MSU Extension Marquette County

A message from the District Director

Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters and create many ripples.” MSU Extension acts as a catalyst for lasting change across the Upper Peninsula and beyond, reaching all ages and communities. Our programs support youth, farmers, older adults, and local economies, making a broad impact. For over 100 years, MSU Extension has partnered with organizations to bring Michigan State University’s knowledge to our communities, amplifying our collective impact. Together, we achieve more than any single entity could alone. I’ve been with MSU Extension for nine years, first as a Health Educator and now as District Director for the Eastern Upper Peninsula. I look forward to continuing our work and exploring new ways to collaborate and create positive ripples of impact in Marquette County and beyond.
- Erin Daines, District 2 Director. 

Impact at a glance

• 274 extension programs including Marquette residents
• 2,651 Marquette residents attended extension programs
• 46 extension programs held in the county
• 2,304 people attended programs held in the county 
• 66 extension educators, specialists, and program staff reported data for Marquette County
• 55 County direct one-to-one education contact
• 13 Lawn & Garden Hotline Calls Answered 
• 21 Marquette County residents participated in the Ag for Tomorrow Conference
• 218 youth enrolled in county 4-H 
• 1,162 4-H youth participants
• 257 SNAP-ED in person participation
• 16 Extension partnerships
• 78 participants with 1 on 1 education 

4-H 2023 Recap

Marquette County had a wonderful group of youth, teen counselors, adult volunteer, and our program coordinator attend U.P. 4-H Camp at Clear Lake Education Center nestled in a lush forest off the grid during the three days youth were at camp. The camper’s participated in a clue challenge, a dance, arts & crafts, apple play, canoeing, campfire time (skits, songs & smores), ice cream making, introduction to coding, iPad: nature sketching, learning financial literacy through a money carnival, nature hikes, team sports, scavenger hunts, shooting sports (archery & BB guns), swam, and more - all while learning new skills and making new friends. We ended with awards and a slideshow!

2023 Collegiate 4-H: Northern Michigan University Partners with MSU Extension

Collegiate 4-H student organization with Northern Michigan University (NMU) is one of two offered in the entire state. NMU Collegiate 4-H has allowed NMU students who were in 4-H as youth to reconnect with the program as adults. It has also encouraged students who are still of membership age to connect with 4-H in a new way and remain connected at their home county level, too. So far, we have six members attending meetings and seven additional who have expressed interest in the club and plan to register - these are students who are new to 4-H. 

Read the full report for more information on Marquette County in 2023!