MSU Extension Master Gardeners-Oakland County

Four-lined plant bugs are out! These pesky guys seem to favor plants in the mint family. Although unsightly, they can be ignored and their populations will dwindle by mid summer.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/leaf-spot-damage-fourlined-plant-bug-michigan-gardens

Michigan Conservation Stewards Program is back! This program is so popular that Wayne County sold out in minutes. Sign up in your neck of the woods while you still can!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/michigan-conservation-stewards-program-returns-in-2026-with-six-regional-cohorts

Whether you participated in 4-H as a youth, volunteered your time, supported a family member’s projects or simply believe in the power of positive youth development, the Michigan 4-H Alumni & Friends Network is a great way to stay connected. Join this free network to receive updates, learn about opportunities to support Michigan 4-H youth and programs, and connect with others who share a passion for helping young people thrive.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is grateful for the alumni, donors, volunteers and friends whose support helps create life-changing opportunities for 4-H youth across the state. Join today and stay connected by the clover!
Please visit: extension.msu.edu/Michigan4HA&F to get connected.

🌱 It’s World Environment Day!
Celebrate by taking one simple step—plant a pollinator-friendly flower, reduce waste, or conserve water. Small actions can grow into big impact. 🌍

🌷 Oakland Gardener Newsletter: May Articles You'll Love
🍓 Build Your Spring Plate—Michigan Style – Seasonal, local inspiration from the garden to the table.
Article by: Sophia Speroff
Read more: https://conta.cc/4eBQfVS
Want to sign up to receive the Oakland Gardener?
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.......May - Gardening for Health & Wellness......Read Below!
As spring arrives in Michigan, it brings a fresh opportunity to align your meals with both the season and your health goals. One of the simplest, evidence-based ways to do this is by using the MyPlate model, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This visual guide helps individuals build balanced meals by emphasizing proportion, variety, and nutrient density—principles strongly supported by dietitians and public health experts.

At its core, MyPlate encourages a simple but powerful message: make half your plate fruits and vegetables, and divide the remaining half between whole grains and lean protein, with a serving of dairy on the side. This approach supports overall health by promoting fiber, vitamins, minerals, and balanced energy intake.

Half Your Plate: Michigan Spring Vegetables

In Michigan, May is the perfect time to highlight seasonal produce. Filling half your plate with vegetables doesn’t just follow MyPlate guidance—it also takes advantage of peak freshness and nutrition. Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula begin to thrive in cooler spring temperatures, along with radishes and early asparagus.

These vegetables are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin K, folate, and fiber, which support bone health, digestion, and heart health—key priorities for many adults and older populations. Research shows that increasing fruit and vegetable intake is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, reinforcing the MyPlate recommendation to prioritize plant foods.

Add Whole Grains for Lasting Energy

The remaining half of your plate should include grains and protein, with an emphasis on whole grains. MyPlate specifically encourages making at least half of your grains whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, or oats.

Whole grains provide sustained energy and are a key source of fiber, which supports gut health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. In a Michigan spring meal, consider pairing sautéed asparagus and greens with a serving of quinoa or whole grain pasta salad for a balanced, satisfying dish.

Choose Lean Protein Options

Protein is another essential component of a balanced plate. MyPlate encourages varying your protein sources, including lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.

Incorporating plant-based proteins—such as beans or lentils—can be especially beneficial, as they also contribute fiber and important micronutrients. For a Michigan-inspired spring plate, try adding grilled chicken, baked fish, or a chickpea salad alongside your vegetables and grains.

Don’t Forget Dairy (or Alternatives)

A serving of low-fat or fat-free dairy, or a fortified alternative, complements the meal by providing calcium and vitamin D—nutrients essential for bone health. This is particularly important after the long Michigan winter, when vitamin D levels may be lower due to limited sun exposure.

Bringing It All Together

A “Michigan Spring Plate” might look like this:

Half the plate: sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, and fresh radishes on top a salad
One-quarter: quinoa or brown rice
One-quarter: grilled salmon or lentil salad
On the side: low-fat yogurt or fortified plant-based milk
This balanced approach reflects both the science behind MyPlate and the seasonal foods available locally.

Why It Matters

Using MyPlate as a guide simplifies healthy eating without requiring strict calorie counting or complicated rules. It is designed to be flexible, adaptable, and realistic for everyday life. By pairing this framework with Michigan’s seasonal produce, you can enhance both the flavor and nutritional quality of your meals.

Ultimately, building your plate this way supports long-term health—helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases while making the most of fresh, local foods. This spring, let your plate reflect the season: vibrant, balanced, and rooted in simple, evidence-based nutrition.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Oxford Memorial Community Day this past Sunday.

It was truly meaningful to come together in and around Hana’s Memorial Garden for a morning of connection, learning, and shared experiences honoring Hana, Justin, Tate, and Madisyn.

We are grateful to our MSU Extension educators, community partners, and Extension Master Gardener volunteers who helped make this event possible, and to all who participated, supported one another, and contributed to the day.

Thank you for being part of this community. 💚

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/05/25/oxford-community-finds-healing-in-nature-nearly-five-years-after-high-school-shooting/

Photos by C.J. Carnacchio & Hana St. Juliana Memorial Garden

Today kicks off the fall Foundations of Gardening scholarship application period! Spread the word to your gardening friends!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/foundations-of-gardening/scholarships

Join the Michigan State University Extension – Oakland County team and help create unforgettable camp experiences for kids! From outdoor adventures to hands-on learning, you’ll spend your days having fun, building skills, and making a real impact.

Depending on the camp location, you’ll help lead activities like kayaking, archery, golf, gardening, fishing, biking, climbing, orienteering, and more! 🚣‍♀️🎯🌱

Perfect for anyone studying education, environmental science, recreation—or anyone who just loves working with kids and being outdoors!

Make this a summer you’ll actually remember 💚

Camp Website: ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2p9tyzta
Camp Coordinator: https://careers.msu.edu/.../summer-camp-coordinator...
Educational Leader: https://careers.msu.edu/.../summer-camp-educational...
Support Leader: https://careers.msu.edu/.../summer-camp-support-leader...