The Ford Center and Ford Research Forest provide educational opportunities for all ages. While some programs are run directly by center staff and School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science faculty, the Ford Center specializes in facilitating classes, seminars, camps, and training sessions, that are offered by fellow educational organizations.

Housing, food services, lecture and classroom space, computing facilities, recreational opportunities, and most importantly a vast outdoor classroom are all nestled together in the historic village of Alberta, MI. The center has the capacity to host several groups at once.

The Ford Center partners with educational organization such as Trees for Tomorrow, the MTU Youth Programs, or the Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education to provide outdoor, hands-on learning experiences for students in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and throughout the Midwest.

Single Day Excursion (1 Day Field Trip)
This sample outline focuses on the topic of "sustainability". Because of Alberta's rich history, the issue is approached both from the social and natural resource perspectives. The excursion is adaptable to all age groups and can include various sub-topics, such as, history, technological applications, or biological and ecosystem science.

Single Day Excursion (1 Day Field Trip) Sample Schedule 9:00 - Arrival/Registration & Welcome (Introduction to Alberta, and the MTU School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Careers in Forestry video) 9:30 - Ecosystem 1: Jack Pine Plains and Even-aged Forestry 10:30 - Ecosystem 2: Northern Hardwoods and Uneven-aged Forestry 12:00 - Lunch (picnic or cafeteria) 12:30 - A Vision of Sustainability: Alberta Town site and Mill Tour 2:00 - Departure *Times and topics are flexible and can be adjusted to meet your group's needs. Content is communicated using age appropriate methods. For more information contact the Ford Center Office.

The Ford Center Campus and especially the Ford Research Forest are extensively used by the undergraduate and graduate degree programs at MTU's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

Integrated Field Practicum (Fall Camp)
This semester long undergraduate opportunity is an immersion experience for natural resource students. While housed at Alberta these juniors spend the majority of their time in the surrounding forests and rivers.

Isle Royale Field Camp

Masters International Peace Corps Program
Graduate students from around the United States pursue both their masters degree as well as service in the Peace Corps. The first semester of this life changing experience is spent at Ford Center, in preparation for their eventual international service.

Program are offered for both professional educators and natural resource professionals.

Current Programs

• MFA Teacher's Institute
  
• PASS
  
• Hardwood Bucker Training
• Wildland Firefighting Training