Project Learning Tree (PLT), a program of the American Forest Foundation that provides environmental and outdoor education materials and training designed around hands-on activities for pre-K through 12th grade, is searching for facilitators in Michigan.

A facilitator training is planned for Oakland County on Oct. 6-7 at the Proud Lake Recreation Area, located at 3500 Wixom Rd. in Commerce Township. The cost is $50 and attendees will earn 1.2 continuing education units if interested. A limited number of scholarships also are available for resource professionals and educator teams who want to attend the training together, and agree to conduct at least one PLT workshop within one year of becoming certified.

Project Learning Tree is building a cadre of program facilitators in each of Michigan's 83 counties. Facilitators are requested to hold a minimum of one workshop per year, but more are encouraged if the need arises and time allows. Facilitators also benefit from incentive programs such as random drawings, award nominations, and a $50 stipend for first time workshops to cover expenses.

PLT workshops provide educators the tools, training, and resources they need to bring the environment into their classrooms, and their students into the environment. PLT workshops are planned around the state and listed at www.michiganplt.org/workshops.htm.

PLT's 100-plus activities are correlated to Michigan's Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE), making it easy for teachers to use them in their current curriculum. In addition, formal and informal educators, such as naturalists and scout leaders, can enhance the programs they conduct with hands-on Project Learning Tree activities. All educators who become certified in PLT are eligible for GreenWorks Service Learning grants from $1,000 to $5,000.

Marcy Wells, a Detroit Public High School teacher said, "We learned many excellent activities that can be adapted to fit almost any age group. The flexibility of the activities allowed me to start using them immediately in my classroom."

For further information about the Michigan Project Learning Tree program, please visit www.michiganplt.org. You also may contact Ada Takacs at 989-275-5151, ext. 2049, or via e-mail at takacsa@michigan.gov.