2014-2015 Annual Report:

District 4

msue.msu.edu

Proven, Relevant, Life Changing

Roscommon and Crawford Counties

CRAWFORD COUNTY MSUE

501 Norway St. Suite #2

Grayling, MI 49738

(989) 344-3264

ROSCOMMON COUNTY MSUE

500 Lake St.

Roscommon, MI

48653

(989) 275-5043

A MESSAGE FROM THE

DISTRICT COORDINATOR:

We hope you enjoy reading this latest annual report outlining how Michigan State University Extension in Crawford and Roscommon Counties and throughout the state continue to make Michigan thrive as an excellent place to live, raise a family and conduct business. MSU Extension faculty and staff members translate the scientific information gleaned from MSU AgBio Research and other Campus Units into real world applications-something we have been doing for 100 years. Throughout the history of the Cooperative Extension Service, founded through the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, MSU Extension has worked hard to support an environment of collaboration where innovation and creativity can flourish. We continue to extend our reach by connecting with more and more residents each year. This report presents the evidence of our successes.

Kelley Hiemstra District 4 Coordinator Michigan State University Extension

Michigan State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ray Hammerschmidt, Interim Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply

MISSION:

Michigan State University Extension

helps people improve their lives

through an educational process that

applies knowledge to critical issues,

needs and opportunities.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Workshops were attended in-person and through live webinars, on-line training, and the toll free hotline. Below are titles in which citizens from Roscommon and/or Crawford counties participated in 2014. Upland Vegetables, Floriculture, Smart Gardening, Lake City Research, Center Field Day, Product Center Entrepreneurs Counseling, Pest Management training, Breakfast of the Farm, Pasture Walks (beef and dairy), Garden Hotline, 4-H Volunteer training, Science Literacy workshops for youth, youth camps and Financial Literacy for youth and adults, Workforce Preparation for youth, Tourism workshops, Facilitative Leadership workshops, Conflict Resolution workshops, Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities, Growing Individual Entrepreneurs workshops, New County Commissioner workshop, Food Safety classes, Cottage Food Law, Understanding Food Systems, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, SNAP education for youth and adults, Dining with Diabetes workshop, Chronic Pain workshop, Cooking for Crowds, Food Preservation, Building Strong Adolescents and Stress Less with Mindfulness. Jump into Foods and Fitness, Show Me Nutrition, Cooking Matters with Teens, Cooking Matters at the Store, Eat Healthy, Be Active, Eating Right is Basic, Healthy Eating Adds Up, 10 Tips to a Great Plate and Project Fresh.

COUNTY OFFICES:

We would like to thank the

Crawford and Roscommon

citizens and the County

Commissioners for your continued

support of MSU Extension

educational programs.

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4-H CHILDREN & YOUTH INSTITUTE

“I love Exploration Days, and plan

to attend every year! I learned

even more than I did last year.”

- Crawford County returning participant

Because Michigan

4-H is part of MSU

Extension, the

activities youth

participate in are

all backed by and

based on child

development

research. We use

experiential

(i.e. hands-on)

learning and time

spent intentionally

thinking about

what’s been

learned to make it

a meaningful

experience, with

skills and ideas

learned that last

a lifetime.

Michigan 4-H prepares youth for careers and future employment

A report by the MacArthur Foundation’s Cathy Davidson indicates that 65 percent of today’s grade school students will end up working in jobs that have not yet been invented. With so much uncertainty, today’s youth will need more than a good education to prepare for and find that perfect job– they need well rounded employment skills that can be applied to any career choice and the chance to explore and try on these exciting opportunities in a safe and informative way. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is helping to meet this important need with its 4-H Youth Development career exploration and workforce preparation programs. Through these programs, MSU Extension is equipping young Michiganders with skills and competencies critical to any job. As a result, Michigan youth are better prepared to make important decisions about their professional futures, ready to con-tribute to the workforce and able to take responsibility in their personal lives.

