Youth Climate Leaders programming prepares high school students to act and to learn how to influence positive changes in their communities and in their world, starting with their peers but rippling out to all community members. Jenny Doezema, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition, will teach you how to implement this program in your community. Space is limited to 30.

MAEOE’s EEC benefits all types of educators – formal, nonformal, experienced, and the novice. Having the EEC ensures the participant attained a set standard of environmental education knowledge and skills identified by the North American Association for Environmental Education. The professional expertise gained by the EEC could help you advance your career and gain the respect you deserve. This workshop provides the first component in the EEC program and begins the certification journey. Space is limited to 15.

Nibi (Water) connects time, memory, and culture. Gichigami (Lake Superior) is vital to Marquette’s identity and, if respected, will sustain us for future generations. The Marquette Shoreline Cultural Trail celebrates our community’s enduring relationship with nibi. This moving tour features five trail markers located near downtown, beginning at the Cultural Trailhead. The trail markers weave together the stories of Marquette’s cultural heritage, history, and natural environment. The trail is paved. Be prepared for movement and being on the go for the entirety of the trip. Space is limited to 20.

Start with a collection of specular hematite (glitter rocks) just thirty minutes west of Marquette and wind your way back to town through this guided geology adventure. Stop by the U.P.’s first iron mine, collect quarry specimens, view the working ore dock from afar, collect nearby taconite samples, and experience several other unique earth science marvels all on this road trip. If you like collecting specimens and learning new things, this is for you! Some sites may have uneven surfaces. Space is limited to 25.

Join DNR fisheries staff as they cruise into Lake Superior for an authentic net survey using the same techniques as the Fisheries Division for monitoring Lake Superior fish populations, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Learn about Lake Superior’s aquatic life and trends as you enjoy a morning on one of the largest lakes in the world. This is Lake Superior in October, the end of the seafaring season, so conditions are unpredictable and may cause seasickness for some participants. If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to bring an anti-nausea medication. Participants will need to bridge a gap to board the vessel from the sidewalk and will not have access to seats during the experience. When moving, conditions aboard the vessel will be loud and potentially smelly due to exhaust fumes. In extremely hazardous conditions, this trip would be cancelled. Dress for cool weather! Life jackets are provided. Space is limited to 10.

Learn ways to connect agriculture and food systems with environmental education and community change. In this interactive session, try activities with local food from Ishpeming High School’s land-based learning project focused on increasing local food in school lunch. Project partners will discuss how our organizations contribute expertise: agriculture education (MSU UP Research and Extension Center), nutrition education (Marquette-Alger RESA), and food production and food systems sustainability (Partridge Creek Farm). Be prepared to move on uneven ground and be outdoors for the duration of the trip. Space is limited to 15.

Have you ever enumerated eggs? Or participated in fish quality assessment? Join DNR fisheries staff to learn the role of the modern fish hatchery and the status of Great Lakes fish at the Marquette Fish Hatchery. The hatchery was established in 1920 and helped Michigan rebound from the catastrophic days of resource exploitation. Today the hatchery is the primary rearing facility for native Grayling, Lake and Brook trout. Before the tour, participants will need to dip shoes and accompanying accessibility devices into sanitizing mats. During the tour, it may be loud and concrete sidewalks/floors may be wet. The visitor exhibit area may be accessed by stairs or ramp. Space is limited to 20.

Have you ever wanted to give rock climbing a go? Marquette is a great place to learn! Bill Thompson, avid rock climber and co-owner of Marquette’s Downwind Sports will take participants to the “perfect” outdoor classroom at Sunset Gully near Sugarloaf Mountain. A short drive from the Northern Center followed by a 10-minute hike will put you at a wall of climbing rock suitable for several levels of abilities, including novice. Space is limited to 12.

