Manistee County MSU Extension

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

It’s Firewood Month: Help protect Michigan’s trees by leaving firewood at home

More than half of Michigan is forested – with an estimated 14 billion trees! Trees are part of every landscape we enjoy, from fall-hued forests to river corridors to shady sidewalks and parks. Making safe, informed firewood choices helps to protect the diversity and health of Michigan’s forest resources.

Learn more about protecting trees from invasive species at Michigan.gov/DontMoveFirewood.

10/18/2026

Learn about Michigan’s inland lakes online from MSU Extension

Registration is now open for the award-winning Introduction to Lakes Online course from Michigan State University Extension! Offered once a year, this six-week online class is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of inland lakes including lakefront property owners, concerned residents, local leaders, and decision-makers.

The 2027 program begins January 26 and runs through March 19. The registration deadline is January 29, 2027. The cost of the course is $115 per person, with an early bird rate of $95 available through January 8, 2027. A limited number of scholarships are available. Current individual members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association are eligible to receive a $95 reimbursement upon their first successful completion of the course.

Ready to dive in? Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.

10/17/2026

Cafecito con Pan: The Importance of Latino Participation in the Democratic Process

Join us for a community conversation featuring Oscar Castañeda, MI Poder Lansing Regional Coordinator.
Together, we'll explore the importance of Latino civic engagement, community participation, and the role our voices play in strengthening democracy. Bring your questions, experiences, and perspectives as we learn from one another in a welcoming space for dialogue and connection.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
6 p.m. ET
Language: Spanish (Introductory slides and resources will be available in both English and Spanish).
Zoom: https://msu.zoom.us/j/96337262938
Guest Speaker: Oscar Castañeda, MI Poder Lansing Regional Coordinator
Grab your cafecito and join us as we connect, learn, and grow together!

10/16/2026

Learn more about the upcoming year of 4-H in Manistee County on Tuesday, October 20.

The October Meeting of the Manistee 4-H Livestock Council is Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM (EST) at the Manistee County Road Commission (8964 Chippewa Hwy, Bear Lake, MI).

We will be reviewing and discussing the proposed changes to the Manistee 4-H Livestock Council's By-Laws. You can review the current proposed changes by visiting: https://www.manistee4hlivestockcouncil.org/about

New Council Members and 4-H Youth Representatives will be voted in at this meeting. For more information, visit: https://www.manistee4hlivestockcouncil.org/become-a...

Submit any additional proposed bylaw changes and Prospective Candidate forms to 4-H Program Coordinator Ali Ballard at [email protected].

There will be time allotted for Public Comment at the beginning and at the end of the meeting. There is a 5-minute time limit for individuals and a 10-minute total time limit for an assembly of individuals representing a group or organization. The remainder of the meeting is for Council/Committee business and we ask that our guests refrain from interruption. At the close of the meeting, the President will address guests and ask for any concluding comments, and we ask that the same limitations are honored.

Thank you.
~Manistee 4-H Livestock Council

10/16/2026

Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow. October 16 is World Food Day.

Learn more at https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en

10/15/2026

Serving Up Food Safety Monday, Oct. 26, at noon

Butter Up! Creating Sweet Fruit Spreads
Fruit butters add rich flavor and natural sweetness to a wide variety of dishes! Join us to learn how to make and safely preserve these delicious, smooth spreads at home.
www.canr.msu.edu/events/serving-up-food-safety2026

10/14/2026

Want to make your 4-H club even better? Join us October 27 at noon for Infusing Positive Youth Development into Your 4-H Club! Get fresh ideas to build belonging, encourage youth voice, and help your members become Beyond Ready!

More information and Registration: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series.

10/13/2026

Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting

Are you wondering how to gain greater cooperation from your children? Struggling with chores or routines? Not sure how to handle discipline issues? Join us for this five-week parenting education series for parents with children of all ages will explore developing routines, emotional control, rules, and relationships, and being a calm, assertive parent. Certificates of attendance are available.

Register using the QR code or by visiting https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOUJg8zZGkm98AC.

10/12/2026

Join us in this global adventure!

By opening your home, you’re not just changing an international student’s life — you’re enriching your own. Hosting an exchange student is an experience your family will never forget.

Learn more at www.states4hexchange.org.