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Academy of Natural Resources

teachers working with DNR biologists to pull in nets from a boat

Academy of Natural Resources

An introduction to the Academy of Natural Resources

The Academy of Natural Resources offers educators the opportunity to learn about Michigan's diverse natural resources, discover current trends in their management and experience activities that bring knowledge to the classroom. We offer weeklong programs at two locations that qualify for SCECH (state continuing education clock hours).

  • July 12-17, 2026

    DATES AND LOCATION

    The academy kicks off Sunday at 4 p.m. The week concludes Friday after lunch. The Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, located on the north shore of Higgins Lake, offers a unique alternative to urban conference centers for conservation and environmental education.

    COST

    $395 for the entire week, which includes five nights of lodging, 15 meals and all materials. Price is based on double occupancy. If you do not wish to have a roommate, single rooms are available for an additional $100/week.

    PROGRAM OPTIONS

    Forests, Fields and Fins 

    ANR’s core class; Forests, Fields and Fins is all about resource management. This is your chance to be a wildlife biologist for a day, but don’t stop there. On each day of this week, you will also become a fisheries biologist, a forester, and a conservation officer. Working alongside DNR professionals in river and lakes, forests and fields, you will become immersed in the management of these resources and learn interesting ways to take these experiences back to the classroom. Recommended for middle and high school educators.

    NatureQuest 

    Research indicates that students learn better in an outdoor setting, yet many educators hesitate to take students outside. This course provides an introduction to the flora and fauna of the Great Lakes region. Learn the basics of plant and animal identification, nature observation, journaling and other techniques and methods used to educate students in an outdoor setting. Teachers will become junior naturalists-learning about birds, bugs, trees, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and more. Recommended for educators of any grade level.

    Third track TBD

    CREDIT HOURS

    30-plus state continuing education clock hours (SCECH) are available through this program with no additional fee.

    REGISTRATION

    Coming soon.

    QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION

    Please contact Shaun McKeon at MckeonS@Michigan.gov.

  • Aug. 2-7, 2026 (tentative)

    DATES AND LOCATION

    The academy kicks off Sunday at 6 p.m. The week concludes Friday after breakfast. Michigan Tech's Ford Center, located one hour west of Marquette in the Upper Peninsula, provides a unique starting point to access Michigan's natural and cultural resources nestled in the U.P.

    COST

    $395 for the entire week, which includes five nights of lodging, 13 meals and all materials. Price is based on double occupancy. If you do not wish to have a roommate, single rooms are available for an additional $100/week.

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: ANY GRADE LEVEL

    Adventure Awaits!
    The western Upper Peninsula is a vast mosaic of geology, wildlife, wilderness, and history. This workshop will include daily road trips to explore the Porcupine Mountains, the geology and copper mines of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and the shores of Lake Superior near Marquette. Be prepared to hike and learn about science, history, local cultures and outdoor recreation.

    CREDIT HOURS

    20-plus state continuing education clock hours (SCECH) are available through this program with no additional fee.

    REGISTRATION

    Coming soon.

    QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION

    Please contact Shaun McKeon at MckeonS@Michigan.gov.

What are they saying about ANR?

"I can’t say enough how inspiring and useful ANR is for me and my students! After 32 years of teaching, this is the best professional development I’ve ever done."

"This week was very powerful for our team of nine teachers. We had teachers in each of the courses so discussions connecting them, sharing ideas, and finding better ways to work together during the school year was valuable." 

"This has been an amazing experience. You folks did a super of mixing history, culture, and nature into an unbelievable education experience. 10 Stars."

Research validates ANR as impactful professional development

In 2018, Cindy Fitzwilliams-Heck, faculty member at Ferris State University, used ANR for the basis of her Ph.D., Exploration of environmental adult education participant experiences and implications for future practices.

The research showed that ANR participants had become more effective educators and were more aware of and concerned with issues related to conservation and natural resources. Read the recent doctoral study.