MSU Extension Conservation Connections - Oakland County ...
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MSU Extension Conservation Connections
January 2020
Conservation Stewards, please report 2019 volunteer hours!
We appreciate all the great work you’ve done this past
year! Your ecosystem knowledge, extraordinary volunteer com-
mitment, passion, and leadership have made a difference in our
resource-rich state as we continue to navigate around complex
environmental challenges.
Michigan Conservation Steward Volunteers should report their
2019 volunteer and advanced training hours by January 31, 2020. Confirmation of submitted hours will be
mailed out by the end of February 2020. A quick reminder of certification/re-certification requirements:
Program Recertification requirements:
· 20 hours of volunteer service.
· 8 hours of continuing education.
Certification requirements for those who recently completed CSP training course:
· 40 hours of volunteer service. Remember you can count hours you spent on your cap-
stone project as part of our initial 40 hour volunteer service requirement. Volunteer ser-
vice can take place through December 31, 2020.
· There is no requirement to complete continuing education hours, but feel free to report
these hours if you have completed any training.
The Conservation Stewards Volunteer reporting form is posted on the program web site:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/
Please direct questions to Bindu Bhakta, bhaktabi@msu.edu or (248) 858-5198.
Michigan Alliance of Environmental and Outdoor Educators
(MAEOE) offers 2 upcoming Events
Wildlife Weekend, January 31 - February 2, 2020, RAM Center, Roscommon, MI
Discover the true meaning of the holidays with the ulti-
mate gift, a weekend nature getaway. Education, enter-
tainment and relaxation all built into one weekend, Janu-
ary 31-February 2, 2020. Two nights lodging, six meals
and course fee all included. Registration is $275 for
MAEOE members & $295 for nonmembers). Anyone over
18 is invited. Educators and noneducators are welcome.
There are three classes to choose from:
Feathered Frenzy: When you look at a bird, can you tell what it eats? If it migrates? Is it a good par-
ent? Can you tell if its babies are helpless or not by where their nest is made? How do they find their
way south? Why do they make their nests here and not in Florida? Why don't we have sexy birds like
Birds of Paradise in Michigan? And, do you want to build a birdhouse? Come learn about our feath-
ered friends via activities, media, and even a walk through the snow and learn the answers to these
and many other inquiries.
The Bear Facts: Let’s face it. Bears are the coolest animal on the planet. They are intelligent, love to
eat, love to sleep, can outrun a racehorse and chew a hole through a cast iron skillet. Black, Polar or
Brown, we have a great collection of bruins in North America and they are laced with epic tales of
danger, humor and legend. This class runs the gamut with discussion of biology, life cycles, legend and
lore, ecological outlook and even safety in bear country 101. PowerPoint presentation, video, activi-
ties, cool props and discussion will keep this class from being unbearable.
Winter Omnibus: Omnibus, an adjective, meaning providing for many things at once. This winter,
come get a taste of several outdoor skills in a snowy Michigan climate. Ever wonder how to handle
yourself in a winter survival situation? Would you survive? Learn winter survival basics that might
come in handy! Then try your hand at ice fishing on Higgins Lake. All the equipment will be provid-
ed, even some warmth! Last, but not least, learn about snowshoes and how to choose the right
pair to buy. This portion of the weekend includes a snowshoe hike through majestic Hartwick Pines
State Park. Shoes provided.
Nature Summit, February 14, 2020, RAM Center, Roscommon, MI
Interested in the science behind natural resource management?
This daylong workshop offers an opportunity for outdoor educators
and environmental educators to hear from the experts – the DNR
professionals that research and manage our natural resources –
with the most current, science-based information about a variety of
topics.
For information about either event, or to register, visit www.maeoe.com.
Volunteer for Michigan Nature Association Michigan Nature Assocation volunteers work to protect and maintain Michigan's special natural areas in a variety of ways. To accomplish the mission and goals of MNA, volunteers are needed from many different backgrounds and skill- levels to help with our many worthwhile projects and initiatives. From constructing boardwalks to helping out in the office, becoming a volunteer helps accomplish the MNA mission. For a list of the types of volun- teers MNA is looking for, visit https://www.michigannature.org/menus/volunteer.html. Contact the MNA office by emailing michigannature@michigannature.org or calling (866) 223-2231 for com- plete details. Volunteer on Belle Isle There are currently four different volunteer opportunities (Aquarium Greeters, Con- servatory Greeters, Aquarium and Conservatory Docents, and Aquarium Interpret- ers) available on Belle Isle. Individuals interested in volunteering may submit an online application. Once submitted, applicants are invited to attend new volunteer orientation and training: January 11, March 14, May 9, September 12, or November 14. For complete information: https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/volunteer-individual. Job posting- Chippewa Nature Center Position Available: School Program Educator Part-time, Seasonal Posted: 12/16/2019 Job Summary: Join a team of creative, passionate professionals who work to- gether to connect children with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. Chippewa Nature Center is in search of Educators with a passion for sharing the natural world in a relevant, engaging way with stu- dents in preschool through high school. Educators work a fixed schedule from 2-5 days a week delivering high quality, curriculum-aligned natural and cultural history programs. For complete details, visit: https://www.chippewanaturecenter.org/upload/editor/Educator%20Job% 20Posting%202020.pdf. Free Fishing Weekend Two days, twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan's premiere out- door activities, Michigan Fishing, for FREE! The 2020 Free Fishing Weekends are scheduled for winter: February 15 & 16, and sum- mer: June 13 & 14. All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. A Recreation Passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks and recreation areas during Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. Many locations around the state hold fun events during the week- end. For more information on what public events are planned across the state, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/ dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146_84107---,00.html.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Grant Opportunities
MDNR administers grants that make communities healthier, safer and more vibrant. These grants enable lo-
cal partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife
habitat and ensuring public safety.
Grants brochure: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/grants_brochure_final_643756_7.pdf.
Frogwatch classes scheduled for January, February and March at the
Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is inviting Southeast Michigan residents to hop to it and join the local
chapter of FrogWatch USA. The citizen science program
teaches volunteers how to identify frogs and toads by
their breeding calls and to gather and record data that
supports a national network.
FrogWatch volunteers choose from locations throughout
the tri-county area and monitor the sites for several
weeks. Their observations provide valuable insight into whether amphibians in the region are declining or
increasing or if new species are being found in areas where they have not been identified before.
FrogWatch training classes for 2020 will be offered free of charge at the Detroit Zoo’s Ford Education Center
on the following dates:
• Wednesday, January 29 – 5-9 p.m.
• Sunday, February 2 – 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Saturday, February 8 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 25 – 5-9 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5 – 5-9 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14 – noon-4 p.m.
For more information or to register for FrogWatch, visit:https://detroitzoo.org/animals/frogwatch/?
fbclid=IwAR3M_qQ3SP2I-aW6EiBovY21bbGZmBFTOjf21YmfZOGlSkHJpnh_qfHzxV0.
Audubon Climate Watch looking for those interested in using birding skills
to advance understanding of climate change on
birds.
The next survey will take place January 15 - February 15, 2020 and is
open to the public, including all interested Audubon chapters and centers,
in addition to organized groups and individuals with an interest in birds. To find out how to participate in Cli-
mate Watch in Michigan, visit: https://www.audubon.org/news/participant-resources-climate-
watch#coordinators.
To learn more about Climate Watch, visit: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch.
HELP US FIND SOME SPECIAL
WINTER STONEFLIES!
When you sign up to volunteer, you will join a small group of other
volunteers to search a selected stretch of stream or river for
stoneflies. You will be working with experienced researchers in the
collection of stoneflies. They will also teach you how we determine the health of the stream or river you are
visiting. Here’s a personal account with nice photos.
Children are welcome to join the search as long as each one is attended by an adult.
New Date: February 1st, 2020 - There are two starting times: 9:00 am or 10:30am. This event takes about 4
hours; approximately half of that is outside.
Where: Start at the NEW Center, 1100 N. Main Street, Ann Arbor, and then go out to 2 stream sites
somewhere in Livingston, Oakland, and Washtenaw Counties.
DEADLINE: January 24, 2020 - FOR MORE INFO: Please contact Jason. For more
information about stoneflies check out this article.
MSU Extension hires new water resources
educator.
Paige Filice will work statewide to prevent invasive
species and protect Michigan’s waters. For the complete
article by Jo Latimore go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/
news/msu-extension-hires-new-water-resources-educator.
Request for newsletter items: Do you have a conservation-oriented item that you would to be considered for inclusion in the next issue of
the MSUE Conservation Connections e-newsletter? An upcoming volunteer opportunity? Educational event? New resource/website or recently
published news article to share?
Items should be educational in nature and cannot promote commercial, for-profit businesses. MSU Extension reserves the right to exclude items
that do not fit these general criteria. Email items to Cathy Morris (morrisc@oakgov.com) by the 15th of the month and they will be considered for
the upcoming month’s newsletter.
Edited and compiled by: Bindu Bhakta, Extension Educator, Michigan State University Extension - Community, Food and Environment Institute - Bldg 26E, 1200 N Telegraph Rd,
Pontiac, MI 48341 Tel: 248.858.5198 FAX: 248.858.1477 / Cathy Morris, Account Clerk, Clerical Support 248.858.1639
MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.
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