Director’s update

Mileage allowance reduction

Gail Vanderstoep appointed to state committee

International experiences

Buhler named associate director of MAES

Woodward retires from MAES

Schutzki awarded L.C. Chadwick Award

Frasher awarded Open Doors Volunteer Award

Poultry specialist Cal Flegal returns for one-year appointment

4-H'ers part of fifth largest crowd at MSU women's basketball game

NASD foundation OKs grant for national 4-H investment club program

4-H opportunities

Updates and reminders

Staffing updates

Upcoming events

Director's update
As I write this, more than 1,400 people have responded to the online citizen survey for our issue identification process. This is a remarkable response and it tells me that many people care deeply about our organization and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. It also means that we have a great opportunity to be responsive to the needs of Michigan families, communities and industries and I am pleased to know that we can document the impacts we make in so many ways. Thanks to each of you for the role that you play in making MSUE the extension network that Michigan needs.

In other news Mona Reide began her role as new state leader for Family and Consumer Sciences on Jan. 16, and is quickly adjusting to this important assignment. Mona is a welcome addition to the administrative team, with great insights from her prior experience as a health educator and a coordinator of outreach projects at Wayne State University . She has what must seem like a blizzard of information coming at her this week, and yet she seems as calm and patient as she did before she took on this role. To learn more about Mona, see the article on page 9. Please help me to welcome her to MSUE!

During the next two months, we will be interviewing candidates for the two associate director positions. We will keep you informed about opportunities to view presentations by candidates – either live or via the Web – and to meet with candidates. I greatly appreciate your input to these important searches and encourage you to engage as much as time allows.

If you haven't heard, we had a tremendous turnout Jan. 7 for 4-H Day at the Breslin Center . More than 3,000 4-H youths, leaders and Extension staff members attended the MSU women's basketball game against Rutgers and I can say with all confidence that we made a difference in the outcome. Fran Adelaja, Pat Talbot, Laura Allen and Michelle Lavra did a great job organizing and publicizing this event. I appreciate their efforts and those of the many 4-H leaders and staff members who helped to produce a great turnout. Most important, I think we inspired more than a few 4-H youths to think even more seriously about attending college to pursue their career aspirations. To read more about the basketball game see the article on page 5.

Across the university President Lou Anna Simon has been a strong proponent and advocate for the notion that Michigan 's economic future will depend on growing new industries that build on our strengths in agriculture and manufacturing. It is interesting to note that several European countries have set goals of becoming totally independent of fossil fuels and petroleum based materials by the years 2020. As so many around the U.S. and the world recognize the need to build the post-petroleum economy, Michigan is poised particularly well to capitalize on bio-based industries.

These are industries that begin with a grown feed stock such as corn, alfalfa, native grasses or trees, and through sophisticated processes yield not only fuels like ethanol, but other organic compounds that can form the basis for pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, building materials, clothing fabrics or furniture. Michigan is poised well to develop a strong economic base in this sector not only because we have productive and innovative farmers, but also because we have engineers who are skilled at developing industrial processes and entrepreneurs who can take a simple idea and turn it into a profitable business.

I will share more with you in future messages about how MSUE can help to facilitate development of Michigan 's bioeconomy. President Simon is advocating this as a potential base for Michigan 's future with many audiences, and I am confident that decision makers will quickly realize that MSUE can be a key asset in helping this sector grow and flourish.

One last item of importance is that Gov. Jennifer Granholm will give her State of the State address Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. It will air on PBS stations across Michigan and I encourage everyone to watch and think about how her goals for the state match the goals being set in your community. I also believe that on Feb, 9 we will know what

Gov. Granholm's budget recommendations will be so that we can continue to more forward with our strategic budget planning process. As soon as I hear any news about the budget I will send a message to everyone.

Please travel carefully during the winter months. Michigan 's winters are always full of surprises. I hope that none of those surprises cause you and your families any harm.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and in response to a sharp increase in gas prices, the IRS took the extraordinary step of temporarily increasing the standard mileage rates from 40.5 CPM to 48.5 CPM from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31.  The reduced 2006 mileage allowance recently announced by the IRS reflects the fact that gas prices have dropped some from their high point .

Reference to the mileage allowance in the Manual of Business Procedures, Volume I, Section 70, will be revised.  You can access the manual via the Controller's Office home page at:  www.ctlr.msu.edu .

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has announced the appointment of Gail Vander s toep to the Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee. Vanderstoep is an associate professor in CARRS and is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring Aug. 17, 2007. She succeeds Michael Spears, whose term has expired.

The Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee advises the state departments of History, Arts and Libraries and Environmental Quality on the responsibilities associated with maintaining Michigan 's 13 underwater preserves. The committee also makes recommendations on the creation and boundaries of Great Lakes underwater preserves, reviews applications for underwater salvage permits, and provides input on permit fees and the use of the revenue generated.

International experiences help educators broaden horizons, expand thinking

As Extension educators, we are immersed in our local work. As critical as it is to meet the needs of our constituents at home, it can also be important to step away for international experiences that encourage us to think in new ways, sharpen our adult education skills and allow us to experience other cultures.

In 2005, two MSU Extension educators traveled to the African nation of Uganda to increase their cultural knowledge and improve their programming capabilities.

Dave Glenn, Presque Isle County Extension director, worked with a non-governmental organization (NGO) conducting train-the-trainer sessions with farmers and NGO leaders, who will share what they learned to improve the production practices of other farmers. Glenn provided needs assessment training and introduced the concept of demonstration plots.

”Farmers in Uganda struggle with the same issues as those in Michigan,” Glenn said, “such as a lack of markets, low prices, poor soils, lack of improved seed varieties, and lack of infrastructure to gather and transport crops.”

Ugandan farms are much smaller than Michigan operations, generally 1/4 to 3 acre parcels used to produce corn, coffee, rice, bananas, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, cotton and vegetables.

Glenn was touched by the respect and honor he received from his Ugandan hosts. He was fascinated with the innovative farmer groups that have been developed to help improve people's lives related to farming, health, and family and gender issues.

“Seeing the number of people with HIV/AIDS and the number of children orphaned because of this disease is heartbreaking,” Glenn added. “But as poor as Ugandans are by western standards, they are very generous and friendly people who have great attitudes about life.”

Professional development coordinator Kathy Foerster spent nearly a month at the close of 2005 consulting with a local development organization in Uganda 's Jinja District.

Her assignment was to teach adult education techniques to community resource persons (CRPs), who function as Extension educators. The CRPs are trained to help their fellow villagers grow better crops, build and use high-efficiency mud cook stoves and make tip taps (a method to make hand washing water more available).

She found the CRPs were very proud to show off their farms and work. The Ugandan people were warmly welcoming and the children abundant and beautiful.

One notable difference she found between American and Ugandan adult learners was that the Ugandans, who had been raised to sit in straight rows and not talk in class, had a hard time understanding that she wanted them to participate in exercises.

Like Glenn, she was treated with respect and welcomed as the honored guest wherever she went. Part of this honor meant that at meals she was always served the fish head, which she graciously learned to eat, including the eyeballs.

“It was an awesome training experience, and I encourage all staff to participate in international Extension opportunities,” Foerster said.

For more information about getting involved in international Extension opportunities, contact Mary Andrews at 517-432-3322 or mandrews@msu.edu .

Kathy Foerster with Jinja community members. The children especially liked having their photo taken.	Dave Glenn is shown standing with a Ugandan farmer in front of her poultry house.  Poultry is a growing enterprise in Uganda , and the people are very proud of their buildings and poultry but have huge problems in survival of poultry/chicks and marketing.

The title of acting associate dean for research for CANR was added when he agreed to serve as acting associate director of the MAES approximately eight months ago. Largely because of his work, research-related coordination and communication have been expanded and improved. Buhler has brought the same vision, energy and insight to his MAES-related responsibilities that he so effectively demonstrated as chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.

Doreen Woodward retired from MSU in December

Doreen Woodward retired from Michigan State University on Dec. 31. Woodward has been an integral part of every aspect of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station for more than 20 years.

In retirement, she is pursuing a life-long interest in serving others and her community and has been named executive director of the Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA).

Robert Schutzki, associate professor of horticulture, was awarded the L.C. Chadwick Award by the American Nursery and Landscape Association. The award is the highest given in the green industry, recognizing outstanding educators in the nursery and landscape field who motivate students to improve their skills and excel in their horticulture careers.

Meg Fraser, adviser of the Kingsley 4-H Teen Club, was one of 25 volunteers to receive the National 4-H Afterschool Open Doors Volunteer Award. The award recognizes 4-H volunteers who are involved in after-school programming in their communities.

Serving as a mentor, Fraser creates a structured, positive learning environment for the girls involved in the program.

Retired Extension poultry specialist Cal Flegal returns to MSU for a one-year appointment
Flegal will conduct winter educational meetings for poultry producers and speak at other educational programs. He will also answer producers' questions from his office on the MSU campus.

