16th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources

May 3 - 5, 2026, Sunday - Tuesday, Hosted in-person at Michigan Technological University

The Evolution of Natural Resource Education: Celebrating 30 Years of BCUENR

About Your Host

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is currently home to the fastest growing undergraduate program at Michigan Technological University, nearly doubling in size in the last decade. Six undergraduate degree programs and eight graduate specializations are offered, including new B.S. degrees in Environmental Data Science and Environmental Science and Sustainability designed to meet the needs of today’s environmental challenges. Home to award winning faculty, world-class research initiatives including the Isle Royale wolf-moose predator prey study, and immersive field-based learning opportunities, the college is dedicated to serving as a vital hub for students, faculty and researchers working to advance understanding of the natural world.

About the Venue

This will be the first in-person BCUENR conference in six years and will be based on the campus of Michigan Technological University, one of only two R1 research and teaching institution in a rural location in the U.S. The twin cities of Houghton and Hancock, MI are home to about 20,000 people and are surrounded by sustainably managed forests and waters including Lake Superior. Nearby tribal lands as well as a history of Finnish, Italian, Cornish, and Croatian immigration creates a diverse tapestry of culture, food (e.g. Cornish pasty, potica sweet bread) and traditions including public saunas in Hancock.

Proposal Submission

Proposal Form

The proposal submission form will close on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Registration

Registration Form

Registration will close on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Conference Schedule

May 3, 2026

Optional field trips to destinations around the western Upper Peninsula

May 4, 2026

Presentations, Workshops, and Panels

May 5, 2026

Continuing Presentations, Workshops, and Panels

About the Event

The Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources provides a unique opportunity for college- and university-based natural resource educators from across the country to share and explore pedagogical innovations and strategies. The two-day event (May 4 and 5, 2026) combines plenary, breakout sessions, and workshops that encompass diverse subject matter and perspectives.

We welcome a broad spectrum of participation that includes support programming, extension and outreach, and non-formal natural resources education. Our virtual platform allows a range of instructors to receive and provide valuable insight into best practices that shape traditional educational programming.

The biennial conference originated in the 1990s. The BCUENR is unique as there is no supporting professional organization. The conference depends on participants to propose host sites and carry on the vision of the founders. The educational experience continues to evolve and provide natural resources educators with information on national trends, groundbreaking teaching methods and resources that provide meaningful learning experiences for our students.

Conference Pricing

Conference Registration

$125

Full Day Field Trip Options

$50

Morning Field Trip Option

$15

Coffee/Snack Break Sponsorship

$300

Lunch Sponsorship

$500

Sponsorship Opportunities

Coffee/Snack Break Sponsor

Cost: $300

Slots Available: 6

Sponsorship includes logo displayed on conference webpage and logo displayed at Coffee/Snack Bar that will be available during breaks. Funds from sponsorship will go directly into providing the beverages and snacks available to conference attendees during breaks between sessions.

Lunch Sponsor

Cost: $500

Slots Available: 8

Sponsorship includes logo displayed on conference webpage and logo displayed on tables during lunch. Funds from sponsorship will go directly into providing lunch for conference attendees.

Field Trip Options and Information

Porcupine Mountains - Whole Day Field Trip ($50)

Enjoy a day trip guided by MTU's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Faculty to Michigan's Porcupine Mountains! Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan's largest state park is comprised of nearly 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, Lake Superior shoreline, and beautiful ridge top views. The field trip cost will include transportation and lunch.

When:Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Limited to 12 slots

Keweenaw Peninsula Exploration - Whole Day Field Trip ($50)

Enjoy a day trip guided by MTU's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Faculty exploring Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula! From waterfalls and wetlands to Lake Superior shoreline and diverse forests, the day is sure to be packed with beautiful sights and engaging experiences. The field trip cost will include transportation and lunch.

When: Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Limited to 12 slots

Ford Center and Forest - Whole Day Field Trip ($50)

Enjoy a day trip guided by MTU's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Faculty exploring Michigan Tech's Ford Center and Forest! Explore facilities at the historic Alberta Village and diverse ecosystems in the 3,700 acres of forest that support ongoing research and natural resource education, including the college's semester-long undergraduate integrated field practicum. The field trip cost will include transportation and lunch.

When: Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Limited to 12 slots

Morning Bird-Watching Walk - Morning Field Trip ($15)

Enjoy a morning bird-watching walk with College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dean and Ornithologist, David Flaspohler! The walk will include easy trails and sections of boardwalk through forest and wetlands and is mostly flat, easy walking. The field trip cost will include transportation.

When: Tuesday, May 5 from 7:00 - 8:15 a.m.
Limited to 30 slots

Exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula

The Keweenaw Peninsula is surrounded on three sides by the largest freshwater lake, by surface area on Earth. Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center is home to research vessels and dozens of scientists studying regional and global ecosystems. Conference attendees will have opportunities to join trips on the Portage Waterway and Lake Superior, the old-growth forests of the Porcupine Mountains, the rugged forests and nationally famous mountain bike trails near Copper Harbor, and the Ford Center, the College Natural Resource teaching and research station with over 4,000 acres of land.