Michigan State University Extension

It's International Yoga Day!

You can practice yoga anywhere, any time that works for you, using our library of tutorials. This form of exercise can be adjusted to fit your comfort and skill level.

Save this video, '15-Minute Desk Decompress,' for your next workday, or follow MI Health Matters on YouTube for more.

15-Minute Desk Decompress: Gentle Midday Stretch with Angela Join Angela Maniaci, Fitness and Wellbeing Coordinator with Michiga...

“I saw firsthand that many families faced language and systemic barriers that limited access to Extension programs,” Paty Monterrosa said. “I thought I would extend all the existing powers, knowledge and resources of MSU Extension in ways that are culturally and linguistically responsive.”

Monterrosa, an Extension educator in Ingham County, is the driving force behind Chispa 4-H. In Spanish, chispa means spark. That's exactly what Monterrosa does when working with youth - creating culturally responsive spaces where emerging adults and teens can discover their passions, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. The intention of the space is designed so that any youth can find their spark.

Our Extension Master Gardeners play a key role in the success of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival every year.

After the lilac festival ends, a team of 28 volunteers from across the state travel to the island to prune the shrubs, which ensures the best blooms for the next year.

The festival is also the island's unofficial start of the season. With thousands coming to the island during this time, Extension Master Gardeners are invaluable to the 10-days long festival's success and that of the summer tourism season.

But before there were Extension Master Gardeners on the island, the tourism bureau had a pest problem threatening the health of their century-old shrubs. Fortunately, they knew who to call when they had questions about what to do.

Watch our video for the full story:

A Second Bloom: Preserving Mackinac Island's Lilacs Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau was notified by one of their staff t...

Under our previously offered SNAP-Ed program, educator Yesenia Velasco worked with Breton Green Village Apartments in Grand Rapids to purchase exercise equipment for the elderly residents living there. They learned how to confidently use the equipment on their own or in a class setting. The results are healthier, more active residents, and the on-site staff can provide the programming required for their facility. One resident even said they don't have to use their walker anymore, thanks to this partnership with Breton Green Village and MSU Extension.

You can hear from staff and a few of the tenants in our feature video.

Supporting Healthy Aging Through Accessible Fitness Michigan State University Extension helped Breton Green Village Apa...

Supporting Michigan farmers means more than helping with crops and livestock.

Today, members of the MSU Extension team testified before a Michigan House subcommittee to discuss the impact of farm stress programming and the importance of supporting the people who keep Michigan agriculture strong.

We're proud to share the stories, challenges, and successes of the communities we serve.