4-H Exploration Days — Ten youth and two chaperones from Crawford and Roscommon Counties attended Exploration Days June 24-26, 2015. They were joined by over 2,400 youth, chaperons and resource people from 79 Michigan counties. The 3 day pre-college event This MSU pre-college program is designed to:

Increase responsibility, confidence, independence, accountability, problem-solving, decision-making and time management skills.

Increase communication, teamwork, citizenship and leadership skills. Foster the ability to meet new people and make new friends from different places

and backgrounds. Develop and expand career and personal in-

terests. Increase college exploration and access to the

MSU campus and its resources. Develop social and academic skills needed for

success in college and life as an adult. Give youth opportunities to try things that

aren’t available in their county.

Mock Interview Workshops — Sara Keinath, a 4-H Educator housed in Wexford County, led a Mock Interview workshop series with students at Second Chance Academy. During the first session, students learned why their handshake is so important, how to improve their resume, what employers are looking for, how to prepare for an interview, and how to best present themselves.

In the second session, participants experienced a professional interview, received feedback on their resume, reviewed a job application checklist, and had their presentation critiqued in a positive environment.

Students, teachers, and volunteer interviewers all complimented the program and thought it would make a significant difference in confidence and chances of being successful in their next interview.

4-H CHILDREN & YOUTH INSTITUTE

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Life Skills

By using the experiential learning model to deliver its programs, Michigan 4-H utilizes a learn-by-doing approach that offers youth hands-on activities in which they develop life skills. The foundation for a lifetime of success, these crucial life skills include practical skills such as goal-setting, record keeping and critical thinking, as well as personal and interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication, self-esteem and responsibility.

In Crawford County, 16 teens in the 4-H Cooking Club learned the basics of cooking. They learned how to read a recipe, safe knife skills, and other aspects of food preparation. They also learned to work together, practice time management, and clean up after themselves. In the 4-H Healthy Garden Club eight participants planted seeds, made bird feeders, tasted unfamiliar vegetables, and discovered plants that they had not seen before.

In Roscommon County, 4-H Horse and Pony Club members prepared and delivered presentations to parents and families on topics such as breeds of horses, the importance of hoof care, horse markings, and Chincoteague Wild Ponies.

Academic Success

Research demonstrates that youth who participate in 4-H get better grades; are more likely to go to college; are more likely to pursue science courses and careers; are less likely to use drugs, cigarettes or alcohol; and are more likely to give back to their communities.

Participants in both counties had lots of opportunities to practice STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills during day camps in Grayling, Roscommon, and Houghton Lake.

In Crawford County, Science Fair students learned about circuits with littleBits, and participants at the Summer Preview learned about 3D doodling. In Roscommon, 4-H partnered with the CRAF Center on a series of winter workshops that included Slippery Slimes, Electronics, Artistic Creations, Science Magic, Clay Sculptures, and Multimedia Messes. We partnered with the Houghton Lake Library to provide workshops on GPS skills and electronic circuits., and made kazoos with youth at the Fireman’s Memorial,

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Leadership skills can be learned and developed through the many opportunities 4-H has to offer. 4-Hers learn about leadership and practice those skills through activities such as taking part in 4-H club meetings, presenting information at various events, designing and implementing activities for younger youth and carrying out community service projects.

Teen leaders assisted with day camps in both counties. These youth worked directly with younger students, assisting when they had difficulties and encouraging them to try new projects. They were very helpful during recreation activities, running with them during Capture the Flag, creating obstacle courses, and figuring out strategies to save the world.

Out-of-school

programs like

camps and

Summer

Recreation help

keep youth

engaged and

develop skills

such as

teamwork,

decision making

and goal

accomplishment

that will enhance

their chances of

future success.

MSU Extension works to increase farmers’ success while protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new markets and advancing agriculture through applied research.

2012 Census of Agriculture Report

The 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture report showed the market value of Crawford

County agricultural products sold were $260,000. Roscommon did not have product sold

information but did report that there were 58 farms with estimated market value average

per farm at $336,520 in 2007 the market value of Roscommon products sold was $379,000.

