In March 2025 HRWC and numerous peer organizations received a Community Engaged Service award from Michigan State University (MSU) for our work with the Conservation Stewards Program (CSP). We were honored to be recognized for our support and development of CSP.
Creation of the Conservation Stewards Program
In 2010, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) started deploying the Conservation Stewards Program – an eight-week course that teaches adults the basics of Michigan ecosystems and connects participants with local organizations and professionals. The Huron Arbor Cluster of The Stewardship Network worked with MSUE to adapt the Conservation Stewards Program into a decentralized, collaboratively run program to promote local expertise and connect students to a broader array of environmental professionals.
Local collaboration for regional impact
Over the past 15 years the CSP has been co-run by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Legacy Land Conservancy, Michigan Nature Association, River Raisin Watershed Council, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, Washtenaw County Conservation District, Washtenaw County Parks, Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office and the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. This collaboration and the energy the staff have put into the program have taught hundreds of area residents the importance of local ecosystems and how to promote their well-being. The CSP program has also led a handful of participants to direct their careers towards this amazing work.
HRWC is honored to help lead these collaborations and receive this award from MSU.
— Jason Frenzel
This blog post is also published in the Huron River Report, Summer 2025.