MSU Extension Livingston 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:

2,172 participants from the county attending programs

489 4-H enrolled youth

268 staff/faculty residing in Livingston County

72,517 participants in Community, Food and Environment programs (STATEWIDE)

464 Statewide programs attended by participants from this county

313 client consultations

292 nutrition and physical activity participants hosted in the county

3,939 contacts through social media, web activity, e-newsletters, and handouts

213 Ask Extension questions answered

295 total volunteers

50 Master Gardener Volunteers

209 Total soil test samples processed

1,310 Master Gardener Volunteer Hours completed

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

$43,191 Master Gardener hour value for Livingston*

*Calculated at $32.97/hour Michigan rate

142 participants in county agriculture programs

275 4-H volunteers

4,534 MI Stronger Family total online participants (STATEWIDE + beyond)

$90,392.50 Total 4-H volunteer hour value *

*Calculated at $32.97/hour Michigan rate x 10 hours/ volunteer x # of volunteers

1068 Total children and youth program participants

Chart on page 8 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:

LACASA Garden- Second Year Growing Fresh Herbs and Produce-

Memorable moments: The success of this partnership was shared at the Livingston County United Way/ Hunger
Council yearly “Spirit of the Community” and volunteer recognition breakfast for the whole community to hear.

Great Start Family Coalition Picnic Partnership-

Memorable quote: “Your bird-themed craft added such a meaningful and creative touch to the evening. It was
wonderful to see families engaged, especially with how well your activity tied into the StoryWalk book, I am a
Bird. Your presence helped bring the story to life and created a special moment for many of our littles and their grown-ups. We truly appreciate your partnership and the time and energy you bring to supporting
families in Livingston County. We hope to collaborate again soon!” – Family Liaisons for Great Start Livingston

Your Money, Your Goals: Focusing on the Disabled Community-

The Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML) staff expressed significant enthusiasm for the training, indicating a high demand for the 'Your Money, Your Goals' curriculum and its application, and they also expressed a strong interest in receiving training on the 'Get Ready, Get Set, Get Going' program, which is specifically designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This teaching and engagement will create a ripple effect, empowering DNWML staff to disseminate financial literacy skills within their community.

Livingston Conservation District Partnership- 

This was a successful event for both Livingston County 4-H and the Livingston Conservation District. These kinds of partnerships are what make MSU Extension and our partners stronger. When we work together, we can have a bigger impact and build stronger communities. We look forward to continuing this partnership and finding more ways we can support each other.