Our Mission

The mission of Au Sable Institute is the integration of knowledge of the Creation with biblical principles for the purpose of bringing the Christian community and the general public to a better understanding of the Creator and the stewardship of God's Creation. All of its programs and activities are structured to allow, and are conducted for, promotion of Christian environmental stewardship. This includes persistent dedication to exemplary Christian stewardship in its planning, operations, programs, and outreach.

Au Sable Institute fulfills its mission through four programs:
Academic Program
Community Program
Retreats and Conferences Program
Outreach and Resources

Academic Program
As an institution of higher education, Au Sable provides college and university level programs in environmental studies, field biology, stewardship ecology, and ecological sustainability for students worldwide. We help prepare college and university students to understand natural ecosystems, environmental degradation and its causes, the ethical nature and content of environmental problems, and responsible and appropriate practice. For completion of specific programs of study, the Institute awards various certificates.

The Institute maintains a program of inter-collegiate collaboration with over 50 Participating Colleges and Universities, each of which has a voice in the academic program. Au Sable also has a Graduate Fellowship Program to serve graduate students with a program of seminars and meetings designed to keep their understanding of Christian environmental stewardship commensurate with their work toward the Ph.D. degree in various fields of study. And it provides for its students and alumni a program of internships across the globe.

Community Programs
Our community programs reach out to various age groups, from K-12 students in local schools to adults in our local communities. Our K-12 environmental education program provides education for 5,000 students. Children engage in sequential field studies that engage each student in the field. The units of study are designed to meet many of the State's science objectives. This program is taught by Institute staff supported by environmental education interns selected from college students and alumni of the Institute. Programs for adults in our local communities are also available, focusing on the natural history of the bioregion in which the campus resides.

Retreats and Conferences Program
Au Sable provides retreats and conferences for environmental stewardship programs of colleges, churches, organizations, and units of local government.

Outreach and Resources
At each of our campuses, Institute staff provide educational programming and support to individuals, institutions and organizations. Our Outreach Office coordinates this work and offers a wide selection of earthkeeping books, videos, papers and pamphlets. Nationally and internationally, our staff and board provide leadership through programs, presentations, and publications on environmental stewardship.