Montmorency County MSU Extension

05/31/2026

2024 Montmorency Plat Books are still available!

📍 Location: Montmorency MSU Extension Office
12265 M-32
Atlanta, MI 49709

📞 989-785-8013

💲 Cost: $30.00
Payment accepted: Cash or checks (payable to AMCD)

Proceeds help support 4-H youth in attending county and statewide programs.

05/30/2026

What's that weird stuff floating in your lake?

Erica Anculle, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Extension, and Geneva Langeland, Michigan Sea Grant - April 27, 2026

It may -- or may not -- be a harmful algal bloom. Learn how to identify a HAB!

Ever looked at a lake and noticed something strange or unexpected floating on the water’s surface? What should you do next? It’s good to rule out if what you see is a natural phenomenon like pollen or bacteria or aquatic plants. Sometimes small plants, such as watermeal or duckweed, floating on the surface can make it look like the whole lake is green. If you have ruled out a natural phenomenon and aquatic plants, you may be looking at an algal bloom.

It may -- or may not -- be a harmful algal bloom. Learn how to identify a HAB!

05/30/2026

Come learn with us how to make your garden more attractive to native bees!

Healthy Habitats and Productive Pollinators
June 18, 2026 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Registration Deadline: June 4, 2026 - 11:59PM

Crossroads Village, 6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/healthy-habitats-and-productive-pollinators?fbclid=IwY2xjawSFONtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnZmhMTFY1bDJ6NUxpS1ZUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiiVm2tBjhryRRPvgMOyFaKUL2xpZjVGFpzEzVt60qhpTkRLdOJ_jKA1z5s__aem_1LekCnkX0HYveXTJWfYn6Q

05/29/2026

2024 Montmorency Plat Books are still available!

📍 Location: Montmorency MSU Extension Office
12265 M-32
Atlanta, MI 49709
📞 989-785-8013
💲 Cost: $30.00
Payment accepted: Cash or checks (payable to AMCD)
Proceeds help support 4-H youth in attending county and statewide programs.

05/28/2026

'DASH' divers help lake residents manage aquatic invasive species
Erica Clites, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Extension - April 01, 2026

Learn how divers can survey for and reduce the amount of aquatic invasive species in Michigan lakes.

Learn how divers can survey for and reduce the amount of aquatic invasive species in Michigan lakes.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Got questions? We've got the experts. Whether it's farming, family or food—you don’t need to be an expert to get expert advice.
Ask An Expert—MSU Extension is here to help. Follow us for weekly questions and answers from REAL people—no AI needed.

Question – “I have 4 Blueberry bushes that have been significantly underperforming.”

Answer- Your blueberry bushes are showing blueberry stem galls, which are caused by the stem gall wasp (Hemadas nubilipennis). These swollen growths interrupt sap flow and weaken everything above the gall, which explains the poor performance you’re seeing. The best approach is to prune out every gall before budbreak, cutting several inches below the swelling, and destroy the prunings so the insects cannot emerge in spring. For prevention, keep the plants vigorous and less attractive for egglaying by maintaining an open canopy, raking and removing leaf litter to reduce secondary fungal stress, mulching with clean pine bark, and keeping soil pH between 4.5 and 5.2. A quick winter inspection each year to remove new galls is the most effective longterm protection, and most bushes rebound within a season or two once infested canes are removed.

Rotate your crop to a new location in your garden and do not plant potatoes in the former location for at least three years out of potatoes.

This problem can also be caused by certain fungal diseases such as black spots, but most commonly it results from physical damage. To prevent black spots, handle potatoes gently during harvest and storage, avoid dropping them, and store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.

05/27/2026

Keep or toss? How long food lasts in the refrigerator during a power outage
Sophia Zollner, Mary Donaldson, Michigan State University Extension - May 05, 2026

Updated from an original article written by Jennifer Berkey, Michigan State University Extension.

Food safety is a major concern for food kept in the refrigerator during a power outage.

Food safety is a major concern for food kept in the refrigerator during a power outage.

05/26/2026

Call the Montmorency County MSU Extension Office to schedule testing for your dial gauge.

📞 989-785-8013
🕘 Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Be sure to call ahead to arrange a convenient time.

05/25/2026

What is Memorial Day really about?
Kendra Moyses, Michigan State University Extension - May 25, 2017

What is the history and meaning of Memorial Day?

For many, Memorial Day weekend is filled with BBQs, gathering with family and friends, sales and an extra day off from work. Memorial Day is much more than that. So what is the history and meaning of Memorial Day?

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was developed to honor those that died in the Civil War. According to the Memorial Day website, it was officially proclaimed in 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic in his General Order No. 11 and was for “strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.” The original date of Decoration Day was May 30, 1868. This date was chosen because it was not an anniversary of any specific battle.

Memorial Day is now honored on the last Monday in May and is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service on the United States of America. It is different than other military holidays such as Veteran’s Day because Memorial Day is specifically a day to remember and honor those who have died in service.

Since it is a day of remembrance, wishing someone a “Happy Memorial Day” isn’t appropriate because Memorial Day isn’t an actual holiday and is more of a day of reflection and remembrance.

Gather with family and friends and celebrate being together, but take time out to remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. Another way to honor those on Memorial Day would be to help decorate graves of local military service members.

For more ideas about activities and articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, please visit the Michigan State University Extension website.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

What is the history and meaning of Memorial Day?