Otsego County Program Highlights 2018
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EmailFor the program highlights: MSU Extension made a difference in the lives of Otsego County residents through educational programs and resources.
Supporting Family Health & Nutrition
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs reached 284 county residents this year! 136 youth participated in a multiple session series of nutrition lessons. 148 adults participated in a one-time lesson on health lifestyle choices. SNAP-Ed shows adults and children:
- How to make the most of their food dollars
- Skills such as menu planning
- How to understand recipes
- Food safety and food preparation.
Encouraging Otsego Youth
Community Partnerships are strong in Otsego County. In January, we were able to kick off the first 4-H Archery Program in our county. With funding assistance from the O.W.L.S. we held the first archery meet at "The Vault." They very generously provided space for our kids to have their first few practice shoots. We started with four youth and four adults. In May, we moved to Jay's Sporting Goods where they also very generously provided the space for us. We increased our participants to eleven with two, adult 4-H archery instructors. 97 youth and 37 adults participated in 4-H programs this year in Otsego county.
Agriculture & Agribusiness
During the past year, Otsego County MSU Extension provided farm support and education through individual consultation, workshops, research opportunities, evaluation of practices, articles and webinars. Topics included the impact of milking procedures on cows, disease control, finance, management, breeding readiness, employee management and dealing with farm stress.
Master Gardeners
The Alpine Master Gardeners Association is a group of MSU Extension certified Master Gardeners in Otsego county who provide opportunities throughout the year of education. In 2017, their 49 members accumulated over 470 educational hours and contributed over 1,330 volunteer hours in our community. Advanced Master Gardeners around the state answer questions, identify plants and pest problems, and help residents understand their pest control options.
Keeping People Healthy
Social and emotional health and well being involves the social, mental, psychological and spiritual aspects of an individual's life across the lifespan. Throughout the year, MSU Extension educators have taught classes to county residents to keep them healthy. The classes taught were Nurturing Parenting, Positive Discipline, Anger Management, Bullying, Building Strong Adolescents, Diabetes and A Matter of Balance.
Making the Most of our Natural Resources
Our programs help residents become better stewards of their land and protect land management opportunities for future generations. Julie Crick, natural resources educator conducted a clean water presentation to 331 eighth grade students at the Conservation Day in September at the Groen Nature Preserve. She serves on the steering committee for the National Geographic Bio Blitz at Aspen Park, and is an active partner with the Forestry Assistance Program for the Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development.
