Luce County program highlights 2018-19
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EmailMichigan State University Extension supports families, youth, community development and more.
Healthy Living in Luce County
New, 4-H Program Coordinator, Jessica Price, was formerly a nutrition instructor. When she changed roles, she was excited to receive the Walmart Healthy Living Grant which allowed her to continue the important work of sharing information on healthy lifestyles with local residents. During the 2017-2018 school year, Jessica worked with Tahquamenon Area Schools to provide nutrition education classes to students in 2nd-5th grades reaching approximately 200 students. These students were engaged in a series of 6 lessons highlighting healthy food choices and daily exercise as a recipe for healthy living. In addition, a Student Leadership Team was formed, comprised of a group of 4 youth in grades 3-5 and 5 youth in grades 7 and up. This team met 11 times from November through May. The main objective of the group was to design and implement a community engagement station at a larger MSU Extension event called Planting Seeds of Knowledge. The youth created a display, designed an obstacle course, perfected smoothie recipes and created a nutrition game – all of which were showcased at the event.
Forest Invasive Species: Eyes on the Forest
Bill Cook, U.P. Forester/Biologist presented on oak wilt detection, prevention, and treatment options at the Three Shores CISMA Spring Partner meeting on May 2, 2018 in Newberry. The disease, not yet in the Eastern U.P. but firewood can easily transit the pathogen. 24 adults were in attendance. Oak wilt identification and control methods were discussed.
Tree Farm Student Field Day
97 students from Eastern Upper Peninsula Schools in grades 4-12 participated in the field day held on September 14, 2018 near Newberry. Students were provided information from both state and private foresters, as well as wildland fire fighters, industry representatives and a local producer/owner to learn about all aspects of forestry, including careers and industry work, in the Upper Peninsula. Topics presented ranged from the importance of planned forest management to a demonstration of how a firewood processor works. Students had the opportunity to operate a timber harvester simulator used to train loggers on the use of the latest harvesting technology.
Planting Seeds of Knowledge
Planting Seeds of Knowledge with 4-H and Friends was a new effort by MSU Extension staff in 2018. The new Seeds event was designed to replace an annual event called Winter Break for Knowledge. Staff reformatted the event – changing the structure of the educational offerings, eliminating the need to preregister as well as any fees. Approximately 150 people attended the event with an additional 50 people volunteering by running stations and helping make the event a success. This event also helped MSU Extension build new relationships and strengthen existing relationships within the community. Some examples of the stations offered includes: Survival Kits with Conservation Officers from MDNR; Plant Life Cycle with DHHS; Bird feeders with CTC; Derby Cars with Boy Scouts; 4-H Obstacle Course and Smoothies.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive and included comments such as: “It was one of your best programs I have ever attended”; “It was the best day of her life!”; “Great new way to attract families and multiple groups and agency involvement. Great job!”; “You always have good programs but this time you outdid yourself.”
