MSU Extension Mason County

A message from the District Director 

I’m excited to share the results of another successful year of partnership between Mason County and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. Because of your continued
support, we’ve been able to make a difference in the lives of youth, families, businesses, and communities. MSU Extension offers a broad range of research-based educational services to County residents. Over this past year, we’ve empowered families and individuals to live healthier
lives, supported new and local businesses, created opportunities for youth leadership development and career exploration, helped farmers with business management and mental health, and much more. Our staff live and work alongside County residents, are rooted in community relationships, and are responsive to community needs. Again, this year, we’ve welcomed Mason County residents into our online community: we’ve offered online educational courses, answered questions on topics ranging from
gardening to food safety, raised program awareness through social media, and provided a library of research-based resources they’ve browsed on our website. Our partnership with you makes this all possible. On behalf of the MSU Extension team serving Mason County, thank you for another great year. We look forward to your continued support and hope you’ll be able to join us during one of our upcoming programs.

Impact at a glance

• 53 programs delivered in Mason County
• 1,235 Mason County residents participated in programs offered by MSU Extension
• 214 programs attended by Mason County residents
• 705 Mason County youth participants in MSU Extension events
• 4,461 social media reach
• 36 Senior Market Fresh participants at Longfellow towers
• 212 Plat Books sold
• 48 programs delivered by Mason County staff

Areas of focus and programs

Agriculture 

MSU Extension works to increase farmers’ success while protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new markets, and advancing agriculture through applied research. Agriculture is now one of the fastest growing sectors of the Michigan economy.
• MI Ag Ideas to Grow With
• Heroes to Hives
• MI Great Beer Conference
• Farm Financial Analysis
• Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
• Beginner Grazing School
• Sheep and goats for small farms
• Parlor Performance/Milker Training
• Pruning Workshop / Crop Scout School
• Asparagus Day / Tree Fruit Day
• Pesticide Application Training
• 11 soil tests processed.
• Corn and Soybean conference

Environment

Our natural resources programs improve public understanding, help landowners and communities use those assets for sustainable long-term social and economic development and conserve natural resources for future generations.
• Intro to Lakes
• Steelhead Fishery Workshop
• Michigan Birding 101
• Lake Michigan Region Fisheries Workshop
• Let’s learn about invasive Species.
• Lakes Monitoring Program

Community

 Successful and thriving communities combine knowledgeable and engaged legislators, businesses, community groups and residents. By connecting these groups with the most trusted tools, MSU Extension helps enhance the quality of life in Michigan.
• Citizen Planner
• Fiscally Ready Communities

• First Impressions Tourism
• Credit Craze: Basics of Credit
• Planning and Zoning for Solar Energy
• Affordable Housing Workshop
• How to start a food truck business
• Zoning Administration Training

Health & Nutrition 

MSU Extension’s programming promotes healthy lifestyles and empowers Michigan residents to take control of their health. Participants learn how to build nutritious diets on a budget, reduce foodborne diseases and become leaders in the food industry.
• Nutrition Education at Mason County Central,
G2S, Ludington Schools. Longfellow
Towers
• Tai Chi for fall prevention/ Matter of Balance
• Mindful Eating
• Teen Cuisine
• SLEEP
• Community Garden Education
• Product Center Counseling
• Cottage Food Law Training
• Food Safety Q & A
• RELAX: Alternatives to Anger
• Preserving MI Harvest
• Diabetes Prevention Program

Families 

Keeping Michigan families strong and successful— financially, emotionally and physically—is a big part of measuring MSU Extension’s success. Programs devoted to keeping families safe include those dealing with bullying and violence prevention.
• Various 4-H club activities
• Relax, Alternatives to Anger
• 4-H Exploration Days on MSU Campus
• Positive Discipline
• Resilience Toolbox
• ABC’s of Early Literacy
• Screen Time for Young Children

4-H in Mason County

• 21 clubs
• 169 members
• 20 volunteers (25% increase) 
• 47 Tech Wizard participants