MSU Extension St Clair County

10/06/2026

🍂 Fall is the perfect time to start planning for an unforgettable 2027! 🍁

Have you ever thought about opening your home and sharing your family’s everyday life with a student from another country? 🌎❤️

We’re looking for warm host families for the summer of 2027! Hosting is a wonderful opportunity to learn about another culture, build lasting friendships, and create memories that can last a lifetime.

10/05/2026

Learn about Michigan’s inland lakes online from MSU Extension



Registration is now open for the award-winning Introduction to Lakes Online course from Michigan State University Extension! Offered once a year, this six-week online class is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of inland lakes including lakefront property owners, concerned residents, local leaders, and decision-makers.



Participants gain practical, science-based knowledge to help them protect water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, understand Michigan water regulations, and collaborate effectively with neighbors, lake associations, and local governments. The course equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed lake management decisions and become effective stewards of Michigan's inland lakes.



Led by MSU Extension experts and state agency professionals, the course explores a variety of topics, including lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, aquatic plants, Michigan water law, and community engagement. Participants learn through engaging video lectures, interactive activities, Ask an Expert webinars, and discussion forums. Additional resources are also provided for those looking to dive deeper into the course topics.

The 2027 program begins January 26 and runs through March 19. The registration deadline is January 29, 2027. The cost of the course is $115 per person, with an early bird rate of $95 available through January 8, 2027. A limited number of scholarships are available. Current individual members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association are eligible to receive a $95 reimbursement upon their first successful completion of the course.



The course is approved for 16 Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development pesticide recertification credits (8 Commercial Core and 8 category 5 [aquatic]).



Ready to dive in? Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.

09/30/2026

Could This Be You?

Join the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Team!

We're looking for the next great 4-H professional to inspire youth, volunteers, and communities.

View full description and apply at: http://careers.msu.edu - Search for posting 1168228 using the Job Search field.

Application Deadline is October 20, 2026.

09/29/2026

Mental health is an important part of thriving on your own.
Join the FREE Michigan 4-H Adulting 101 webinar, Mental Health Toolkit: Everyday Skills and Resources to Help Care for Your Mental Health, on October 7 from 6-7 p.m. ET. Participants will explore practical strategies to support emotional well-being, build healthy habits, and discover resources to help navigate life's challenges.
Perfect for teens and young adults preparing for college, work, and independent living!
For more information and to register today go to: https://bit.ly/4AvNiOZ

09/29/2026

Michigan State University Extension is offering a FREE virtual workshop series called "Mindfulness for Better SLEEP" starting this Fall.
When: Mondays, October 26 through November 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM E.T.
Where: Live Online via Zoom (with cameras on and group discussion encouraged!)
Cost: FREE (supported by a grant from Rural Health and Safety Education).
Register Here: https://pears.io/events/msuext/10821/

09/29/2026

What will Michigan voters be asked to decide this November? In addition to electing a new Governor, U.S. Senator, and many state and local officials, Michigan voters will be presented with two statewide ballot questions.
Join MSU Extension and the Citizens Research Council of Michigan for a FREE educational webinar exploring the two statewide ballot proposals on the 2026 ballot. We'll break down the proposals, review the proposed changes, and discuss key considerations to help voters better understand the issues before heading to the polls.

WHEN: October 14, 11 AM - 12 PM
WHERE: Zoom
REGISTER: https://pears.io/events/msuext/10639/registration/

If you have any questions, please contact Eric Walcott by email at [email protected].

09/23/2026

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the MSU Extension Office in the St. Clair County Municipal Building, tour their facility, and meet their dedicated staff.

This office is filled with joyful, passionate women who work tirelessly to foster community growth and innovation through programs and projects throughout the Blue Water Area and beyond. One of the many important roles they play is helping to organize and operate the St. Clair County 4-H Fair in Goodells each year.

Through their leadership, dedication, and support, our students are given access to opportunities and futures they may never have imagined possible.

Thank you to the entire MSU Extension team and to all those who support their work and service to our students, families, and community. Your impact reaches far beyond the programs themselves. You are helping build a stronger future for the Blue Water Area.

09/22/2026

Tuesday's Tip for Preserving: Bow season is almost here in Michigan. As you prepare for a successful hunt, learn about safely preserving your venison. To learn more or join a free Preserving MI Harvest food preservation class (the preserving Venison class is October 8), visit our website https://www.canr.msu.edu/food_preservation/ or learn more about preserving venison https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_fresh_handling_using_and_storing_venison_e3233

09/22/2026

Renewable Energy Fundamentals Statewide Workshops- this fall

Across Michigan, communities are being asked to consider utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage system projects. Along with these proposals come questions about safety, farmland and marginal land, environmental impacts, agrivoltaics, decommissioning, sound, and Michigan’s changing energy infrastructure. This 4-hour interactive program will explore what is currently known, where uncertainty remains, and how different perspectives and community priorities shape decision-making. This program is part of EGLE’s Renewable Energy Academy. $10/person. All programs run from 1:00-4:30 PM. 4 MCP credits available.

Click Here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=9EE10E8A8F462A4D23F18C9FC92B9632BA22497E58C5719061A9468737467B7F


Marquette, September 16
Grayling, September 17
Grand Rapids, September 24
Brooklyn,October 6
Battle Creek, October 12
Saginaw, October 15
Lawrence, October 27

Research-based information on utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage to help communities understand key issues and impacts.

09/17/2026

Mindfulness Pebbles: Principles and Practice is a six-lesson series that introduces the core principles of mindfulness and provides opportunities for experiencing mindfulness practices. We explore each principle and practice as a "mindfulness pebble," a small, intentional drop of awareness that can create meaningful ripples throughout daily life. Each session includes guided exercises, such as mindful breathing, visualization, body scan, thought and emotion practices, and short meditations. The series provides strategies to bring mindfulness into everyday life and build a sustainable personal practice. This series is designed for all experience levels; whether you are new to mindfulness or have an established practice, you are welcome! All practices can be adapted for comfort and ability.
This series is on Tuesdays, from October 27th – December 1st, from 10am – 11am. Cost is free!
To register go to: https://pears.io/events/msuext/10648/
For questions contact Nicole Persing-Wethington, [email protected], 989-344-3264.
For help registering contact Jamie at 989 344 3264, ext 0