MSU Extension Hillsdale County

Message from the District Director- Mary Bohling

The long-lived, steadfast oak trees found throughout Michigan can live between 100 to 600 years. To thrive, the oak does more than endure change; the oak embraces it by making the necessary adjustments to maintain the lives it supports as well as prepare for new growth. Change is inevitable. Embracing it can lead to growth, resilience,  and transformation. MSU Extension is no exception.

Throughout our 153-year history, we’ve seen lots of changes to our programs, and because of your support, we continue to bring you quality information, whether we must alter the format, content, or the method in which we bring it to you. In 2025, the National SNAP-Ed Program ended. That meant that we had to say goodbye to nearly 100 colleagues and friends here in Michigan. MSUE and families across Michigan felt the loss of the SNAP-Ed Program deeply. But like the mighty oak, MSUE is adapting to the change and continuing to share research-based information through a variety of other programs.

Our resilient staff are working hard to identify emerging issues and ways that we can provide value in the communities we serve. We are seeing individuals and families being strengthened by our health programs for chronic diseases, fall prevention, parenting, and food safety. Adults in various stages of their lives are participating in homeownership and financial webinars such as “Thriving on a Fixed Income” and “Mortgage Foreclosure Basics.”  Farmers and gardeners are benefiting from our programs on disease prevention, invasive species, and nutrient and waste management. Youth are participating in programs such as 4-H, financial literacy, and special interests that make them “Beyond Ready” for their future.

Groups such as non-profits, corporations, and governmental agencies also benefit from Extension’s various educational opportunities. Entire departments in non-profits have taken mental health first aid training. Municipalities are leveraging science-based data on housing, tourism, and data centers from community and economic development tools to assist them in making decisions about how to shape their communities.

Whatever training or information you need to thrive in a changing world, whether you want virtual or in-person programming, it’s very likely that, Extension Does That!

Key Data Points:

646 participants from the county attending programs

209 statewide programs attended by participants from this county

14 Ask Extension questions answered

72,517 participants in community, food, and environment programs from across Michigan

69 client consultations

31 Total Soil Tests Samples processed
23 Commercial and Farm Soil Tests Sampled
8 Homeowner Soil Tests Sampled

6,418 contacts through e-newsletters, and handouts

476 virtual programs related to Financial Education, Food Systems, Water and Environmental Quality, Government and Businesses

157 participants in county agriculture programs

$246.5 billion annual impact of food and agriculture on Michigan’s economy(STATEWIDE)

381 4-H youth enrollments

$51,491.70 4-H volunteer hour value

452 total youth participants

167 4-H volunteers
43 4-H Clubs

20 nutrition and physical activity participants hosted in-county

95 county residents who participated in health and nutrition programs

11,944 people participating in Food Safety programs including ServSafe (Statewide)

Chart on page 4 Title: 2025 4-H Needs Assessment Survey
Text: A total of 659 individuals participated in the statewide survey, including 295 parents/guardians, 231 volunteers, and 37 youth, representing 61 counties. 96 youth participated in dot voting at events.

Title over chart: Top- Priority Life Skills by Percentage
Bar Chart shows Life skills youth want to learn more about:
64% Basic first aid
66% Cooking and meal planning
67% Fixing things around the house
77% Understanding Money & budget

Memorable Moments and Key Quotes from participants:

Environmental Conservation and Agricultural Productivity:

In 2025, the Rainfall Simulator trailer was presented at seven events with 322 participants to encourage discussion about the impact of pasture, crop, and land management on soil health and water quality.

No-till Pumpkin Production:

In late June of 2025, pumpkin growers braved the summer heat to attend the No-Till Pumpkin & Cover Crop Field Day at the farm of the Amish grower-collaborator. The event featured presentations on topics relevant to the pumpkin grower community in southeast Michigan, including weed management, pumpkin disease control, and considerations around cover crop mixtures and cover crop termination. The event concluded with a walk through the demonstration plots where attendees could see the results up close. The group then had lunch and learned about the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program before departing. 

The program had 44 participants.

Exploration Days

In 2025, Hillsdale County sent 28 youth to Michigan State University to attend a three-day pre-college experience called Exploration Days.

Hike With the Hounds

In 2025, we started Hike With the Hounds. This program was in collaboration with the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society and the North Country Trail (Baw Beese Chapter). This program allowed 4-H youth and adults to stop at the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society to check out an adoptable dog for a three-mile hike on the North Country Trail and return the dogs to the shelter when the hike was over. This not only got youth outside and enjoying nature, but it also allowed the shelter dogs some time outside. Because of this event, three dogs were adopted.