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. 

June 10th, 2026 - Traverse City MI
Combo of 3 Environmental Education Programs: Project Learning Tree, WILD, and WET
Hosted by Grand Traverse Conservation District. Become a certified educator in the nationally-recognized Project Learning Tree, Project WILD & Project WET curricula! Engage in a hands-on workshop investigating environmental topics with indoor and outdoor activities. This workshop is designed for formal and nonformal educators. Cost includes three curriculum books. Registration is required. Parts of this program will be held outdoors, please dress for the weather. Please also bring a water bottle and a packed lunch.  $80 Register here  

July21st, 2026 - Johnson Nature Center, Bloomfield Hills

Join Us for Hands-On, Outdoor Learning!  Discover engaging, interdisciplinary ways to connect students with nature through our Project Learning Tree and Project WILD teacher workshop. Designed for K-12 educators, this hands-on professional development experience provides practical activities and resources that align with science, math, and literacy standards.

✅ Explore the outdoors with innovative lessons.

✅ Engage students in critical thinking about nature and conservation.

✅ Inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship.

Cost: $66 — Includes two resource books packed with hands-on activities for immediate classroom use.

SCECHs: Earn 6 (six) State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs).

When: Thursday, July 21, 2026 --> 9:00a-3:30p

Where: Johnson Nature Center, 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills

Space is limited — register now to bring outdoor learning to life for your students! 🌱
https://www.johnsonnaturecenter.org/events/outdoor-learning-teacher-workshop 

Academy of Natural Resources

ANR CLASSIC: July 12-17, 2026

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. 2-7, 2026

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.

Register for Academy of Natural Resources 

August 11, 2026 at Dow Gardens in Midland
Project Learning Tree: Explore Your Environment k-8

Join facilitator Jennifer DuBey for a hands-on, engaging, professional development workshop for teachers and non-formal educators. We’ll spend our day discussing and practicing tips and tricks to engage learners of all ages with experiences in nature through interactive activities. At the conclusion, you will leave with resources from Project Learning Tree (PLT) to help you create interdisciplinary lesson plans and programming focused around nature, conservation, and social issues that will excite audiences of all ages.

During the Professional Development workshop, we will focus on how to use the guides, experience hands-on activities from a student perspective, and correlate activities to Michigan Science Standards (NGSS).

Workshop fees cover Project Learning Tree (PLT) guides and other resources to help you get started in your classroom. Light snacks provided. Daily admission to Dow Gardens is included with this workshop. Hours are 9AM - 8PM.

Date:  Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Time: 9 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Dow Gardens Midland MI

Cost: $45 - include light snacks & admission to Dow Gardens (hours of operation 9 am - 8 pm)

Approved for 3 SCHECH credits.
Questions contact: Debbie Anderson @ 989-631-2677 X309

Registration link: dowgardens.org/plt 

 August 27, 2026 - Wacousta/Eagle MI
Project Learning Tree: Trees and Me Early Childhood 

The Trees and Me activity guide offers hundreds of ideas for fun, hands-on experiences for families and teachers to connect children ages 1–6 to nature, with a focus on trees. Through indoor and outdoor activities, children explore nature through their five senses, experience trees throughout the seasons, and connect with their community.

The activities are designed for families and caregivers, childcare providers, and early childhood or PreK-Grade 1 educators to use in a range of settings, including preschools, childcare and nature centers, and at home.

This will be held at a local school in Eagle MI (15 miles from Lansing). Address to be provided to registrants.  August 27th from 9-noon.  Cost $25.  Attendees will receive a copy of the curriculum and a certificate of completion  Limited spaces available!  Register here.

Closed Workshops:

In addition to the open events above, there are several closed PLT trainings occurring across the state.  A closed event is generally held for a school district or organization where their members fill the class - similar to a painting party that is a private event.  

2026 closed events: 4/10/2026, 5/5/2026, 5/8/26, 6/5/26, 6/15/26, 8/17/26, 8/18/26, 8/27/26, 9/3/26

 
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.  PLT Workshops can be combined with Project WILD and Project WET curriculum for additional time and cost.  SCECHs available upon request.  

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