Growing Green: How One School is Leading the Way with MAEAP Certification

At the heart of agricultural education lies a simple but powerful mission: to teach the next generation how to care for the land that feeds us. For a group of dedicated educators and students at the Ottawa Area ISD Careerline Tech Center, that mission took deeper roots through a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) certification process which elevated their agricultural practices and transformed their school into a classroom of sustainability. 

Getting MAEAP verified shows a high level of commitment to agricultural stewardship and protecting the environment. The certification has four systems that address different agricultural aspects: farmstead, cropping, livestock and the newly developed forest, wetlands and habitat system. 

From the very beginning, the goal wasn’t just a plaque on the wall—it was impact.  When asked what sparked their pursuit of MAEAP certification, Environmental Field Studies teacher Avril Wiers didn’t hesitate: “I wanted to be a role model for land stewardship.” That drive to lead by example and demonstrate responsible land management became the foundation for a multi-year journey in conservation, education and environmental accountability. 

By embedding MAEAP principles into everyday student activities, the program became more habit than theory. Whether managing livestock manure responsibly or maintaining sustainable growing practices in the greenhouse, students are learning that small, thoughtful changes in how we farm can make a big difference.  

“MAEAP helps my students understand that agriculture affects more than just the farmer—it affects our land, water and communities,” said Faith Scheffler, who currently teaches the Animal Science program at the tech center. 

The school’s MAEAP journey touched every corner of their agricultural campus, thanks to the four systems within the program. Each system came with its own set of changes: 

• Farmstead: Added backflow prevention and secondary containment for fertilizers. 

• Livestock: Developed a waste management plan and safe disposal of medical tools. 

• Cropping: Tracked irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide applications. 

• Forest, wellness and habitat: Managed invasive species, conducted fish surveys and nurtured a native pollinator garden. 

  
  

“Students are involved with these practices from day one,” said Scheffler. From barn chores to forest surveys, they experience sustainability as a way of life, not just a subject in a textbook. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the certification process was the collaboration with the local Conservation District. Their expertise not only helped the school plan for long-term forest health but also gave students hands-on lessons in stream protection and invasive species control. “They were amazing to work with,” said Wiers. “They even discovered a tributary to a local trout stream while reviewing our forest plan!”  

MAEAP certification isn’t just changing how students interact with the land—it’s creating a new generation of agricultural leaders and advocates. “MAEAP connects directly to the Future Farmers of America’s mission of ‘better days through better ways,’” said Scheffler. “Students take these practices home, use them in FFA contests and share them with the broader community.” 

The impact reaches well beyond campus. With guest speakers, field trips and partnerships sparked by MAEAP networking, the school has become a hub for environmental and agricultural engagement.

Maintaining the certification is an ongoing commitment—but one the team embraces wholeheartedly. “We’ll keep improving and updating our practices based on the latest trends in sustainability,” Wiers said. That includes continued forest restoration, improved habitat for wildlife and monitoring hydrology to support wetlands. 

The school is also pursuing additional certifications like Tree Campus K-12 and Michigan Green Schools, layering their sustainability efforts into a comprehensive environmental education strategy. 

When asked what advice they’d give other schools considering MAEAP, Wiers was clear: “Go for it. The MAEAP team will walk with you every step of the way. And the learning—both for you and your students—is invaluable.”