National Urban Extension Conference

Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you.

While we may not be exploring galaxies, we do have ONE WEEK until NUEC 2026 officially kicks off!

In the meantime, we want to hear from you: what are you most excited about at the conference? Comment below! ⬇

✨ Keynote Speakers
✨ Breakout Sessions
✨ Regional Meetings
✨ Urban Extension Field Tours
✨ Networking
✨ Discovering Detroit

We are excited to see you in 2 WEEKS for the 2026 National Urban Extension Conference!

If you forgot to register, do not fear---onsite registration is available. We hope you can attend and look forward to an incredible conference!

Coney Island: The Story of a Rivalry

In 1917, Gust Keros established his permanent residence on Lafayette after operating a successful hot dog cart. The name: American Coney Island, now nationally-known. Seven years later, his brother did the same, opening not just a new restaurant but an invigorating tale. Two Coney Islands, two different recipes, one family rivalry. On which side do you stand?

Be sure to let us know during your time in Detroit by commenting below ⬇

We are THREE WEEKS away from NUEC and can’t wait to welcome you to Detroit!

As a reminder, pre-registration closes this Sunday, April 26th. Register today to lock in the best rate.

Surround yourself with creativity at Pewabic Pottery, one of Detroit’s most unique cultural destinations. Explore this National Historic Landmark and discover over 120 years of ceramic artistry through its on-site museum, working studio, and gallery. Try your hand at a tile glazing workshop, dive into hands-on classes, or simply stroll the space and shop beautifully handcrafted pieces made right on site. Whether you’re looking to learn, create, or explore, Pewabic offers an experience that truly brings art to life 🎨

Step into the sound of Detroit at Third Man Records, a one-of-a-kind destination founded by Jack White. This Cass Corridor space goes beyond a typical record store—featuring a vinyl pressing plant, mastering studio, live performance space, and unique record booth experiences all under one roof. Explore the novelties lounge, browse exclusive releases, or even take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how records are made. It’s an immersive stop where music history and innovation come together 🎶

Welcome Back, Baseball! ⚾

Eager to catch a game during your time in Detroit? If so, you're in luck! Swing by Comerica Park as the Detroit Tigers host the Toronto Blue Jays from May 15-17, 2026. It'll be a grand time, so step up to the plate and make the most of your visit to Detroit!

The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the nation’s premier art museums, home to a world-class collection that spans centuries and cultures. From the iconic Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera to rotating exhibitions and engaging programs, the DIA offers something for everyone—whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a meaningful way to spend an afternoon. 🎨✨

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀

Did you know that Detroit has a rich Irish heritage? To celebrate, for the past 68 years, the United Irish Societies, made up of 35 Irish organizations across Metro Detroit, has hosted a St. Patrick's Parade. The parade traces its steps through Corktown, Detroit's oldest surviving neighborhood, named after County Cork, an Irish county that was the original home of the Irish who settled in Detroit. In fact, the Irish were the largest ethnic group of newcomers to the Detroit area, making this parade a true testament to the Irish strength within the city.

Photo and Information Credits: Detroit St. Patrick's Parade

Our last stop features sites that highlight how Detroiters are using agriculture, food processing, and art to enhance communities:

Stop 1: Farm City Detroit (FCD) is a beautiful, volunteer-led farm that revitalized vacant lots into flourishing gardens, emphasizing community, education, and healthy food access. Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Master Gardeners partner with Detroit Blight Busters to manage FCD.

Stop 2: The Detroit Partnership in Food, Learning, and Innovation (DPFLI) is MSU's urban agriculture center. This 3.3-acre farm managed by MSUE is a hub for research, education, and community engagement, and is a leader in urban fruit management with over 50 fruit and nut crops.

Stop 3: The Brightmoor Artisans Collective (BAC) fosters an equitable, resilient, and sovereign local food system for the benefit and wellness of all Brightmoor residents. BAC integrates food provisioning, business incubation, and programs to educate and train residents to be more self-reliant and able to thrive. MSUE has partnered with BAC on food preservation, cooking, food safety and youth programs.

We can't wait to see in you two months for an exciting adventure at NUEC 2026!