Emmet County MSU Extension

09/17/2026

Mindfulness Pebbles: Principles and Practice is a six-lesson series that introduces the core principles of mindfulness and provides opportunities for experiencing mindfulness practices. We explore each principle and practice as a "mindfulness pebble," a small, intentional drop of awareness that can create meaningful ripples throughout daily life. Each session includes guided exercises, such as mindful breathing, visualization, body scan, thought and emotion practices, and short meditations. The series provides strategies to bring mindfulness into everyday life and build a sustainable personal practice. This series is designed for all experience levels; whether you are new to mindfulness or have an established practice, you are welcome! All practices can be adapted for comfort and ability. This series is on Tuesdays, from October 27th – December 1st, from 10am – 11am. Cost is free! To register go to: https://pears.io/events/msuext/10648/ For questions contact Nicole Persing-Wethington, [email protected], 989-344-3264. For help registering contact Jamie at 989 344 3264, ext 0

09/09/2026

🚨 Are You Ready? 🚨

Emergencies can happen anytime. Be prepared! Join us on Wednesday, September 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET where you'll learn how to stay calm, create a plan, and respond confidently during unexpected situations.

✅ Stay calm under pressure
✅ Make an emergency plan
✅ Build confidence and safety skills

Don't miss this important opportunity to get ready for anything! 💪Register today: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/msu-extension-adulting-101-are-you-ready

09/08/2026

Fall Wellness Series: Changing Negative Self-Talk—Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:30-7:30 PM ET

In this session, you’ll learn about the brain’s natural negativity bias and how it shapes our responses to stress. This is the second in a three-part series. Register once and attend the sessions of your choice. Registration deadline is September 15, 2026.

Registration link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/FallWellness2026/

09/02/2026

Fall is a great time to learn, connect, and grow as a 4-H volunteer! Join us for a Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar in 2026! Whether you're new to volunteering or have years of experience, these webinars offer practical tips and fresh ideas to help you make an even greater impact. View topics and register: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series. We look forward to learning with you online!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series
How to have a Beyond Ready 4-H Club: September 22, 2026
Infusing Positive Youth Development into your 4-H Club: October 27, 2026
Growing Money Skills through 4-H: November 19, 2026

08/06/2026

There are many reasons to shop at your local Farmers Market...here is one of them.

08/05/2026

It's National Farmers Market Week!

08/04/2026

Chronic Pain PATH Telephone Toolkit is a 6-week, self-management workshop designed for people living with chronic pain and their family members, friends, and caregivers. This workshop is free and open to all Michigan adult residents.

Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Sept. 1- Oct. 6, 1:00-2:00 p.m. E.T.

Registration link: https://pears.io/events/msuext/6534/

Registration deadline: Friday, August 28th

Instructor: Naomi Hyso, [email protected]

07/30/2026

Got questions? We've got the experts. Whether it's farming, family or food—you don’t need to be an expert to get expert advice.

Ask An Expert—MSU Extension is here to help. Follow us for weekly questions and answers from REAL people—no AI needed.



Question –“Is it necessary or a good idea to trim onion tops during the growing season?”



Answer – Trimming onion tops during the growing season can have the following effects:

• Encourages stronger root systems when onions develop their first genuine leaf.

• Makes plants stockier and more vigorous at the time of planting.

• Allows for harvesting bulbs when the neck dries and the tops fall over.

• Curing is essential for storing onions.

• Avoid damaging plant roots by removing the tops and roots.

The short answer? It depends on the timing and purpose.

Trimming Seedlings Indoors (Before Transplanting) According to the University of Minnesota Extension, trimming onion seedlings indoors to about 4 inches when they develop their first genuine leaf can:

• Encourage stronger root systems

• Prevent legginess or spindly growth

• Make transplanting easier

• This practice is common among both commercial and home growers, especially when starting onions from seed indoors



Have a question? Ask Extension at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

07/28/2026

07/17/2026

Many of you are asking questions about eating produce exposed to wildfire smoke. Here is a fact sheet from Oregon State University Extension.

Learn the five steps you can take to keep produce safe for consumption during a smoke event due to wildfire.