MSU Extension Lenawee County

A message from the District Director 

The butterfly effect is an idea introduced by Edward Lorenz in the 1960s that small, seemingly insignificant singular events may ultimately lead to much larger outcomes. If taken on their own and independent from others in the community, MSU Extension workshops, programs and publications may seem to impact only
those individuals who experience them first-hand. However, for over 150 years Extension has worked diligently to facilitate community partnerships and coalitions that broaden our education efforts and “Bring Knowledge to Life.” In addition to our county partners, Extension staff throughout District 12 has worked with 123 partners and coalitions in 2023 to expand the reach of our programs and education initiatives. Together, we are creating ripple effects, like the flaps of the butterfly wings, that stretch across the county and beyond. In the 2023 annual report you’ll find success stories, participant feedback, event photos, program metrics and much more about the impact that Extension is making in the lives of friends, family and neighbors in Lenawee County.

MSU Extension Lenawee County 2023 Programs

• 492 programs accessed by residents
• 4716 residents reached
• 15 staff/faculty residents
• 21,935 social media reach

4-H Preparing Children & Youth for the Future 

A local business owner who conducts fused glass workshops for the public recently commented that she loves to hold workshops for 4-H members. “The kids are so polite
and diligent. I only have to give instructions once because they listen so well and get right to work! I enjoy their creativity. They use glass scraps to cut and lay out such wonderful designs. There might be 35 kids here and no two sun catchers look alike. They clean up after themselves better than a lot of my adults!

Lenawee County 4-H Program Numbers

• 1922 4-H youth enrollments
• $70,249 4-H volunteer hour value
• 120 youth programs accessed by residents 
• 4,225 MI Stronger Family total online participants

Improving Health and Nutrition 

Programming is supported through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP–Ed).

• 172 health and nutrition programs offered
• 1636 residents participated 
• 36 SNAP-Ed programs offered
• 775 SNAP-Ed participants