WHAT is the Plant Science & Natural Resource program?

This program prepares students for career opportunities, college studies, and industry credentials in:  landscaping design, turfgrass care and construction, plant science, greenhoure operations, natural resources, and wildlife mangement.    Students will earn OSHA Career Safety certification and Michigan Certified Nurseryman certification.   In addition, students will participate in work-based learning,  career related field trips, and FFA activities and competitions.

WHY should I enroll in the Plant Science & Natural Resources program?

Classes at the Saginaw Career Complex are different than those offered at your home high school. You learn by doing - not just reading, listening, and memorizing. And you learn out in the real world, on-the-job, with real people.You will also earn a competency certificate in Plant Science & Natural Resources from the Saginaw Career Complex, which says you've learned actual job skills at high standards set by business and industry. Your parents will love it. So will colleges and employers.

WHAT will I learn in the Plant Science & Natural Resources program?

You will learn:   
• Career exploration                                                                                
• Employability skills
• Horticulture         

• Greenhouse Management & Crops               

• Plant Science                                     

• Plant Propagation
• Integrated Pest Management
• Greenhouse Production

• Using Plants in the Landscape

• Turfgrass Science & Management
• Introduction to Biotechnology
• Earth Science & Technology

• Ecology Basics

•Natural Resources Management

•Conservation & Management

•Landscape Designing

You will learn these skills in a clean, well-equipped, up-to-date laboratory and greenhouse. You will also learn and practice skills in real work environments.

For more specific areas of study click here to see more about the curriculum.

WHAT are my job prospects?

Employment of professionals in the various plant science and natural resource fields is expected to grow at a rate that is above average through 2008.

WHERE can I go after completing the program?

Your training in the Plant Science & Natural Resources program gives you several exciting options:

• Entry-level employment -After completing this program, students might find employment in a wide variety of areas such as the green house industry, horticulture, forestry,biotechnology, and  landscaping.
• Continued Education - Students can continue their education with the advantage of articulating college credits at the same time students are earning their high school diploma, and they don't have to pay for it!   After successfully completing the program, students may articulate credits at Ferris State University. The articulation process will give students a head start on their post-secondary education, as well as saving them a considerable sum of money. In addition, students are also ready to enter industry/employer-

sponsored training programs.

 

WHO is the teacher?

Nadene Blakeley recently joined the staff at the Saginaw Career Complex and has brought a great wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the Plant Science & Natural Resources program.  Prior to joining the staff at the Complex, Nadene spent some time teaching in the AgriScience/Environmental Technology program at the Lapeer County Vocational Technology Center. 

As a graduate of Michigan State University, Nadene Blakeley thinks she has a definite advantage in the field of Plant Science and Natural Resources.  According to Nadene, "the agriscience programs at MSU prepare teachers better than most other universities."

As a self proclaimed "outdoors person," Ms. Blakeley is excited about the focus of the Plant Science & Natural Resources program--greenhouse management, horticulture, plant science, turf grass and landscape management.  "I like what we do here, and I like the campus setting at the Complex," says Nadene.  Working with and communicating with students comes easily to Nadene and brings her great pleasure.

In her spare time, Nadene likes to play softball and train her five horses for barrel racing.  Currently, she has one horse that competes, and has placed 6th in her racing division.

WHAT are the admission requirements?

Students admitted to the Plant Science & Natural Resources program at the Saginaw Career Complex must:

• Have an interest in plants, nature, agriculture, or the environment
• Be a high school junior or senior
• Be on track for high school graduation
• Have good attendance habits
• Be willing to attend the Saginaw Career Complex for half of the school day and participate in work-based learning experiences

WHAT does it cost?

Nothing! Eligible high school students may attend free of charge.

HOW do I enroll?

You can enroll by completing just a few easy steps. Click here to get started:

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