SWMTU helped students and teachers in the Northview school district get better connected to the coldwater resources in West Michigan through experiences with fly tying and fly fishing.
Education
One of the cornerstones of the SWMTU foundation is education. From grade school, to high school, to college, and beyond, SWMTU provides educational resources and assistance that promote healthy fisheries. Learn more about our chapter’s ongoing efforts below …
Schrems Scholarship
Since 1987, the chapter has funded the Cornelius M. Schrems Scholarship at Michigan State University. It is awarded annually to a current MSU student of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife who works toward the mission of SWMTU. This scholarship, and its intention, was founded by Sis Schrems in memory of her husband. In 2012, SWMTU established a permanent fund at MSU for this scholarship.

Salmon in the Classroom
Since 2005, SWMTU has supported the Salmon in the Classroom initiative by providing financial grants to help defray the startup and maintenance costs of establishing a SIC program. More than 20 schools continue to participate in this valuable education program. Click through to learn how your school can participate in this program.

Seminars
Throughout the year, SWMTU holds social seminars at local venues, usually in the fall and winter months. We typically offer food and drink, and a lot of great conversation. You can expect professional-level speakers from around Michigan and U.S. on anything from great fishing spots to important conservation topics. To learn about our seminars, sign up for our email list or keep an eye on our event calendar.

Membership Outings
During the spring and summer SWMTU sponsors a variety of membership outings. They’re often at great destinations like the Muskegon River, Pere Marquette River, and Au Sable River. For many years we’ve hosted a membership outing at Wa Wa Sum lodge on the banks of the Au Sable River during the height of the Hex hatch. In recent years, we’ve expanded our offerings to include women’s-only events to cultivate a more diverse membership. To learn about our outings, sign up for our email list or keep an eye on our event calendar.

Partnerships
SWMTU is proud to be an active partner with the Rogue River Home River’s Initiative and its Stream Girls program. This program introduces Girl Scouts to critical environmental issues and teaches a valuable conservation message. Look for more details on this program from the Home River’s Initiative Facebook page.

Education Reports

Green Team gets students involved in watersheds
High school students work in the summer with Trout Unlimited to do watershed restoration and receive job training in green infrastructure.

The four seasons of fly fishing Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
On Thursday, May 14 we’re honored to have Captain Brad Petzke of Riversnorth lead a virtual presentation featuring the fly fishing opportunities of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Returning to the Muskegon River
Kevin Feenstra about the bugs, minnows, fish, and wildlife that make the Muskegon River special.

2020 Salmon in the Classroom release
With the spread of COVID-19 and schools closed, the maintenance of tanks and release of salmon fry looked a bit different this year.

50th Annual Trout Unlimited Fly-Fishing School Coming Up
The school is a nonprofit project of the Michigan Council of TU. The school is open to everyone; membership in Trout Unlimited is not required.