Nibi (water) connects time, memory, and culture. Gichigami (Lake Superior) is vital to Marquette’s identity and, if respected, will sustain us for future generations. The seven-mile Marquette Shoreline Cultural Trail celebrates our community’s enduring relationship with nibi. This e-bike tour will spotlight all eight trail markers along the waterfront. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out an e-bike for the first time while learning about the local area too! The trail markers weave together the stories of Marquette’s cultural heritage, history, and natural environment. The trail is paved. E-bike and helmet rentals are included in the trip fee. Total trip is 14 miles. Space is limited to 10.

Step into the story of Lake Superior on a guided walk at Little Presque Isle Recreation Area. Follow a 2 mile out-and-back stretch of the North Country Scenic Trail, discovering sandy beaches, sandstone cliffs, and rocky outcrops. Along the way, explore the trail’s history and the forces that shaped this freshwater ecosystem. This easy-paced walk invites you to slow down, observe, and connect with the landscape—offering a deeper appreciation for this remarkable natural environment. This trail is unpaved. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited to 20.

Learn about the fascinating fungi of Vielmetti-Peters Conservation Reserve on this guided mycology hike with the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy. We'll explore how to identify wild mushrooms, understand their role in forest ecology, and discuss species commonly foraged for their nutritional and medicinal qualities. The trail primarily follows an old logging road and includes a hill with a gentle slope. Surfaces may be uneven at times. Space is limited to 15.

This relaxed tour launches from Middle Beach and circles Presque Isle, turning around at the lighthouse breakwall. Along the way, enjoy views of the Black Rocks, sea cliffs, and hidden caves on the island’s eastern shore. We can accommodate all skill levels, so no prior experience is required. Kayak and personal flotation devices are included in the trip fee. Trip is subject to cancellation based on weather and wave conditions. Space is limited to 10.

Marquette Regional History Center is located in downtown Marquette just blocks from the original ore dock. As you explore this museum, you’ll have the chance to explore history from the prehistoric copper culture to current times. After exploring the History Center, you’ll drive five minutes to the Marquette Lighthouse and Museum. An interpretive guide will take participants on a tour sharing the history of the building, area, and the Coast Guard. This experience requires participants to have the ability to climb 45+ steps. There may also be uneven paths. Space is limited to 16.

Drive 20 minutes west to Ishpeming to Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum for a one-hour guided tour at the site of a mine established in 1867 and the excavation of 26 million tons of iron ore. A short drive east to Negaunee brings you to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, built above the Carp River and the hub of the early iron ore industry. After a brief introduction to the museum and several historic videos, wander the museum on your own to take in the magnificent exhibits. Sites may have uneven surfaces, and the mine tour is underground in sometimes dark, enclosed spaces. Space is limited to 30.

Following the Kinomaage Method in which we learn best by listening to the land, this forest immersion workshop will bring participants to the Rock River Wilderness or similar location. A guided saunter (not hike) through the woods will offer opportunities to become acquainted with this particular forest, Ojibwe ecology, and Ojibwe Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Along the way, we will also discuss pan-Indigenous principles such as the Honorable Harvest and the Democracy of Species. Space is limited to 10.

Presque Isle Park is treasured for its 300+ acres of gorgeous scenery and miles of adventurous trails. We will embark on a journey through the park as we learn about the recreational experiences available in Marquette. Along the way we will explore examples of why the culture, geology, and geography of Marquette make it a hot spot for outdoor recreation. We will see features such as sandstone cliffs, the volcanic formation Black Rocks, the boisterous Middle Island Bay, and the bog which are just some of the many features that make Marquette special. The trails cover easy to moderate terrain with little elevation gain. Some parts are paved while others are rocky with roots. Please wear appropriate shoes. Space is limited to 20.

Enjoy a 1.2-mile loop trail that takes you to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain where you will enjoy wide-reaching scenic views of the area. This is a moderate hike which includes lots of stairs and rocky sections as you climb to the final viewing platform gaining 288 feet in elevation. Along the way, stop at interpretive signs to learn more about the forest around you. This is a classic, must-do hike for everyone who visits Marquette. For those eager to hit the road, this round trip is only about an hour. Don’t miss out! Please wear appropriate shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and many stairs. Space is limited to 20.