Imperiled Species Outreach & Education

The Michigan Ecological Services Field Office offers education programs run by our AmeriCorps Members. Our imperiled species coordinators have provided presentations at libraries, schools, festivals and nature centers. Our programs are suitable for all ages and can be altered for the specific needs of your event.

Our main education initiatives are the Bee and Butterfly Outreach Program (BBOP) and Mussel Outreach Program (MOP). We are working on developing outreach initiatives for more imperiled species. Please contact us if you have other programs you would like to see!

Mussel Outreach Program (MOP)

Freshwater mussels play a key role in keeping our waterways clean and provide food and habitat for many freshwater species. Many of our native mussels are threatened by pollution, habitat loss, and competition by the invasive Zebra mussel.

The primary goals of the Mussel Outreach Program are to teach participants what a freshwater mussel is, their unique life cycle, why they are valuable to our freshwater ecosystems, their current and historical threats, and how to participate in their conservation. Through this program we also hope to make participants more knowledgeable about conservation and inspire them to learn more about local waterways.

Pollinator Outreach Program (POP)

Pollination is a vital process for natural ecosystems and humans. Many plants that we rely on for food, beverages, fibers, spices, and medicines are pollinated by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Pollinators are threatened by habitat loss, disease, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species , and insecticides.

The primary goals of the Pollinator Outreach Program are to teach participants about pollinators, the process of pollination, why pollinators are important agriculture and healthy ecosystems, current and historical threats, and how to participate in their conservation. We also hope educate participants about conservation and inspire them to learn more about local ecosystems and their listed species.

This program focuses on the three endangered butterfly species in Michigan: The Karner Blue Butterfly, Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly, and the Poweshiek Skipperling. The POP also includes information about the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.

2024 Imperiled Species Education & Outreach Coordinator:

Julia Morin | MIFO_Outreach@fws.gov | 517-351-8385

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