste reduction and environmental protection.

Save Water, Save Money:
This program offers information and ideas on water and energy conservation that will help homeowners save money (and water).

Composting Basics:
This program explains backyard composting, how and why to compost.

Master Composter Course:
This is a six-week course providing a comprehensive study of backyard and municipal composting techniques. There is a $45 cost for the program and participants are expected to complete 15 hours of community service.

Septic System Maintenance Workshops:
This program is offered in collaboration with the Macomb County Health Department and covers septic system use and maintenance.

Citizen Planner Program:
This is an eight-week, non-credit course series leading to an optional certificate of competency awarded by MSUE. Participants will learn about planning and zoning, plan implementation and development and the art of community planning, as well as local topics like brownfield redevelopment, conflict management, farmland preservation, parks & recreation, new urbanism, etc.

Agriculture/Horticulture programs:

Master Gardener Program:
This is an 11-week leader-training program for people who want to learn about horticulture and share their knowledge with others. Participants are required to complete 40 hours of community service to officially become a “Master Gardener.” There is a cost of $260 for the course.

Let’s Get Growing Training Program:
This program teaches adult volunteers hands-on, age-specific methods and curriculum for teaching gardening to children through the Junior Master Gardener Program (offered through the Macomb County 4H Program). There is a $35 materials fee for the training.

Basics of Vegetable Gardening:
This program is for those new to gardening and teaches the basics of planning a garden, selecting a good site, what crops and how much to plant, preparing and maintaining the garden and how to have a bountiful harvest.

Gardening Hotline:
The gardening hotline is available year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 586-469-5063 to have your gardening question answered by a Master Gardener.

Don’t Guess Soil Test:
Through this program, residents can bring in a soil sample and have it tested (at MSU) to evaluate nutrient content.  MSUE staff will provide individualized results and recommendations to improve the soil nutrient content of your garden, flower beds, lawns, etc.

Pesticide Applicator Certification Program:
This program provides private and commercial pesticide applicators with the materials, education, and testing necessary to obtaining certification.