Michigan Outdoor Summit is a gathering for all sectors of the state’s outdoor economy to connect, learn, grow, and build together with a vision for the future, health, and vitality of Michigan’s outdoors. Think of us like a base camp for the outdoors — We’ve got a big tent, so everyone should fit just fine! Through programming, networking, and outdoor activities, the Summit focuses on how we strengthen our communities and the outdoor economy and improve health and quality of life for all Michiganders. The Summit is a space intended to elevate the crucial conversation about the importance of the outdoors.

Hosted by: The Conservation Alliance and others.

Cost: $103 - $215

Register here: https://michiganoutdoor.org/tickets/

Learn more here: https://michiganoutdoor.org/

We  invite you to welcome fall and celebrate our forest stewardship journeys at Treetops Resort on October 2 & 3! Our Annual Celebration is a collaborative, educational event curated for Michigan’s woodland stewards and everyone who loves forests.

The event features compelling speakers, field tours, and rich conversations about today’s most pressing forest issues. Attendees generally include MFA members, forestry professionals, academics, and those who love forests.

This year’s theme, “Growing from Forestry’s Deep Roots”, encourages us to explore our past and gain wisdom from all those who came before us in forest management. From Indigenous management practices to the timber era, we will learn how our past shapes practices on the landscape today. 

Hosted by: Michigan Forest Association (MFA), numerous partners

Cost: $125 - $175 (with each additional guest being $50 - $75)

To ask questions please connect with Executive Director Nicole Doyle or Outreach Forester Ellie Johnson.

Register here!

Learn more at the Annual Celebration webpage.

Description:

Join Roscommon Equipment Center staff at the Forest Fire Experiment Station each year for an in-depth workshop on wildland firefighting equipment. 

This workshop, which provides equipment demos and networking opportunities, is ideal for fire department chiefs, equipment program leaders and other wildland fire professionals.

Activities:

Forest Fire Experiment Station facility tour
Field day – Operate DNR fleet equipment
Networking and brainstorming opportunities to advance new firefighting equipment ideas 

Hosted by: Roscommon Equipment Center (REC)

Cost: Free

Learn more here: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/fire/rec?utm_source=govdelivery

Learn more and register for upcoming workshops by emailing Dave Stockoski.

The Michigan Prescribed Fire Council and Matthaei Botanical Gardens are teaming up to launch Michigan’s first Prescribed Fire Festival. This family-friendly event invites people of all ages to learn about the role of prescribed fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and reducing wildfire risk. Through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and conversations with experts, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how carefully managed fire benefits both natural landscapes and communities.

Hosted by: Michigan Prescribed Fire Council (MPFC), MFA, and numerous partners

Cost: Free

Learn more here: https://mbgna.umich.edu/event/prescribed-fire-festival

Hardwood Management, Economics, & Sustainability 

Speaker: Dr. Gaurav Dhungel 

ORISE Research Fellow, USDA Forest Service- SRS

This workshop qualifies for one Category 1 CFE from SAF.

Hosted by: Seminar series jointly organized by MSU Forest Economics and Resource management Lab and the Michigan Society of American Foresters, to inform stakeholders on current forest economics concepts, trends, and emerging issues.

Cost: Free

Register: for.msu.edu/dhungel  

Each year since 2008, we’ve gathered environmental scholars, leading experts, and a wide cross-section of nature’s caretakers to share ideas, challenge our thinking, and leave energized for the seasons ahead, bolstered by the knowledge that none of us are doing this vital work alone.

Marking its 20th year in 2027 after its first sell-out in 2026, The Stewardship Network Conference is the moment where theory meets practice and curiosity leads to solutions. Each annual convening unifies hundreds of professionals, students, and volunteers from a dazzling array of environmental fields. Here they share their setbacks and successes, compare advancements and techniques, and revel in diverse perspectives and creative expressions — all in support of our shared mission to care for the natural world.

For information on next year’s event, sign up for TSN emails here and be the first to get updates on 2027 speakers, agenda, registration options, discount timings, and more. In 2026 there were many more people who wanted to attend or present than we could accommodate in our venue or our agenda, so staying on top of these deadlines has become particularly important.

Hosted by: The Stewardship Network

Cost: Free

Learn more here: https://conference.stewardshipnetwork.org/