As winter creeps into Michigan, teachers and youth, scouting and church group leaders often are looking for fun and informative ways to engage their students and children, even when the blustery weather keeps everyone indoors.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to assisting teachers and youth leaders when it comes to helping youngsters connect to the vast natural resources that surround them.

"Today's youth will be much more likely to be excited about the protection and enhancement of these resources if they understand and appreciate them," said Patricia Stewart, DNR chief communications officer. "Our goal is to expand and improve the quality and quantity of educational materials that are available for teachers and others who are engaging youth in science and natural resources."

A good place for educators to start is the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr. With just a few taps on a keyboard, teachers and students can access a wealth of information, including downloadable and printable materials that can be used as curriculum ideas, handouts and guides. Teachers also will find links to the DNR's primary outdoor education partners, including Project Learning Tree, Project Wet and Project Wild.

"Educators will be amazed by the wide and expanding variety of tools and materials available online from the DNR to assist them in conservation education," said Kevin Frailey, DNR Education and Outreach manager.

Teachers also can find information on how their school can become part of the popular Archery in the Schools program, which is designed to introduce target archery in 4th through 12th grade physical education classes during the school day.

"Archery is a sport nearly anyone can be successful at regardless of age, size or physical ability," said NASP Coordinator Mary Emmons. "It's easy for a school or youth program to get involved, and many teachers and school administrators are amazed by how quickly the kids get hooked on the sport."

But exploring nature is a year-round opportunity, so many schools also will schedule field trips in the spring and fall to visit one of the DNR's seven Natural Resource Visitor Centers at Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas and the two Michigan Fisheries Visitor Centers at the Oden and Wolf Lake state fish hatcheries. There also is a full-time interpretive program at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

At these facilities, the focus is on helping visitors gain a better understanding of the natural world around them through a variety of programs, family events and outdoor experiences. Each center has its own Web page, which can be consulted for more information.

Wildlife viewing areas are amazing places to visit, and, in Michigan, the DNR offers an easy way to navigate through its online version of the popular "Michigan Wildlife Viewing Guide," which features 121 of the best places in Michigan to view wildlife.

"Even in winter, teachers and parents can choose a nice day and take the kids on a nature hike to look for and identify animal tracks and other signs of nature's creativity, sketched in the snow," Frailey said.

When warmer weather returns, what better way to get the kids outside after a long winter than to take them fishing.

The DNR annually sponsors a Free Fishing Weekend in June, and the Fishing in the Parks program is held weekly through the summer at 21 state parks and recreation areas across the state and at one state harbor in the Upper Peninsula. At a Fishing in the Parks program, experienced and friendly instructors help kids learn to fish in a relaxed and fun atmosphere --even the equipment is provided!

The department's two Pocket Parks, in Detroit and Escanaba, also host fishing events leading up to the annual state fair held in August.

Armed with field guides, animal skins, bug boxes and other hands-on materials, state park explorer guides also provide free programs for campers and day visitors each summer at 40 Michigan State Parks. The informal programs and guided hikes feature each location's unique natural, cultural and historic resources.

Finally, the DNR's online newsletter for kids, Nature News, is an entertaining and informative publication that helps youngsters appreciate just how much fun they can have in our Great Outdoors.

Nature News is great to share at school or with the family and will generate lots of follow-up ideas for resource exploration and discovery.

"The DNR is committed to creating future stewards of Michigan's resources," Stewart said. "By making available a wide variety of educational materials, opportunities and ideas, we hope to make it easy for kids and their teachers, parents and mentors to more fully see and embrace the wonders of natural resources."

For a complete list of programs, activities, locations and other important links, plus current and back issues of Nature News, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on Education and Outreach.