Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional (CNSP) Training

The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership is pleased to offer the 2026 Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training and Certification Program.

This training is designed specifically for professional landscape, natural resource, and marine contractors to design, implement, and maintain natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes.

When:

Two days of in-class instruction: March 11 - March 12, 2026

Field Day Options - CHOOSE ONE:

June 4 - Stony Creek Metropark

October 14 - Mullet Lake, Aloha State Park

Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day

Where:
The two-day in-class instruction will be held at the Lake St. Clair Metropark Thomas Welsh Activity Center, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045

Field Day Option 1:

Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48316

Field Day Option 2:

Mullet Lake, Aloha State Park, 4347 3rd St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Registration includes:

Two days of classroom sessions on March 11 and 12, 2026, at Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harrison Township, MI

One day in the field for natural shoreline installation

• On June 4, 2026, at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48316

OR

• On October 14, 2026, at Mullet Lake, Aloha State Park, 4347 3rd St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

An online certification exam

A natural shoreline manual

Lunch, snacks, and park entry fees are included each day of the program

Registration will close on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Certification: Participants must complete both the two-day classroom training (March 11-12), pass the exam, and participate in the hands-on field day (June 4 OR October 14) to become certified. Certification is valid for three years. Recertification requires a recertification fee.
Benefits of becoming an MCNSP:

Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional identifies you as professionally trained in the use of "green" landscaping technologies and bioengineered erosion control for the protection of Michigan inland lakes. MCNSP is approved by the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership and recognized by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Your name and contact information can be posted on the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership website for clients to locate a certified contractor.

You will receive in-depth training on the State of Michigan's permit requirements and process for soft shoreline construction.

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