The Muter Outdoor Fund recently announced its second annual cohort of Muter Scholarship recipients, which also includes Magkena Szemak of Ann Arbor, a student at Central Michigan University, and Jacob Zona of downstate Albion, who attends Saginaw Valley State University.

A senior at NMU, Lenten is actively involved with the NMU Conservation Crew as well as the school’s Environmental Science Camp, which engages high school students with scientists to explore how technology and field experiences are used to study the environment.

She was also recently accepted into MSU Extension’s Lake and Stream Leaders Institute, a multi-session, biennial statewide leadership development program.

The institute is a cooperative program of Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; and the Michigan Lake Stewardship Associations, Inc. The Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership endorses the program.

Born and raised in Negaunee, Lenten said she has a “special pride” for the natural beauty of northern Michigan.

“It’s because of my love for the outdoors that I was inspired to pursue a degree in environmental science at Northern Michigan University,” Lenten said in a news release. “I am thankful every day that I get to call the Upper Peninsula my home.”

Lenten has been involved with the NMU’s Environmental Science Camp, which engages high schoolers from Midwest urban communities with scientists. The camp explores how technology and field experiences are used to study environmental change and sustainability.

Lenten led daily activities with those students in activities ranging from with water chemistry studies to local geology tours to outdoor survival skill workshops.

Her work with the NMU Conservation Crew involves local trail cleanups, trash collection events and other community outreach programs.

Lenten volunteers with the annual Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic and Noquemanon Ski Marathon, and works with the Ishpeming Ski Club to put on events and fundraisers to support youth programs.

She plans to attend graduate school to pursue her interests in wetlands and amphibian conservation.

The three recipients were selected from a highly qualified pool of 21 applicants, representing 10 Michigan colleges and universities. Recipients were selected for their clear passion for Michigan and its outdoor opportunities as well as their demonstrated commitment of introducing others to those opportunities, such as fishing, hunting, camping, boating and wildlife watching.

Each winner received a $1,000 scholarship to support their 2019-2020 academic expenses.

The Muter Outdoor Fund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, established to provide scholarships, grants and programs that promote outdoor recreation and celebrate Michigan’s natural resources and rich outdoor heritage.

Its first program, the John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship, recognizes college undergraduates who, like its namesake, have demonstrated their commitment to introducing new audiences to fishing, hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation in Michigan.

The scholarship program was launched in 2018,

Since its inception in 2018, the fund has awarded $6,000 in scholarships to undergraduate students in Michigan. It also has recently supported the Saginaw Bay Nature Festival spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Pinconning and Standish.

“Jacklyn stood out among many qualified applicants for her incredible passion for northern Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor opportunities as well as her dedication to engaging new audiences and new generations with those opportunities,” said Bret Muter, president of the Muter Outdoor Fund and son of John Muter, in an email. “Her commitment and leadership has left a lasting impact on the NMU campus and on her local community in the Upper Peninsula.

“The Muter Outdoor Fund is proud to play a small role in supporting Jacklyn’s academic pursuits at NMU through the John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship program. We feel the future of Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage is brighter than ever with new conservation leaders like Jacklyn on the front lines.”

To learn more about the Muter Outdoor Fund and to support its scholarship program, visit www.muteroutdoorfund.org or email muteroutdoorfund@gmail .com.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250.