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. 

Closed Workshops:

In addition to the open events below, 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

Save the Date! Project Learning Tree K-8 and Project WILD K-12 Combo workshop
March 14, 2026 at DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit

Where: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
1801 Atwater St, Detroit 48207
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Interested? Contact:  Natalie Cypher - CypherN@michigan.gov, or Sabrina Deschamps at Sabrina.Deschamps@metroparks.com

March 28th - Project Learning Tree & Leave No Trace Workshop
Farmington Hills Nature Center 

Educator workshop for K-8 (ages 6-14)
March 28, 2026 from 9-4pm
Farmington Hills Nature Center
24915 Farmington Rd,
Farmington Hills, 48336

Become a PLT Educator AND a LNT educator.
Engage in a hands-on workshop designed for both formal and non-formal educators. 
*SCECH's available upon request.
Investigate environmental topics with indoor and outdoor activities.
Receive PLT's Explore your Environment K-8 Guide AND Teaching Leave No Trave Activity Guide.  

Fee $45 and includes Lunch and 2 curriculum books.  Questions, Email naturecenter@fhgov.com
Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/26fhncpltlnt

April 25-26, 2026 at Camp Newaygo
4H and Project WILD

Are you looking for new ways to get involved in your community as an outdoor educator? Have you ever considered volunteering with 4-H? Michigan 4-H offers volunteer-led programs for youth in nearly every county in the state. When you become a 4-H volunteer, you can work with your local county 4-H staff to develop programs in a variety of formats. Maybe there is some in-school programming that could use an extra hand, or perhaps you’d like to start your very own 4-H Club. There could even be an environmental and outdoor education program already happening in your area that would warmly welcome you. The opportunities are endless! And if you’re interested, there’s an upcoming opportunity for you to learn more:

April 25th and 26th at beautiful Camp Newaygo, join 4-H staff and volunteers for a weekend of outdoor camaraderie and skill-building. We will offer two main training options, with opportunities to learn from each other throughout the weekend. The course options include:

• Head, Heart, Hands, Health and...HABITATS! – Become a certified Project Wild Educator and learn how you can incorporate this classic curriculum into 4-H clubs, camps, and more!

• Teaching the Basics of the Backcountry – Sharpen your skills in map and compass reading, fire-building, shelter building, outdoor cooking and more! Learn trips and tricks for teaching these skills to youth while respecting the land through Leave No Trace principles.

If you are already a 4-H Volunteer Register Today!

If you are not a 4-H Volunteer, but are interested in attending and learning more, contact Joe Kreider at kreider4@msu.edu or 231-258-3320 ext. 4 before registering.

Registration includes lodging, meals, and all course materials.

Save the Date: May 16, 2026 - Dexter MI
Combo workshop Project Learning Tree K-8 and Project WILD K-12 

Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center
8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter, MI 48130
9am-noon. metroparks.com 

For more information, contact sabrina.deschamps@metroparks.com 

 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 

 
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: