Kalkaska County MSU Extension

10/07/2026

10/01/2026

Across Michigan, MSU Extension connects residents with university expertise and practical, research-based resources for some of life’s biggest decisions — and lots of everyday ones, too.

09/30/2026

'Tis the season of prepping gardens for winter and planning next year’s!

Save this post for later and share with a friend who could use the reminder.

09/29/2026

Looking for better plant choices near the water?

A new MSU Extension article highlights alternatives to several invasive plant species, including aquatic and lakeside plants that can affect Michigan waters. Earlier this summer, water hyacinth and water lettuce became prohibited from sale in Michigan. Both can form dense mats, block sunlight, reduce water flow, and negatively affect other aquatic species.

The article also points to alternatives for purple loosestrife, an invasive aquatic perennial that can take over lakeside habitats and replace native species. Suggested alternatives include plants such as swamp loosestrife, Missouri ironweed, marsh blazing star, queen of the prairie, pickerelweed, American white waterlily, water shield, pond-lilies, and floating pondweed.

Whether you manage a water garden, shoreline planting, or lakeside landscape, choosing lower-risk alternatives is one way to help protect Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Read the full MSU Extension article here: https://msu-prod.dotcmscloud.com/news/alternatives-to-newly-restricted-invasive-plant-species

09/25/2026

🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2027 MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program!

Whether you're a new or experienced zoning administrator, planner, consultant, or local official, the ZAC Program provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to reduce legal risk, improve day-to-day decision-making, and confidently administer local zoning.

Choose the location that works best for you:
📍 Bay City | February 11–12, 2027
📍 Crystal Mountain | March 4–5, 2027
The hybrid program includes:
✅ Live Zoom instruction
✅ Self-paced online learning
✅ Two days of in-person, hands-on training
Since 2009, hundreds of Michigan planning and zoning professionals have completed this award-winning program to strengthen their communities and build confidence in their roles. Space is limited to 60 participants at each location, so early registration is encouraged.

🔗 Register today, see link below 👇

09/24/2026

Starting in October, the Wild Spartans Series is back! Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! Follow along as we climb through bogs, peer into bear dens, mist net songbirds, snorkel for fish, or perhaps even tag deer. Meet natural resources professionals, learn about their field work, and the education and career path they've followed to get there. Monthly Sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm EST starting in October. Each 30-60 minute session will feature 1-2 guest speakers. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A with scientists. This free virtual series is open to 4-H and non-4-H youth ages 12-19 years.

Pre-registration is required, see link in comments 👇

09/23/2026

MSU Extension releases new course on sustainable Christmas tree production
Michigan State University Extension is pleased to offer a new online course designed to teach all aspects of sustainable Christmas tree production. The course is called Sustainable Christmas Tree Production and is designed for new Christmas tree growers, but experienced growers will also benefit.

Read More, Link in comments 👇

09/22/2026

More than 700 elk call Michigan’s Pigeon River Country State Forest home, and the DNR has designated 13 viewing areas where visitors can safely observe these majestic animals during their most active season.