MSU UPREC welcomes student field trips for spring 2026
Print
EmailKindergarten through high school students from multiple Michigan counties participated in a variety of activities led by UPREC staff.
In May, Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) hosted 253 students from six schools in Marquette, Alger and Mackinac counties for farm field trips.
Ranging from kindergarten through high school, students participated in hands-on activities at both the UPREC North and South Farms, gaining a deeper understanding of Upper Peninsula agriculture and food systems.
Farm field trips offer students the opportunity to learn more about careers in agriculture and natural resources, better understand local food systems and sustainable agriculture, and to spend time learning outdoors.
MSU Extension staff and volunteers shared multiple interactive lessons on local history, ecology, conservation efforts and agricultural practices. Students were introduced to the farm’s beautiful acreage and greeted by grazing cattle on “The People Mover” wagon ride with Farm Manager Paul Naasz and drivers Andy Bahrman and Darin Tyner.
Through the “Every Tree for Itself” activity, learners were challenged with realistic tree health and nutrient scenarios, led by Anna Ellis and Tyreen Prunick. UPREC Director James DeDecker and Sydney Fayton let the students get their hands dirty with a lesson on judging soil composition and texture by feel.
Miranda Fletcher facilitated the “Three Sisters” lesson highlighting the traditional Indigenous agricultural method of planting corn, beans and squash together as companion plants.
During the “Pollinator Relay Race,” Lucy DeDecker, Peyton Wensaut and Abby Owen taught students about pollinators and the important role they play in supporting agriculture and healthy ecosystems.
The “Integrated Pest Management Scavenger Hunt” run by Al Bussler, tasked students with scouting for insects and identifying different types to make informed integrated pest management decisions. Abbey Palmer guided students on a nature walk throughout the farm, discussing the important roles of “pest” species such as barn swallows and ground squirrels.
Students also took a walk down memory lane, as Brian Wibby led a memory game with historic kitchen and culinary tools from days gone by. Rene Sanderson concluded the day with one of the students’ favorite activities- food sampling! Students tasted a combination of Yooper favorites and locally grown food products, including Foolazul Hot Sauce, Yooper Sisters Artisan Thimbleberry Jam, Moonlight Medows Strawberry Rhubarb Jam and Cherry Bay Orchards dried fruit.
It was a delight to host groups from Bothwell, Burt Township, Gwinn, Graveraet, Ishpeming and Three Lakes this spring. A special thank you to Growing UP Agriculture Association, MSU UPREC staff and our Extension volunteers for making this field trip season possible. We look forward to strengthening community connections through future school field trips as we continue to learn and grow together!
