An employee who is shared through an agreement between the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) recently was honored with a Meritorious Service Award for Educators by MSUE.

Gary Williams, a 4-H youth educator based in Wayne County, received the award for his efforts to develop and manage youth programs in natural resources since 1999. His efforts have reached more than 60 middle schools and 5,000 children each year.

"We are proud to have a partnership with MSUE that provides a hands-on program through Gary Williams to reach the children of southeast Michigan," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "Gary's program not only expands the science curriculum that the students receive in school, he also provides a special summer program geared toward urban youths to let them explore fishing, archery and environmental stewardship."

"If it weren't for our partners in communities, government and associations, we would not be able to serve Michigan's residents as well as we do. They help us realize our mission," said Tom Coon, MSU Extension director. "We greatly value our connection to the DNR -- especially this one that enables us to support Gary Williams' outstanding work in service to southeastern Michigan youngsters."

Williams provides the Great Lakes Education Program by expanding the existing science curriculum in the schools through conducting experiments outdoors and studying the historic value of a river. In the summer, Williams teaches children outdoors skills, such as fishing, archery and environmental stewardship at the DNR's Pocket Park at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit.

"Gary is reaching children who may not otherwise have an outdoors experience," said Humphries. "This partnership is invaluable to the future of conservation in our state."

Williams, along with other MSUE employees, was honored recently at Fall Extension Conference, the organization's annual professional development event, which was held in Detroit.