Natural Resources and the Great Outdoors

Michigan (and Macomb County) have some of the greatest outdoor spaces! Join MSU Extension as we discover all that nature has to offer

Hummingbird perched on a red bird feeder
Michigan’s natural resources—our lakes and rivers, forests, fisheries, and wildlife—shape everyday life for all of us. They are part of what makes Michigan feel like home: the places where we gather with family, explore new trails, unwind in nature, and feel connected to the world around us. Together, we deepen our understanding of these precious environments and the ecosystems that sustain them.

2026 Houghton Mi Fresh Fish Fry

July 10, 2026, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

58 Huron Street, Houghton

Learn about and eat MI Fresh Fish! The MI Fresh Fish Fry is free and open to the public with food, cooking lessons, fishing activities, and more.

2026 Escanaba Mi Fresh Fish Fry

July 24, 2026, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

17 Water Plant Road, Escanaba

Learn about and eat MI Fresh Fish! The MI Fresh Fish Fry is free and open to the public with food, cooking lessons, fishing activities, and more.

Conservation Stewards Program

August 26, 2027 - October 21, 2026

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP), is an educational program for those who are enthusiastic about learning science-based ecosystem management principles and sharing this knowledge with others to help improve their local communities. Through this program, participants will learn essential strategies to understand and help restore and conserve ecosystems in Michigan communities.

The Macomb County cohort will host their weekly sessions from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Aug. 26 to Oct. 21, 2026. Weekly sessions will meet throughout Macomb county at the locations listed below. Location details and more information will be distributed to registered participants in the middle of August. Please note, there will not be a weekly session on Oct. 14, 2026.

Class schedule:

  • Aug. 26, Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center
  • Sept. 2, Lake St. Clair Metropark
  • Sept. 9, Wolcott Metropark/Camp Rotary
  • Sept. 12, Clinton River Cut-off Boat Launch (Field Day)
  • Sept. 16, Anchor Bay Woods Preserve
  • Sept. 23, Location to be announced
  • Sept. 30, Lake St Clair Fisheries Research Station
  • Oct. 3, Ford House (Field Day)
  • Oct. 7, Nicholson Nature Center
  • Oct. 21, Location to be announced

Cost: $250 per person

Scholarships/Scholarship information
Scholarships are available for all and help offset the program registration fee. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, first complete the scholarship application below (“Application for a CSP Scholarship” button). Do not complete the participant registration for your location until you receive an email with details regarding your scholarship application. This email will provide instructions on how to complete your registration for CSP.

Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests on or before Aug. 12, 2026, will be refunded in full less a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received on or after Aug. 13, 2026 will not be refunded.