2012 USDA Census of Ag Summary

MSU Extension agriculture and agribusiness programs focus on:

Increasing productivity and financial solvency on Michigan farms to increase local, statewide, national and international ripple effects:

Farm revenue translates into more dollars spent in local communities, thereby increasing the tax base.

Maintaining the vitality of rural communities creates jobs in areas of the state where agriculture is the primary employer.

Protecting natural resources through programming that targets more efficient use

of energy, water, fertilizers, pesticides and nutrients. Increased use of managed energy

sources help to ensure clean, abundant water, soil, air and energy resources for

future generations.

The Integrated Pest Management webinar series

The MSU Integrated Pest Management Program promotes the use of integrated pest management (IPM) and related plant health practices to safeguard farm and environmental health through research-based education, outreach, demonstration and applied research.

Michigan State University Extension educators launched a new pre-recorded webinar series on IPM in the fall of 2013. The series sought to build grower knowledge of integrated pest management practices and resources. This work was supported by funding from North Central SARE (Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education).

You can view this series at: http://www.ipm.msu.edu/agriculture/integrated_pest_management_academy

Initial impact data from this effort is exciting to see. Here are some of the highlights:

Between 10/14/13 and 8/22/14, there were 1,663 webinar sessions viewed.

Viewers reported an acreage impact of 1,207,931 acres and represented at least 439 unique visitors, including Crawford and Roscommon citizens.

AGRICULTURE & AGRIBUSINESS INSTITUTE

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A new search engine tool for identifying diseases, insect and mite pests and beneficial of tree fruit is now available. Users can quickly search for diseases, pest and beneficial insects and mites that are found in apples, cherries, peaches, pears and plums. The search engine can be accessed at

www.ipm.msu.edu/search

“You guys have changed my perspective on grass fed beef –

I now know it can be a quality eating experience.”

MSU Advances Grass Fed Beef Production in Roscommon County

The popularity of beef cattle fed strictly a forage diet

of pasture grass and hay continues to grow across the

country. This growth is because of growing consumer

preference for meat products that are perceived to be

healthier to consume and are more environmentally

friendly than grain fed beef. To help Michigan farms

capture this growing market the MSU Extension Beef

Team led by Dr. Jason Rowntree has worked on a

three year pilot project to evaluate the claims and to potentially advance grass fed beef

production in Michigan.

Locally , Steve Gardner of

Roscommon, was one of twenty-

one farms selected in Michigan to

participate in this project. With

trainings offered at the MSU Lake

City BioAgResearch Center and at

other locations in Northwest

Michigan seven of farms thus far,

including the Gardner Farm have

produced over 200 head of quality

grass fed cattle for the meat

industry in Michigan. The

premium received for this grass fed meat product, above the price of grain fed beef, has

been $535 per carcass for a total of $107,000 for the seven farms. One local butcher in

Clare County commented, “You guys have changed my perspective on grass fed beef –

I now know it can be a quality eating experience.”

In the summer of 2014 a pasture walk was held at the Gardner Farm to showcase the

production methods of grass fed beef production. Fourteen farms from Roscommon

county and beyond attended and took home information on how they too can begin

producing grass fed beef and lamb.

AGRICULTURE & AGRIBUSINESS INSTITUTE

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GREENING MICHIGAN INSTITUTE

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MSU Extension

helps strengthen

the forestry

economy by

encouraging

forest

management on

private lands and

by introducing

youth to career

options in the

forest products

industry.

MSU Extension helps to sustain and improve the health of natural resources in Michigan by

promoting awareness, prevention and treatment of invasive species in both aquatic

and terrestrial ecosystems.

