The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is giving educators a chance to get wet, dirty, hot, buggy and trained in natural resource management and environmental education.

Sound like fun? It was for the 19 teachers who participated in last year's Academy of Natural Resources. So much so, that many are returning for a second time around.

During the DNR's Academy of Natural Resources, July 19-24, educators will receive training in America's best known environmental education curricula, including Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, Project WET and the Leopold Education Project.

"This training helps educators link the natural world to the classroom," said Kevin Frailey, DNR Education Services manager. "Students find classroom learning a lot more fun when it is linked to wildlife, forests and the Great Lakes."

The Natural Resources Curricula Certification course offers one-stop shopping for educators who want these certifications which typically are offered separately and may take years to obtain. An added course this year is the Natural Resources Field Camp, which is focused on providing actual experiences in natural resource management.

"Many teachers asked us to add a component that would explain how we manage our natural resources," Frailey said. "The field camp course participants will spend each day in the field with wildlife and fisheries biologists, foresters and even law enforcement officers learning the tools of the trade."

Registrations are still open for both courses, which will be held at the DNR's Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, a beautiful rustic campus located on Higgins Lake. The weeklong session costs $295, which includes five nights lodging, 15 meals, and all materials and instruction.

University education credits from Central Michigan University (for additional fees) and State Board Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are offered as well.

"Although classroom teachers are the main participants, last year's program included nature center staff, a college professor and an outdoor writer" said Frailey. "These courses are for anyone who can use knowledge and materials to educate others."

For registration information, visit www.michigan.gov/anr or contact Kevin Frailey at (517) 373-7306; FraileyK@michigan.gov.