Michigan State University Extension - Oakland County

Tai Chi for Better SLEEP, Mondays and Wednesdays, July 6-August 26, 12-1:30pm ET
This series combines Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and the Sleep Education for Everyone Program (SLEEP). Tai Chi has been shown to increase strength, improve balance and posture, reduce stress, increase relaxation, and prevent falls.

To register go to https://pears.io/events/msuext/5739/

Safe Food Handling for Food Donations: Basic Training – Monday, June 8, 1 p.m.

Safe Food Handling for Food Donations: Basic Training is designed for food banks, pantries, drives, and other organizations that distribute food to alleviate food insecurity.

https://events.anr.msu.edu/FoodDonationBASIC2026Q1Q2/

These free online workshops provide professional development training hours for early childhood professionals!

Purpose of Play
• Class Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
• Class Time: 7:00PM to 8:30PM
• Registration: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QCXKon3RS_CMbyd6tZZyog

Mindfulness for Children
• Class Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
• Class Time: 1:00PM to 2:30PM
• Registration: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SzbuvByZSUiHi0uuzEycGw

For more information contact Courtney Aldrich at [email protected]

🚚 Thinking about starting a food truck business?

Michigan State University Extension offers a free, self-paced online course to help you turn your idea into a reality!

The course, How to Start a Food Truck Business, is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and covers key topics like:
✔ Developing your concept
✔ Understanding licensing requirements
✔ Planning your menu and operations
✔ Building a solid business foundation

Learn online at your own pace and gain practical guidance. There is no cost to participate.

👉 Get started today: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business

We think you should take a walk 🎶 (with us!)

Join us this Sunday at 10am for Morning Meanderings: Vernal Pool Party, as part of our guided walks series!

Morning Meanderings invite visitors to explore Tollgate Farm in the fresh light of day! While diving into fascinating natural science topics inspired by the season. This month’s topic is vernal pools!

Vernal pools hold winter’s waters just long enough to host an incredible burst of life. Dive into discovery as we explore these temporary wetlands at Tollgate Farm and uncover the surprising plants and animals that rely on them each spring!

The Morning Meanderings program is suitable for participants 3 years old and above.

Cost: $14 per person. Registration is non-refundable.

Register here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/Program-Event-Calendar/guided-walks

Preserving MI Harvest – Thursday, June 11, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Top It Off with Preserved Condiments and Dressings

There's nothing better than homemade condiments to top off your favorite burger or sandwich. Discover some tasty preservation recipes for relishes, mustard, ketchup and more. Also, learn to make flavorful homemade dressings to spice up your salad.
https://events.anr.msu.edu/Preserving2026/

🌿 Michigan State University Extension Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) – 2026 Cohorts Now Open! 🌿

Michigan State University Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) returns this fall for its 20th year, offering six regional cohorts across Michigan for adults passionate about conservation, ecosystems, and hands-on stewardship.

📍 2026 Cohort Locations & Schedules:
• Berrien County – Thursday evenings, 6–9 p.m.
• Macomb County – Wednesday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m.
• Marquette County – Wednesday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m.
• Muskegon County – Tuesday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m.
• Osceola, Lake & Mecosta Counties (combined cohort) – Tuesday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m.
• Wayne County – Thursday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m.

🌱 Program Highlights:
Secure your spot in this 8-week hybrid program featuring:
• Virtual, self-paced lessons
• Weekly in-person evening sessions at local indoor/outdoor sites within your cohort region
• Two Saturday in-person field trips within your region
• An applied Capstone Project focused on restoring and conserving Michigan ecosystems, with guidance from a local mentor

📅 Important Dates:
Registration closes: August 9, 2026
Scholarship opportunities are available for all participants

🔗 Learn more and register: https://canr.msu.edu/csp

🌎 About CSP
The Conservation Stewards Program is an adult education program (18+) offered by Michigan State University Extension in collaboration with diverse conservation partners. CSP is designed for individuals who want to:
• Learn science-based ecosystem management
• Engage in hands-on stewardship efforts
• Share knowledge with their communities
• Help improve local natural areas

❓ Questions or registration help:
• General questions: Shelby Warner – [email protected]
• Berrien County: Amy Gillan – [email protected]
• Macomb County: Angela Scapini – [email protected] or Bindu Bhakta – [email protected]
• Marquette County: Anna Ellis – [email protected]
• Muskegon County: JoAnn Barrett – [email protected]
• Osceola/Lake/Mecosta: Amanda Paige – [email protected]
• Wayne County: Lisa Perez – [email protected] or Bindu Bhakta – [email protected]

This summer, trade screen time for green time. 🌳🌿

There's still time to register for Oakland County Parks' Outdoor Discovery Camps. But don't wait, summer is almost here! https://bit.ly/OCP-Camps

Available at Independence Oaks County Park, Red Oaks Nature Center and Waterford Oaks County Park, each week focuses on a different nature theme with unique daily outdoor activities guided by experienced staff.

Camps will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday the weeks of June 22, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Aug. 3 and 10. Extended, optional child care will be available from 3-5:30 p.m. Depending on the camp location, campers will experience a variety of outdoor recreation experiences like kayaking, archery, golf, gardening, fishing, biking, climbing, orienteering and more. Outdoor Discovery Camps are offered in partnership with Michigan State University Extension - Oakland County.

Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for more information or call Chief of Nature and Outdoor Education Ashlie Smith at 248-705-7212 for questions.

Oakland County MSU Extension is hiring!

Farm Manager at Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks

The Farm Manager position brings demonstrated agricultural expertise, hands-on farm management ability, and a genuine commitment to public engagement and educational mission in a dynamic, community-centered environment.

View full description and apply at: http://careers.msu.edu - Search for posting 1131472 using the Job Search field.

Application Deadline is June 2, 2026.

Oakland County MSU Extension is hiring!

Tollgate Farm Manager

As a key member of the Tollgate leadership team, you will provide comprehensive oversight of farm operations, facilities, equipment, and grounds. This includes managing the daily operations of a working educational farm and ensuring that all physical assets of the farm are maintained, safe, and fully functional to support educational programming, agricultural production, events, and community use.

View full description and apply at: http://careers.msu.edu - Search for posting 1131466 using the Job Search field.

Application Deadline is June 2, 2026.