Guiding Natural Resource Management with “Big Data.” In Michigan, forests play an important role in the state’s economy as a valued natural resource and as a source of employment and recreation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is concerned that climate change will affect forest growth and productivity by altering the frequency and intensity of forest disturbances such as insect outbreak, invasive species migration, wildfires and storms. Julie Crick, Natural Resources Educator, works closely with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science at Forest Adaption Workshops that focus on modifying traditional forest management decisions to address predicted future climatic conditions. Vernal Pool Patrol. Julie Crick and Nancy Persing, 4-H Coordinator for Roscommon and Crawford Counties, received a grant to partner with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory to host the Vernal Pool Patrol Pilot Project in Roscommon Middle School. “The Vernal Pool Patrol” involves taking students to a vernal pool to conduct scientific monitoring of the unique habitat. The program is designed to teach students about the ecological importance of vernal pools and the organisms that rely on the pool for breeding and habitat. The program took place in May and June 2015, when thirty-six 6th and 7th grade students visited a pair of vernal pools on two separate occasions and gathered data for a statewide database documenting the occurrence and wildlife use of the pools. Students enjoyed the field trip, and demonstrated their new found knowledge by successfully completing a post evaluation designed to test the student’s knowledge of the vernal pool ecosystem. The program will be repeated during the 2015-2016 school year. The Roscommon Vernal Pool Patrol acted as a pilot program for a regional effort to offer

vernal pool monitoring curriculum to K12 in the Northern Lower Peninsula. 4-H Forestry Fun Camp. Julie Crick also worked with 4-H Coordinators in Ogemaw and Alcona Counties to develop curriculum for a 4-H Forestry Camp designed to facilitate youth participants through the steps a forester takes to develop a forest management plan. Two youth from Roscommon County attended the camp held in Ogemaw County. The camp will be repeated next year, and if interest exists, a 4-H Forestry Team may be created to represent Michigan at the 4-H Forestry National Competition.

GREENING MICHIGAN INSTITUTE

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Great Nature Project. Julie Crick hosted a dendrology booth at National Geographic’s Great Nature Project in Gaylord. The event, hosted by the University Center in Gaylord, attracted families from around the state to participate in a bioblitz event designed to catalogue Michigan’s flora and fauna. Information was uploaded to an International Database managed by National Geographic in an effort to document the presence of different species around the world. Julie Crick also served Roscommon and Crawford County residents on the following Natural Resource related projects. Hosted a Firewise Educational Booth at the Firemen’s Memorial Family Night Assisted with Wreath Making Workshop sponsored by the Crawford-Roscommon

Conservation District Participated in Gahagan Nature Center’s Environmental Learning for the Future

Program throughout the 2015 school year Participated in the Gypsy Moth Open House Assisted Roscommon Middle School students with tree planting at Gahagan Nature

Center Participated in Higgins Lake Property Owners Association’s Lake Saver Day Organized and participated in a Forest Management Walk at the Tisdale Triangle

Recreation Area with MDNR, Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District and Roscommon Metropolitan Recreation Authority.

Worked in partnership with the Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District to design and obtain Village permissions to create a community garden (ongoing)

Performed several site visits to small properties to identify and advise landowners about oak wilt in Roscommon and Crawford Counties

Fielded calls on a weekly basis to identify issues with trees and plants for Roscommon and Crawford County residents

Provided advice on Firewise activities to local officials and residents of Roscommon and Crawford Counties

Facilitated a strategic planning meeting for the Roscommon Economic Development Cooperation

Understanding Tourism for Michigan Communities. This workshop was presented on May 8th at the Roscommon Area District Library and attended by residents from Crawford and Roscommon Counties. Participants learn about community based tourism, explore and discuss possibilities, learn how niche tourism markets help to sustain communities, and what strategies to introduce and plan for tourism in their communities.

