Michigan State University
IN-20: Grounds Certification

The certification of Tree Campus USA (now Tree Campus Higher Education) by the Arbor Day foundation, encompasses the entire East Lansing campus of Michigan State University (see website provided for documentation). MSU is also recognized by the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Program (certification ID 271504). The certification covers roughly one acre of pollinator habitat. This site is also a designated Project Wingspan restoration site affiliated with the multi-state Pollinator Partnership; through this affiliation. See the file upload for documentation.

In addition, MSU's beef, swine and dairy facilities at MSU are MAEAP verified. While outside of the institutional boundary for STARS, many of the agricultural experiment stations that MSU owns across the state are also MAEAP verified. https://www.canr.msu.edu/scaf/dairy_teaching_research_center; https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/three_msu_farms_earned_environmental_certification

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation, and environmental groups, and state and federal agencies. Michigan conservation districts house technicians that provide technical assistance to assist farmers as they move through the MAEAP process toward verification. An average of 5,000 Michigan farmers attend educational programs annually. 10,000 Michigan farms have started the verification process and over 5,000 verification have taken place to date. The MAEAP program is managed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

To become MAEAP verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risk. MDARD conducts an on‑farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations, Michigan Right to Farm guidelines, and adherence to an action plan. When completed, the producer receives a certificate of environmental assurance. To remain a MAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every five years and action steps must be followed.

MAEAP is a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives, while best managing both time and resources. The program encompasses four systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. Each system – Livestock, Farmstead, Cropping, and Forest, Wetlands and Habitat – examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. By participating in all four systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks.

For more information, visit the MAEAP website at https://www.maeap.org or contact Joe Kelpinski, MDARD’s MAEAP Program Manager, at (517)284-5608.

The following off-campus sites are also MAEAP verified but not included in the institutional boundary for STARS.
MSU – The North Farm at the Upper Peninsula Research & Extension Center, of Chatham, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems;
MSU – Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, of Frankenmuth, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
MSU – Upper Peninsula Research & Extension Center (South Farm), of Chatham, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems;
MSU – Beef Cattle Teaching and Research Center (Feed Lot), of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
MSU – Beef Cow/Calf Teaching Center, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems;
MSU – Department of Forestry, Tree Research Center, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems;
MSU – Hancock Turf Center, of East Lansing, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
MSU – Swine Teaching & Research Facility, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems;
MSU – Plant Pathology Farm (Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences), of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
MSU – Poultry Research & Training Facility, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
MSU – Trevor Nichols Research Center, of Fennville, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems;
MSU – Plant Pathology Farm (Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences), of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
MSU – Poultry Research & Training Facility, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
MSU – Trevor Nichols Research Center, of Fennville, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
MSU – Horse Teaching and Research Center, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems;
MSU – Max T. NMR Rogers Reserve, of Jackson, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
MSU – Sheep Teaching & Research Center, of Okemos, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
MSU – University Farms Service Center, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
MSU – Veterinary Research Farm, of Okemos, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems;
MSU – Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), of Hickory Corner, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems;