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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 weeklong programs at two locations that qualify for SCECH (state continuing education clock hours).
ANR CLASSIC: July 13-18, 2025
Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center near Roscommon, Michigan. The RAM Center is a beautiful setting on the north shore of Higgins Lake, just minutes from either I-75 or U.S. 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: Aug. 3-8, 2025
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.
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ANR Classic
July 13-18, 2025
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.
WEE Ones
The Week for Early Elementary class demonstrates how to incorporate nature-based best practices into daily lesson plans. Hands-on training in outdoor explorations, scientific inquiry, art projects, music and movement, reading and math connections are all included. Young children love nature, and you can inspire them with a life-long love and respect for the outdoors with the knowledge, connections, and materials in this course. Recommended for early elementary educators.
Climate Counts
Many educators are yearning for ideas and activities to best teach students about climate change using science-based information. This course will include Michigan natural resources climate change data, field work, and activities to use with students to create well-rounded, place-based lessons that will prepare you to empower your students to take climate action. Resources will be provided by the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education, the Michigan Climate action Network and Subject to Climate. ANR’s latest new venture into a changing world. Recommended for upper elementary through high school.
CREDIT HOURS
30-plus state continuing education clock hours (SCECH) are available through this program with no additional fee.
REGISTRATION
Be a part of the Academy of Natural Resources Classic in three easy steps:
- Choose your program option.
- Submit your completed application for approval.
- 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
Aug. 3-8, 2025
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 (YOU MAY APPLY/REGISTER FOR BOTH ANR CLASSIC AND ANR NORTH)
Be a part of the Academy of Natural Resources North in two easy steps:
- Submit your completed application for approval.
- 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 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.
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