Schools can inspire people of all ages to become environmentally conscious community members who will appreciate and protect Michigan's environment. Michigan Green Schools supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions. Participants will explore the variety of Michigan Green Schools resources and implementation tools, leaving with the beginnings of an action plan for implementing stewardship activities in their school and broader community. Please reach out to conference@maeoe.com with any questions or accessibility requests. Location: Ligon Outdoor Center at 5213 East Farrand Road, Clio, MI 48420 Time: Thursday, October 1 from 12:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. Arrival: Please park in the designated parking spaces. Session Outcomes: 1. Assess and identify the numerous existing activities and programs already happening at their school (across all departments and staff roles) that immediately qualify as MI Green Schools activities. 2. Develop an action plan for certification by navigating the MI Green Schools application. 3. Justify the value of program participation to school stakeholders by articulating the dynamic educational and community benefits derived from the MI Green Schools certification process. About the Presenter: Samantha Lichtenwald, Michigan Green Schools Coordinator, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Samantha is a Certified Environmental Educator (CEE-P) dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in schools and communities statewide by drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher. Samantha also volunteers as MAEOE's Vice President, Conference Committee chairperson and is a Certified EEC-Professional.