Educators can choose from 30 state parks throughout Michigan, with transportation costs for public schools reimbursed up to $1,000. Trained DNR educators lead participants through 90 minutes of student-centered activities – aligned with state curriculum standards and spanning a variety of subjects such as science, language arts, social studies and physical education – during an interactive hike.

“Nature Awaits really exemplifies the main goals of the DNR,” said DNR education services manager Kevin Frailey. “It reaches students with factual science, promotes the understanding that Michigan’s natural resources belong to them, and actually gets them outside and experiencing nature in a fulfilling way.”

Almost 8,000 students participated in the program in spring 2024, with the most popular locations being Waterloo State Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw counties, Belle Isle Park in Wayne County and Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County. Fall trips will begin in September and run through November.

To learn more about the program and to register, visit Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits.

“We want Michigan fourth graders to be fluent in environmental literacy, and that starts by giving them the tools they need to think critically about nature and the outdoors,” said Nature Awaits coordinator Katie McGlashen. “Someday these kids will be the ones charged with caring for Michigan’s environment. Without opportunities to explore our natural world, to interact with plants and animals or engage in outdoor activities, it is far less likely they’ll become lifelong advocates for these amazing resources.”

With that in mind, here are some suggestions to prepare for your Nature Awaits experience.

Students

• Trained DNR educators will ensure that your whole group stays together and safe.
• You will be encouraged to be curious. Make sure you ask questions and investigate your surroundings.
• You will have lots of opportunities to explore the park during your interactive hike and share your observations.

Educators

• Check your emailed receipt attachment for information about parking, pavilion lunch space, drinking water and other important details. The receipt also has contact information for your Nature Awaits educator.
• Review the lesson plans and activities provided for free as part of the Nature Awaits program.
• Public school teachers should complete the survey at the end of the program to receive their transportation reimbursement for the trip.

Parents

• Check the weather with your student the day before the field trip. Dressing for the weather is important for outdoor learning, and students who are cold, wet or unprepared have a difficult time learning to the best of their abilities.
• Prepare for the possibility of insects or sun exposure.
• In Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour away from a state park, state forest campground or state trail system. Be sure to take advantage of the one-time park pass that your student will receive at the conclusion of their Nature Awaits program. Learn more about our parks at Michigan.gov/StateParks.

Salmon in the Classroom: This program allows hundreds of third through 12th grade classrooms across the state to raise, learn from and release young Chinook salmon in approved waterways.

Academy of Natural Resources: The Academy of Natural Resources helps educators learn about Michigan’s diverse natural resources, discover current trends in their management and experience activities that bring knowledge to the classroom. Weeklong programs at two locations qualify for state continuing education clock hours, or SCECH.

ANR registration is open right now! If you know an educator seeking inspiration for nature/science-based learning, visit Michigan.gov/ANR to sign up for ANR Classic (July 7-12) or ANR North (Aug. 4-9).

MiSTEM Network: MiSTEM convenes a statewide network of leaders in education, business and local communities to empower the next generation of innovators, working together to prepare learners for the vital, high-demand careers of the future in science, technology, engineering and math.

Michigan Green Schools: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Michigan Green Schools Program supports and celebrates the achievements of pre-K/K-12 schools in protecting the state’s air, land, water and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.

Nature Awaits educators

If you or someone you know is interested in working with the DNR, outdoor education programs like Nature Awaits are a great way to get involved. Educators are based out of select state parks or visitor centers and travel in provided vehicles to fourth grade field trip sites.

• Starting pay is $15 per hour.
• Positions offer flexible scheduling, with eight to 29 hours per week.
• School-year-only positions available.
• Apply to be a Nature Awaits educator.

Explorer guides

Explorer guides spend the summer taking visitors on guided hikes, teaching kids and families how to fish, educating people about plants, trees and wildlife and sharing the beauty of Michigan’s state parks system.

“In 2023, our guides connected with more than 72,000 visitors, and this year we look forward to seeing returning visitors and plenty of new faces,” said explorer guide program coordinator Shaun McKeon.

See what’s happening in nature this week! Check out an explorer program near you.