HEALTH & NUTRITION INSTITUTE

Disease Prevention and Management Saves Lives and Dollars. Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent, costly and preventable of all health issues. Eighty-two percent of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, increasing the financial burden on the health care system. Michigan State University Extension Disease Prevention and Management Programs provide participants with strategies to improve the quality of their diets, manage chronic health conditions and reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes. Access to high-quality and affordable disease prevention and management education, which MSU Extension programs provide, is essential to saving lives, reducing disabilities and lowering the costs of everyone’s medical care. MSUE Educators Gretchen Stelter and Carolyn Penniman provided Chronic Pain PATH and Chronic Diabetes PATH workshops in Crawford and in Roscommon Counties in collaboration with the Commission on Aging. During the series of six classes, participants focused on developing a nutritionally sound diet, exercising, positive emotions, and having an action plan. Over 40% of the participants reported decreased discouragement and frustration, as well as decreased fatigue and shortness of breath after completing the course and implementing the suggested strategies.

Dining With Diabetes. This five session course is designed for people at risk or have diabetes. Four Crawford/Roscommon County residents who completed the class shared that they felt better prepared to mange their diabetes in the kitchen, and felt they had a greater understanding of how a diabetes friendly diet impacts their health.

Building Strong Adolescents. In 2014, these programs reached more than 84,000 adults and youth across the state including participants from Crawford and Roscommon Counties. Parents learn about teenage development and identify ways they can help their teens succeed. Topics included setting limits, using consequences, building independence and encouraging self-esteem, school success and positive friendships. Its goal is to help parents prepare their teens for the future

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In 2010, the

estimated

cost of

diabetes in

Michigan was

$7.2 billion,

including

medical care

and lost

productivity.

The figure is

expects to

triple over the

next 25 years.

Leading a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of developing chronic disease

HEALTH & NUTRITION INSTITUTE

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Stress Less with Mindfulness.1

Four adults from Crawford and Roscommon participated in a

workshop sponsored by the Crawford County Commission on

Aging. This introduction to mindfulness was developed by West

Virginia University Extension. Mindfulness is paying attention in

a particular way: on purpose , in the present moment, and

non-judgmentally. Research has shown that practicing mindfulness

is effective in reducing stress, depression and anxiety. This

workshop was led by MSUE Educator Carolyn Penniman.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education

(SNAP-Ed) provides nutrition education to Bridge card eligible

adults and children. This program focuses on increasing physical

activity and improving dietary quality while stretching food dollars.

The ultimate goal of these programs is to promote healthy weight

maintenance and obesity prevention.

In 2014, MSU Extension Nutrition programs were presented to

387 adults and 74 youth in Roscommon and Crawford Counties.

Interactive lessons over time have proven to result in increasing

dietary quality and increasing physical activity. Across the state

MSUE SNAP-Ed programs reached over 84,000 people.

After completing series presented by MSUE Program Associate,

Nicole Persing-Wethington, participants reported the following

changes:

Youth (preschool through second grade)

93 percent of teachers reported that their students demonstrat-

ed an increased awareness of the importance of good nutrition.

84 percent of teachers reported that their students were willing to try new foods.

73 percent of teachers reported that their students increased

their fruit consumption.

“I learned so much! I didn’t know I could make food myself. My mom always cooks

everything from a box. The food we made in class even tasted better, don’t tell her

though. I never thought about eating healthier before.”

-A.E., Cooking Matters with Teens Participant

HEALTH & NUTRITION INSTITUTE

“The classes helped

everyone realize how

important food is to

their health. The

store tour made a

huge impact too!

Everyone learned

how to read food

labels and apply that

information to what

they bought. I’ve

seen a real change in

the foods the eat.

These classes are a

huge asset.”

-Linda Hogaboom,

Director of

New Beginnings

Drop-in Center

Adults

75 percent of participants demonstrated improvement in one or more nutrition

practices.

50 percent of completing participants reported that they increased their daily

vegetable consumption.

42 percent of completing participants reported that they increased their daily

fruit consumption.

Older adults

51 percent increased their vegetable consumption in a typical day.

47 percent increased fruit consumption in a typical day.

More than one-quarter of older adults increased the time they spend being

physically active on a weekly basis.

“The director of a food bank asked MSU Extension SNAP-Ed to come to a food truck

distribution and handout information about SNAP-Ed classes, recipes, and resources.

