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Welcome to the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education

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MI Green Schools Announcements

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Ongoing Connections:

Michigan Green Schools (MGS) was established as a statewide program by Michigan’s Public Act 146 of 2006 and is managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).  MGS recognizes and celebrates the environmental efforts of PreK–12, public and private schools across the state.  By encouraging environmental stewardship and education, MGS helps protect Michigan’s air, land, water, and ecosystems.  Schools earn Green, Emerald, or Evergreen status by documenting 10 or more approved activities each school year.

MAEOE's education committee strives to support schools in their path to becoming a MI Green School.  This page serves as a space for educators and students looking for ideas, inspiration, and opportunities to complete activities that count toward their annual MGS certification.  From classroom projects to community events, you'll find resources here to help your school meet and exceed your environmental goals.

If you have an opportunity or resource to share, email the statewide coordinator Samantha Lichtenwald at EGLE-MI-Green-Schools@Michigan.gov.   In your message, please provide the full details, including:

Together, we can help more Michigan schools go green and grow a culture of sustainability for the next generation!

  • Outdoor Education Expo - November 7, 2025

    14 Oct 2025 2:06 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    November 7, 2025 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Outdoor Education Expo

    Location: The Fowler Center, 2315 Harmon Lake Road, Mayville, MI 48744

    Tuscola Conservation District is hosting a FREE Outdoor Education Expo and teacher training.  The intended audience for this training includes K-12 teachers, Outdoor Education groups, Girl Scout Leaders, Boy Scout Leaders, Camp personnel, Home-school groups, Youth Group Leaders, Conservation District staff, or anyone working with youth in an outdoor setting.

    Learn about: Leopold Education Project, MI Green Schools, Water Quality, MEECS lessons, and EnviroScape models

    To register call or email Patty McNinch at 989-673-8174 ext. 136 or patty.mcninch@macd.org.

  • GreenPrize Applications - Due 10/20/2025

    8 Oct 2025 3:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    GreenPrize offers a chance for Tri-County Schools to take a step toward Michigan Green School Recognition. This year, we’re awarding six schools a pre-packaged Zero Waste School Lunch bundle — selected by raffle — each valued at $1,500. It’s a fun, meaningful way for student clubs to lead, learn and make a real difference.

    Who Should Apply

    We’re looking for public and private schools that:

    • Serve fourth through 12th grade students
    • Have administrative support
    • Have a staff champion willing to organize students and work with a waste diversion expert to execute the program
    • Plan to apply for Michigan Green School recognition in the upcoming school year

    While schools residing in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties will be prioritized in 2025, we invite surrounding counties to apply. All schools will be considered, and the number of applications received will help guide the growth of this program.

    Why this matters

    GreenPrize is one of the ways we support southeast Michigan schools in building long-term sustainability habits. If you’re looking for a hands-on way to get students involved in waste reduction and could use some help making it happen, this is for you.

    Please submit your questions to sustainability@dzs.org

  • Green Ribbon Schools Applications

    5 Sep 2025 2:21 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    2026 Green Ribbon School Applications Due: December 1, 2025

    Are you a school, district, early learning center, or institution of higher education that is looking for an opportunity to showcase your sustainability efforts? If so, the Green Ribbon Schools application is for you! The award recognizes efforts that reduce environmental impact and costs; improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and provide effective environmental and sustainability education. 

    Anyone interested in applying for this one-time award can go to the Michigan Green Schools website for more information. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on December 1, 2025.

    Questions can be directed to Leanne Weber at MDE-ED-GRS@michigan.gov. 

  • MI Green Schools Fall Kickoff Event

    3 Sep 2025 9:53 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    October 24, 2025: MI Green Schools Fall Kickoff Virtual Webinar

    Join the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for a virtual webinar to kick off the 2025-2026 MI Green Schools year on October 24, 2025. Get inspired through presentations that highlight MI Green Schools activities, partners, and students.

    Virtual Webinar Registration (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.): all Michigan schools and community partners are invited to attend a kickoff webinar online. Please register by October 23.

    This webinar is geared towards Michigan public and private school students, teachers, staff, and administrators interested in learning how their school can achieve environmental stewardship designation. Local and regional community partners are also encouraged to view the webinar to gain insights on how they can support schools in this journey.

    Please reach out to Sam Lichtenwald at LichtenwaldS@Michigan.gov for any questions.

P.O. Box 27426
Lansing, MI 48909

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