MSU Extension Arenac County

A message from the District Director

This annual report is a summary of the work that MSU Extension has done in Arenac County to help people improve their lives through an educational process that brings the vast knowledge and resources of Michigan State University to local communities in northeast Michigan. In the following pages, you will discover the stories of progress, resilience, and empowerment that have defined our engagement with individuals, families, and organizations across District 4. From cultivating sustainable agriculture practices to nurturing the potential of our youth through 4-H programs, each achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our communities. We could not do this work without local partners in community government, local volunteers and supporters, or people who turn to us for the information and education that we provide. Please continue to use us as a resource for information and ask us questions. Thank you for your support in 2023 and beyond.

Impact at a glance

• 135 programs attended by Arenac County residents
• 11 soil samples from Arenac County processed
• 11 health & wellness program participants
• 45 residents attended food safety programs
• 41 residents served by SNAP-Ed 
• 207 natural resources program participants
• 96 agriculture program participants
• 415 youths enrolled in 4-H
• 500 total Arenac County residents participated in MSU Extension programming in 2023

Program highlights

Stewardship of natural resources

Our natural resources programs improve public understanding, help landowners and communities use those assets for sustainable long-term social and economic development and conserve natural resources for future generations. In 2023, 207 Arenac County residents participated in local and regional natural resources programs and workshops- including a Saginaw Bay-focused session, part of the Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops.

In the 2022-2023 school year, 74 students and 3 educators from Au Gres-Sims Middle/High School were engaged in Great Lakes and natural resources stewardship
programs. In the 2023-2024 school year, 94 students and 4 educators from Au Gres-Sims Elementary and Middle/High School were engaged in Great Lakes and natural resources stewardship programs. 

Health & Nutrition 

Through MSU Extension’s nutrition and physical activity programming, Michigan adults, families, and children gain crucial knowledge about nutrition and
healthy foods, increase their daily activity, and improve their food security. In 2023, 52 Arenac County residents participated in 35 health and nutrition programs.

Agriculture & Agribusiness

The agriculture industry is developing and growing, contributing more than $104.7 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. MSU Extension works to increase farm success through workforce development opportunities, protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new markets, and advancing agriculture through applied research. In 2023, 96 residents from Arenac County participated in agriculture and agribusiness programs.

Children & Youth

Michigan 4-H is growing current and future leaders. The largest youth development organization in Michigan, 4-H provides thousands of young people with experiential learning opportunities to explore new interests and discover their passion. While learning about the world around them, youth gain valuable life skills such as responsibility, citizenship, teamwork, and problem solving. In 2023, 305 Arenac County youth participated in 26 programs.