She was handing out the packets at the cabbage and onion sections. Many of the

recipients had no idea how to use a cabbage or onions, but they were thrilled to see

the recipes where they could be used. One of the women going through the line told

the volunteers that she did not have any use for the vegetables. The SNAP-Ed instructor

showed her the recipes and gave some examples of simple ways to add them to her

existing recipes. She was thankful, and took the vegetables. The SNAP-Ed instructor

saw the same woman the next week, and the woman thanked her again. She said she

made soup that fed her family for several days, and would not have taken the vegetables

if the instructor hadn't explained how to prepare them. She is now planning to take

another SNAP-Ed class.”

-Excerpt from the state SNAP-Ed report, submitted by the

Crawford/Roscommon County SNAP-Ed Nutrition Instructor

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HEALTH & NUTRITION INSTITUTE

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Highlights of Health and Nutrition Programming in Crawford and Roscommon Counties: Youth Programs: Roscommon: CRAF Center Winter Workshops 4-H Clubs 4-H Summer Recreation Crawford: Show Me Nutrition: Crawford AuSable Daycare and Preschool Cooking Matters with Teens: 4-H Cooking Club Jump into Foods and Fitness: 4-H Day Camps Adult Programs: Roscommon: Eating Right is Basic: R.O.O.C., Inc. Healthy Eating Adds Up: New Beginnings Drop-in Center 10 Tips to a Great Plate: Community Mental Health Eat Healthy, Be Active: Michigan Works WIC Project Fresh Great Start Conference Crawford: TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Healthy Harvest: Commission on Aging Eat Healthy, Be Active: Michigan Works WIC Project Fresh WIC Nutrition Education Classes Programming for Roscommon and Crawford Counties happens with the cooperation of local partners that promote healthy lifestyles, physical activity and good nutrition. Some of those who help make these programs happen are: R.O.O.C., Inc., C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District, New Beginnings Drop-in Center, District Health Department #10, Central Michigan District Health Department, Family Fare, Michigan Works, TOPS, Commission on Aging, Crawford AuSable Daycare and Preschool, Crawford County Collaborative Body, Roscommon County Collaborative Body, and Community Mental Health.

County Support www.msue.msu.edu

Staff Support at MSUE is a benefit to the public by providing the following services:

Soil testing for lawn, gardens and field crops. Our office sold 61 soil test kits in 2014; 42 commercial and 29 home and garden. The

MSU Diagnostic Lab tests the soil and provides recommendations to keep lawns, gardens and crops growing properly.

Insect and Plant Identification – Specimens are brought in, pictures are taken and electronically submitted to the “Ask An Expert”

department on campus and a result is sent back to the customer within 48 hours: https://ask.extension.org

Materials for clients available at www.migarden.msu.edu and the MSU Gardening Hotline staffed by Advanced Master Gardener

Volunteers at 888-678-3464.

msue.msu.edu

Crawford County MSUE

501 Norway St. Suite @2

Grayling, MI 49738

(989) 344-3264

Crystal Barkway, Secretary

Gretchen, Stelter, Extension Educator

(989) 344-3264

stelter@anr.msu.edu

Dee Miller, Extension Educator

(231) 258-3320

mille454@anr.msu.edu

Denise Aungst, Extension Educator

(231) 533-8818

aungstd@anr.msu.edu

Roscommon County MSUE

500 Lake St.

Roscommon, MI 48653

(989) 275-5043

Julie Nordquist, Secretary

Julie Crick, Natural Resources Educator

(989) 275-7179

crickjul@anr.msu.edu

Nancy Persing, 4-H Program Coordinator

(989) 275-7177/(989) 344-3264

persing@anr.msu.edu

Nicole Wethington, SNAP-Ed Instructor

(989) 275-7178

wethingn@anr.msu.edu

Kelley Hiemstra, District Coordinator (989) 345-0692

hiemstra@anr.msu.edu

Cori Courtemanche, District Coordinator Support (989) 345-0692

Courtem4@anr.msu.edu