Environmental stewardship and education were front and center at nearly 200 Michigan schools recently recognized as Michigan Green Schools.
This is the first year that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has been responsible for managing the MI Green Schools program. Previously, it was run by a non-profit organization.
The program offers stewardship-themed activities and information to support K-12 environmental education.
“EGLE is thrilled that the first year of the Michigan Green Schools program transition has seen the participation of a significant number of schools that have received the highest achievement from Evergreen,” said Chrissie Pearce, Support Division environment of EGLE.
In the 2021-2022 school year, 196 schools were designated as Michigan Green Schools, as follows:
Green: 56
Emerald: 45
Persistent: 95
Under the program, schools can qualify for different levels of stewardship by earning points for activities:
- green school — 10 activities in total with at least two activities from each of the four categories
- emerald school — 15 activities in total at least two activities from each of the four categories
- evergreen school — 20 activities in total at least two activities from each of the four categories
The four categories of activities for the official Green School qualification are:
- Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
- Energy
- Environmental Protection
- Various
A school is eligible to receive a Green School, Emerald School, or Evergreen School environmental stewardship designation if the school or students complete the required number of activities, with a minimum of two activities in each of the four categories.
Educators who wish to participate in the program during the 2022-2023 school year can complete the application on the MI Green Schools webpage.
Questions about the program can be directed to Chrissie Pearce at PearceC@Michigan.gov