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Academy of Natural Resources
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 week-long programs at two locations that qualify for SCECH (state continuing education clock hours) or credit through Ferris State University.
ANR CLASSIC: July 9-14, 2023
Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center on Higgins Lake near Roscommon, Michigan. The RAM Center is a beautiful setting on the north shore of Higgins Lake just minutes from either I-75 or US 127. Three sessions (of up to 20 educators each) are offered at ANR Classic established in 2008. Last summer, 98% of participants said they would definitely recommend ANR Classic to other teachers.
ANR NORTH: July 30-August 4, 2023
Michigan Tech University's Ford Center, Alberta, Michigan. ANR North is often referred to as ANR Grad School, although you need not attend ANR Classic as a prerequisite. The Ford Center, located one hour west of Marquette, is a field campus for MTU. Located in Alberta, this historical community was established in 1936 by Henry Ford. ANR North is limited to 20 educators. Last summer, 100% of participants said they would definitely recommend ANR North to other teachers. See below for more information, including registration forms, for both sessions.
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ANR Classic
July 9 -July 14, 2023
DATES AND LOCATION
The Academy kicks off Sunday, July 9 at 4 p.m. The week concludes Friday, July 14 after lunch. The Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center is located on the north shore of Higgin's Lake. The RAM Center offers a unique alternative to urban conference centers for conservation and environmental education.
COST
$395 for the entire week which includes 5 nights lodging, 15 meals and all materials. Price is based on double occupancy. If you do not wish a roommate, single rooms are available for an additional $100/week. You can apply for a scholarship and save $100!
PROGRAM OPTIONS:
Forest, Fields and Fins: Upper elementary-high school teachers
ANR's core class is all about resource management. 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 rivers and lakes, forests and fields, learn interesting ways to integrate these experiences into the classroom.
Teachers into the WILD
Teachers Into the WILD is about learning how to get students outside and learning new skills while meeting science and health requirements. Get training in many outdoor skills including archery, survival, paddle sports, orienteering, geocaching and more. Do your part to reestablish the outdoors as a classroom and leave no child inside.
MEECS Week
Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS) brings a wealth of information and resources about Michigan’s environment to participants. This class will feature hands-on training in all seven MEECS units: Land and Environment, Land Use, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Water Quality, Energy Resources, Air Quality, and Climate Change. If you’ve been to MEECS Week before, it’s time to come back as we unveil totally revamped Water Quality, Ecosystems & Biodiversity, and Climate Change units! In addition to receiving training on all units, educators will have the chance to provide direction on future updates to the Land and Environment, Land Use, Energy Resources, and Air Quality units. Learn how to weave science, social studies, and math together using Michigan-specific resources from excellent facilitators. Both class and field time will be included in this week-long workshop. Recommended for upper elementary, middle school, and high school educators.
CREDIT HOURS
30+ SCECH, State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) are available through this program with no additional fee. University credits through Ferris State University are available. For more information contact fitzwilc@ferris.edu
REGISTRATION
Be a part of the Academy of Natural Resources Classic in 3 easy steps:
- Choose your program option
- Submit your completed scholarship application for approval (save $100!)
- Upon approval, you will be sent the link to register
- Questions or more information
- Please contact Kevin Frailey at fraileyk@michigan.gov
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ANR North
July 30-August 4, 2023
DATES AND LOCATION
The Academy kicks off Sunday, July 30 at 6:00 p.m. The week concludes Friday, August 4 after breakfast. Michigan Tech's Ford Center is located one hour west of Marquette, in the Upper Peninsula. The Ford Center provides a unique starting point to access Michigan's natural and cultural resources nestled in the U.P.
COST
$450 for the entire week which includes 5 nights lodging, 13 meals and all materials. Price is based on double occupancy. If you do not wish a roommate, single rooms are available for an additional $100/week. You can apply for a scholarship and save $100!
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: ANY GRADE LEVEL
Forest Frenzy
The vast timberlands of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula provide the perfect backdrop to a week of forest management. Amazing field trips to unique forest types and magnificent trees, a look at specialized forest products, and a Native American view of forestry. Partners will include the DNR, Michigan Tech., the United States Forest Service, the Keweenaw Band Indian Community and Michigan Forest Association.CREDIT HOURS
20+ SCECH State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) are available through this program with no additional fee. University credits through Ferris State University are available. For more information contact Cindyfitzwilliams-heck@ferris.edu
REGISTRATION (YOU MAY APPLY/REGISTER FOR BOTH ANR CLASSIC AND ANR NORTH.)
Be a part of the Academy of Natural Resources North in 2 easy steps:
- Submit your completed scholarship application for approval (Save $100!)
- Upon approval, you will be sent the link to register.
QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact Kevin Frailey at fraileyk@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 PhD, 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 and concerned with issues related to conservation and natural resources. Click here to read the recent doctoral study.
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