Washtenaw County Annual Report 2023
DOWNLOADMay 14, 2024
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EmailA 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, over the last 150+ years, MSU 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, MSUE staff throughout District 12, 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. Inside you’ll find 2023 success stories, participant feedback, event photos, program metrics and much more about the impact that MSU Extension is making in the lives of friends, family and neighbors in Washtenaw County.
Impact at a glance
- 852 programs accessed by residents
- 7,491 residents reached or attended programs
- 209 staff/faculty residents
- 4,744 social media reach
4-H youth program
Many people think 4-H is just for kids who live on farms or those interested in raising and selling animals – but that’s not true! Offering a diverse range of topics and interest areas, 4-H is the Largest youth development organization in Michigan. Each year thousands of young people explore what interests and excites them as they grow through Michigan 4-H.
- 464 4-H program participants
- $48,541.50 4-H volunteer hour value
- 75 youth programs accessed by residents
- 106 child & family development classes offered
Improving health & nutrition
When it comes to nutrition and physical activity, MSU Extension's team of experts brings evidence-based education into communities across the state. Our staff delivers educational programming to communities and helps create lasting healthy changes, from kitchen tables
to school cafeterias. Programming is supported through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program– Education (SNAP–Ed).
- 75 SNAP-Ed programs hosted in-county
- 393 residents participated in health & nutrition programs
- 99 food safety programs offered
- 48 Servsafe certificates earned
Enhancing agriculture & agribusiness
MSU Extension educators in the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute work with farms of all sizes helping to positively impact individual farming operations. When those individual operations do well, their success helps to fuel state and local economies.
- 83 soil tests distributed in 2023
- 387 residents accessed ag programs
- $32,245 volunteer hours equivalent
- 437 "Ask Extension" questions answered
Fostering strong communities
- 360 jobs created or retained statewide
- 595 contact hours of community programs
- 210 community programs accessed by residents
- 141 participants in community programs
