Professional Development

Project Learning Tree provides high quality professional development to formal and non-formal educators throughout the state. Workshops are eligible for SCECH's but it is the facilitator's responsibility to obtain approval to award credits prior to the event. 

MAEOE Conference in Marquette Oct 3-5

Join for an inspiring conference focused on outdoor education!  PLT has some fun ideas to share with you.  Click here to learn more

K-12 Partnership Fall Workshop 2025: Nov 6th, Augusta MI
Seeds of Wellness: Restore and lead with Nature as the Classroom

This PLT/WET/WILD session is a part of a full day event.  Check registration for full event info.  Join us to:

• Recognize the value of nature in education

• Learn practical strategies for outdoor instruction

• Experience how to encourage comfort in nature for students

• Try out practices to restore and recharge yourself and your students

• Apply hands-on activities across grade levels using curated resources from Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, and Project WET

• Collaborate and share ideas with peers

This session is specially designed to bring forward wellness themed activities across the popular curricular resources from Project Learning Tree, Project WILD and Project WET. Whether you are new to the Projects or have had the books on your shelf - join us to get (re)invigorated through a wellness lens!

Fees/Compensation: Free! Includes lunch, lodging, personal stipend OR sub-cost reimbursement 

More information and registration.

2026 PLT/WET/WILD Facilitator Training
March 11-12, 2026 at the DNR RAM center.  

Facilitators must have attended a PLT/WILD workshop prior to being trained as a facilitator.  Following completion of facilitator training, attendees will be able to plan and host PLT/WET/WILD educator workshops in their community.   More information TBA.

WEBINARS ON DEMAND

9/2024-2/2025 Schoolyard Forest Design Lecture Series (webinar)

This lecture series, hosted by Green Schoolyards America, will provide technical, design-focused guidance for creating and stewarding high-quality green schoolyards and schoolyard forests.   Schoolyard Forest Design Lecture Series — Green Schoolyards America 

Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers - Michigan Speaker Panel

Learn more about how each of these professionals got to where they are in their careers!  Recorded at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit in March 2024.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chqv-pjQ0VY 

Great Lakes States School Forests Webinar Recording

Learn about:
-School Forest Programs in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota
-Engaging activities using Project Learning Tree to utilize your outdoor spaces!
-Connect with other people from your state to share challenges and successes

Webinar recording available for a short time at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLux7DtfHNKEvuzNAMLce9BxSBb_bE3nWj 

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Leading Outdoor Learning Experiences
(Even When It’s Cold) 

https://youtu.be/9n1ZDiG2RX0  (Recording available for a limited time!) 
Description: Nature provides year-round learning opportunities for kids—even when it’s cold! Join Project Learning Tree in a webinar exploring strategies that make the most of winters outdoors and discover fun, hands-on nature activities.

Looking to plan a workshop for your staff? Please contact Andrea Stay at staya@michigan.gov. A workshop needs a minimum of 10 people. 

Project WILD is currently offering grant-funded virtual
Michigan Aquatic WILD Professional Development courses. 

To be added to our educators list and receive notifications when workshops are scheduled: