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. 

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 13, 2026 Macomb ISD
Growing Up WILD & PLT Trees and Me for K-2 Educators

Join Erin Parker from Metroparks for an engaging, hands-on workshop featuring two outstanding early childhood environmental education resources: Growing Up WILD and Project Learning Tree: Trees & Me. Designed for educators working with students in grades K–2, this workshop introduces inquiry-based activities that connect children to nature through exploration, observation, movement, and literacy.

Participants will discover ready-to-use lessons that foster curiosity about wildlife, trees, and the natural world while supporting science learning, environmental stewardship, and rich cross-curricular connections. Activities can be used in classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and informal educational settings. Educators will leave with practical strategies for helping young learners develop a sense of wonder, respect, and responsibility for the environment. Register here

August 17 and 18, 2026 - Wayne County
Project Learning Tree Workshops

August 17 - Grades 6-12  PLT Explore Your Environment, i-Tree and secondary resources

August 18 - Grades k-5 PLT Explore Your Environment

Both events will be held at the STEM Center in John Glenn High School, 36105 Marquette,  Westland, MI 48185 Interested in attending?  Contact Erin Parker at Erin.Parker@metroparks.com 

August 18, 2026 - Macomb County
Rooted in Discovery: Project Learning Tree for Grades 3-5

Rooted in Discovery: Project Learning Tree (PLT) for Grades 3–5 is a hands-on, half-day workshop where educators explore inquiry-based lessons that use the forest as a window to the natural world. Participants will engage in PLT activities designed to build students’ critical thinking, strengthen literacy skills, and support STEM problem-solving while incorporating differentiated instruction, authentic assessment, and career connections.

With a strong focus on outdoor and experiential learning, this workshop demonstrates how to bring environmental education to life in meaningful, classroom-ready ways. Educators will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use resources that connect literacy, science, and environmental stewardship while engaging students in active learning. Register here

August 18 & 20, 2026 Project WET People and Water Introduction Webinars! 

These one-hour sessions are designed to introduce you to Project WET's newest educator guide, People and Water. You'll get a walkthrough of the types of activities and information available in the guide and have the opportunity to ask questions and see what's new.

We'll be hosting two sessions, both covering the same content, so you can choose the time that works best for you.

Session 1: Tuesday, August 18 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Session 2: Thursday, August 20 at noon Eastern Time

·        Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4497378557?pwd=Lcmux7cFOqer4WaHifYEHrDd0bKWLJ.1

August 19th, 2026 PLT Webinar:  Growing Future-Ready Students: How Environmental Education Advances District Priorities

Schools are frequently asked to do more with less. If you are a school leader or part of a school instructional team, join Project Learning Tree and the Superintendents' Environmental Education Collaborative (SEEC) for this free webinar that will explore how environmental education can be leveraged as a unifying strategy to help districts while achieving strategic goals, while saving time and resources.

August 19, 2026 at 3 PM ET  Can't join live? Register anyway, and we'll email you the recording.

 August 26th, 2026 - Proud Lake Recreation Area
The Wonder of Water: Project WET & Aquatic WILD

Pround Lake Recreation Acrea - Annex Building – 3500 N. Wixom Rd., Commerce Twp., MI 48382 on August 26, 2026 9 am – 3:30 pm

As Michiganders, water is all around us! In this professional development training, we’ll use activities from Aquatic WILD & Project WET to look at ways to bring concepts of aquatic ecology to upper elementary and middle school classrooms.  Explore a wide range of topics with Project WET including water cycles, conservation techniques, water quality management, and the social and economic impacts of water usage. Aquatic WILD uses the simple, successful format of Project WILD activities and professional training workshops but with an emphasis on aquatic wildlife and aquatic ecology.

Cost of this workshop includes both the Aquatic WILD and Project WET books. Upon completion, participants will be certified to teach from both Project WILD and Project WET. SCECHs available for certified teachers, please have your PIC number available. Cost: $45, bring your own lunch Questions?  Reach out to AblesonJ@michigan.gov Click here for registration

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. 

October 2-4 MAEOE Conference in Flint 

Celebrate PLT's 50th Anniversary at the MAEOE conference! 

Michigan Project WET will be offering a 3-hour training in the newest guide, People and Water: Sustaining a shared resource on Friday, October 2 from 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Why Urban Forestry Matters: In the community and classroom Friday, October 2 from 2:00p.m.-3:45p.m.
Session Description: Learn about urban forestry efforts throughout Michigan and use Project Learning Tree to discuss complex land use decisions and environmental justice.
Session Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify the key benefits of urban forestry including environmental function, public health impacts, and economic value to communities.
2. Access community data about tree canopy, urban forestry efforts and environmental justice.
3. Practice classroom activities to foster dialog about complex planning, climate, and equity discussions.
Conference registration information can be found on the MAEOE website.  

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, 7/24/26, 7/28/26, 8/27/26, 9/3/26

 
WEBINARS ON DEMAND

PLT is Planting the Seeds of Urban Forestry in Climate Change Education

Every time we feel the comfort of shade under the branches of a tree and every moment that we feel part of nature when spending time at the park, we can be grateful for urban forests. Trees and forests in our communities make the difference that we can see, feel, and share. PLT teamed up with the Plants and Climate Change Education (PLACCE) peer learning group and the American Public Gardens Association’s (APGA) Education Community to share how urban forests make our cities livable and how we can help cities adapt to climate risks.  Learn more and Watch webinar

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: