MSU Extension Washtenaw County

Message from the District Director- Mary Bohling

The long-lived, steadfast oak trees found throughout Michigan can live between 100 to 600 years. To thrive, the oak does more than endure change; the oak embraces it by making the necessary adjustments to maintain the lives it supports as well as prepare for new growth. Change is inevitable. Embracing it can lead to growth, resilience,  and transformation. MSU Extension is no exception.

Throughout our 153-year history, we’ve seen lots of changes to our programs, and because of your support, we continue to bring you quality information, whether we must alter the format, content, or the method in which we bring it to you. In 2025, the National SNAP-Ed Program ended. That meant that we had to say goodbye to nearly 100 colleagues and friends here in Michigan. MSUE and families across Michigan felt the loss of the SNAP-Ed Program deeply. But like the mighty oak, MSUE is adapting to the change and continuing to share research-based information through a variety of other programs.

Our resilient staff are working hard to identify emerging issues and ways that we can provide value in the communities we serve. We are seeing individuals and families being strengthened by our health programs for chronic diseases, fall prevention, parenting, and food safety. Adults in various stages of their lives are participating in homeownership and financial webinars such as “Thriving on a Fixed Income” and “Mortgage Foreclosure Basics.”  Farmers and gardeners are benefiting from our programs on disease prevention, invasive species, and nutrient and waste management. Youth are participating in programs such as 4-H, financial literacy, and special interests that make them “Beyond Ready” for their future.

Groups such as non-profits, corporations, and governmental agencies also benefit from Extension’s various educational opportunities. Entire departments in non-profits have taken mental health first aid training. Municipalities are leveraging science-based data on housing, tourism, and data centers from community and economic development tools to assist them in making decisions about how to shape their communities.

Whatever training or information you need to thrive in a changing world, whether you want virtual or in-person programming, it’s very likely that, Extension Does That!

Key Data Points:

6,400 participants from the county attended programs

537 4-H youth enrollments

454 Ask Extension questions answered

332 volunteers serving in county

21 community coalitions within the county that MSU Extension employees are members of

56 Partnerships within this county

841 statewide programs attended by participants from this county

788 client consultations

10 Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy System and Environmental sites receiving PSE education within the county

44 policy, systems, and environmental changes with those PSE sites

405,711 contacts through social media, web activity, articles, radio e-newsletters, and handouts in this county

227 counseling hours for Washtenaw County MSU Product Center clients

72,517 participants in community, food, and environment programs from across Michigan

380 soil test samples processed

6,400 participants attending programs hosted in the county

476 virtual programs statewide related to Financial Education, Food Systems, Water and Environmental Quality, Government and Businesses

$246.5 Billion annual impact of food and agriculture on Michigan’s economy

436 participants in county agriculture programs

66 clients serviced in this county from the MSU Product Center

$3,930,602 Annual Sales in this county from MSU Product Center clients

217 4-H Volunteers

$71,328 4-H volunteer hour value

3,643 total Washtenaw County youth participating in statewide programs

13,661 total volunteers statewide

3,042 youth participants in programs hosted in the county

648 nutrition and physical activity participants hosted in-county

1,080 county residents who participated in health and nutrition programs

291 people participating in Food safety programs including ServSafe in Washtenaw County

Memorable Moments and Key Quotes from participants:

More Than a Treat: How One Partnership Funded 12 Futures

The 2025 generous donation from the Saline Area Lions Club made it possible to provide 12 scholarships rather than our usual 6-8 scholarships to Washtenaw County 4-H seniors.

From Quiet to Confident: Empowering Youth to Speak, Lead & Succeed!
Over the past year, Washtenaw County 4-H has prioritized helping youth build confidence and strengthen public speaking skills—essential tools for success in school, careers, and everyday life. By intentionally embedding communication and leadership opportunities into programming, 4-H is ensuring youth are “Beyond Ready” for whatever comes next.

Six Years Later: The Lasting Impact of Parenting Education

Quote from Participant
“You changed my whole family. You gave me my life, my family, my freedom, because I can sleep, I can breathe.”

Reducing Food Waste, Increasing Impact and Maximizing Safety

Quote from Participant
“Thank you for the training and for all the handouts. In particular, the “quality vs. safety” and “shelf stable food storage” info sheets are great and will be very helpful for volunteers and staff in our food pantry.”

Building Healthier Plates Through Nutrition Education

One participant shared how impactful this visual guidance was, noting that the model revealed an imbalance in their diet—highlighting a reliance on carbohydrates with limited protein and few fruits. As a vegetarian, the participant was especially interested in identifying accessible, plant-based protein options. Through the program, they were introduced to nutrient-rich choices such as beans, peas, and lentils, many of which were incorporated into featured recipes.

Washtenaw MSU Extension Master Gardener Program

The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program (EMG) offers comprehensive horticulture education & leadership training for volunteers passionate about making a difference in Michigan communities. Volunteers in this program are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through horticulture and beautifying neighborhoods across the state.

Finance and Homeownership
Money and housing can be stressful for everyone. MSU Extension delivers impactful, research-based financial education, strengthening community resilience in Washtenaw County.