Michigan's environmental outreach and education efforts are based on a concern for the continued health and sustainability of environmental resources and are targeted toward K-12 educators, industry, natural resource managers and others. Environmental outreach at NRE includes formal and non-formal education programs and materials for K-12 educators and others. Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment facilitates connections between university researchers and K-12 teachers to improve environmental literacy.

Outreach specialists at Michigan apply, translate, and distribute information to address economic, management, policy, and environmental challenges. Students may enhance their academic experience by gaining outreach experience that is applicable to a variety of positions in state and federal government and regional organizations. Some outreach experiences have brought our students together with K-12 teachers, industry leaders, politicians, and natural resource managers from government agencies. See additional information about environmental outreach and education below.

Outreach expertise includes:

• Formal K-12 education programs
• Non-formal education and outreach
• Disseminating information about environmental issues
• Fostering communication through our quarterly, student-run publication, Endangered Species UPDATE

Outreach Focus

• Environmental & Science Literacy. Improve aquatic science literacy on the part of educators and citizens representative of all population sectors.
• Aquatic Invasive Species. Support outreach and education to prevent the introduction of new aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes, control the spread of established invasive species, and mitigate their ecological and socio-economic impacts.
• Aquatic Habitat. Develop a greater understanding of the impact of human activity on coastal aquatic habitat and Great Lakes water quality, and assist in the development of policies and programs with the citizens of Michigan and local, state and national management agencies that protect valuable coastal habitat.
• Coastal Communities and Economies. Support work toward sustainable coastal economies, communities and ecosystems, including understanding the impacts of natural fluctuations, diversions, and consumptive uses of Great Lakes water.
• Fisheries. Support outreach and education efforts about the Great Lakes fish ecosystems; assist in the promotion of sustainable fisheries; and support those stakeholders and communities that are fishery dependent.