Michigan Naturalist SE Washtenaw

This program is open to adults who have an interest in the great outdoors! Participants in the Michigan Naturalist program will gain a greater understanding of the natural environment and conservation techniques while learning about the flora native to Michigan. Participants can take an active role in implementing what they have learned throughout their neighborhoods and in their own backyards. Throughout the program, local interpretive and volunteer opportunities may become apparent to those seeking to become active in their community.  

The training sessions will be taught on Saturday afternoons from 12-4:30 p.m. April through October in both indoor and outdoor settings.

  Topics/Dates for 2024

April 20 - Eastern Forest Ecology at MSU Extension Classroom, 705 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor

June 1 - Herpetology at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor

June 22 - Rivers, Lakes, & Wetlands at Saline Recreation Center, 1866 Woodland Dr. East, Saline

July 13 - Botany of the Interlobate at Park Lyndon North, 18801 N Territorial Rd., Chelsea

August 17 - Terrestrial Insects at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor

Sept 21 – Ornithology at Gallup Park Meeting Room, 3000 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor

October 19 - Traditional Ecological Knowledge/Interpretive Skills, U of M Museum of Natural History, 1105 N University Ave., Ann Arbor

Please download the flyer below for a table of monthly times and dates
(Note: May be subject to change)

 Automobile transportation and a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport and parking fees at some locations may be necessary. Carpooling can be coordinated if needed.

Students must obtain required books on their own:
Douglas Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home (available new and used)
The Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest (available new and used) and
Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A Landowners Guide (available as a free PDF in the D2L classroom using your MSU Guest ID) 
Students should plan to wear weather and activity appropriate clothing such as closed toed shoes or hiking boots, hat, long pants, etc.  
A camera, hand lens, field guides, related apps preloaded on smart phones and binoculars may also prove helpful on outdoor experience walks. 

All classes will be held rain or shine.  

    At the completion of each unit an open book knowledge check quiz and short assignment will be required. 
You need to pass all the knowledge checks collectively by 80% and upload assignments to earn your certification. 
This can be done in any order and at anytime you are comfortable performing that task. 
Participants will need to earn 80% or better to be certified as a Michigan Naturalist.