Flegal, who received his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from MSU, joined the faculty in 1965 and retired in 1995. He was an Extension specialist and professor of animal science, and he received numerous honors, including the Poultry Science Association's Pfizer Extension Award, the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries Distinguished Poultry Service Award and the MSU Extension John Hannah Program Excellence Award.

Flegal's appointment will continue until Oct. 1. His office is in 1290 Anthony Hall, and his phone number is 517-355-8402.

MSU Extension 4-H'ers part of fifth largest crowd at women's baskeball game
Of the 9,051 fans at the MSU women's basketball game Jan. 7, nearly 40 percent were MSU Extension 4-H members, volunteers and their families. Their presence helped create the fifth largest crowd in MSU women's basketball history, and the cheers from 3,500 Michigan 4-H'ers helped propel the Spartans to a 73-71 victory over the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University.

Eleven members of the Haslett Adventurers 4-H Club kicked off the game by singing the national anthem. The group also presented signed 4-H hats to MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon; MSU women's basketball coach Joanne P. McCallie; Lupe Izzo, wife of men's coach Tom Izzo; star basketball player and former 4-H member Liz Shimek; and MSU Extension director Tom Coon.

“The Spartan women's basketball team is a great example of where hard work, skill and the pursuit of excellence can take you, which is exactly what our 4-H volunteers strive to instill in the 4-H youth they work with,” Coon said. “Thirty-five hundred 4-H attendees may sound like a lot, but they are actually representing 230,000 4-H youth and 23,000 4-H volunteers from across Michigan .”

Saturday's special game-day event was a celebration of MSU Extension 4-H youth and 4-H volunteers. The group was offered free admission to attend the game, and both Extension and Spartan women's basketball officials are hoping to make it an annual occurrence, given this year's success.

“We view this celebration as a partnership between two outstanding MSU programs -- our nationally acclaimed women's basketball team and MSU Extension 4-H. We'd love to see this become an annual event,” McCallie said.

Even slippery roads from a surprise ice storm couldn't keep 4-H participants from at least 34 Michigan counties from making the trip to the MSU campus to enjoy the atmosphere, cheer for the Spartans and have photo opportunities with Sparty and MSU cheerleaders.

The project, called Future 4-H Millionaires Club, will establish a network of 4-H investment clubs with a curriculum and companion Web site geared toward members aged 16-18. Once the pilot project is tested in 4-H clubs in Kentucky , Michigan , Tennessee and Virginia , it will be implemented nationwide.

“Taking part in these investment clubs will give teens valuable hands-on experience, which will help change their attitudes about investing and retirement planning early in life,” said Robert R. Glauber, chairman and CEO of NASD, who also serves as chairman of the NASD Investor Education Foundation.

The investment clubs will teach members to maximize their savings through investing using experimental learning techniques.

Preparing youth to be citizens in the 21st century workshop
The workshop is March 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in 103 A and B in the MSU Kellogg Center . Registration cost is $40 for adults and $20 for students. Registration includes lunch, snacks and fees.

Preparing young people to be responsible citizens of a democratic society is a responsibility of teachers and youth development professionals and teen and adult volunteers. This workshop is for young people and adults.

For more information, contact Cyndi Mark at 517-432-7602 or markc@msu.edu or register at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/leadership.html . Space is limited. Non-refundable registration is due Feb. 20.

4-H Capitol Experience encourages political involvement
Teens who attend 4-H Capitol Experience have the opportunity for an in-depth meeting with someone who either works in or is involved with state government. In addition, simulations and activities reinforce and apply what participants learn about government. At the end of the conference, the teens leave with the charge to share what they have learned with others and get involved with other leadership and civic engagement activities in their communities

When and where: The conference begins with registration on Sunday, March 19, from 3 to 4 p.m. and ends on Wednesday, March 22, at 2 p.m. Tours and agency visits will take place at the state Capitol and surrounding area.

Who should attend: High school students and adult participant-chaperons who are interested in gaining skills and knowledge to develop their leadership, citizenship and community service skills and apply what they learn in their communities.

Cost: There are two registration fee options, depending on the type of lodging chosen. Rates include all meals, lodging and material fees. $220 per person = four people per room (two double beds); $255 per person = two people per room (two double beds). Counties will be billed after the event.

Applications are now being accepted. For more information, go to http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/capexp.html .

4-H Youth Development revenue enhancement survey
Since 2001, MSU Extension has faced stationary or declining funding from the state while costs continue to increase, creating an ever-widening gap between the dollars MSUE—and consequently, 4-H—needs to sustain our programming and what we actually receive.

Faced with this continuing budget shortfall, 4-H has worked hard to reduce expenses and make the most of our dollars and will continue to do so.  The 4-H Foundation has also worked hard to raise funds and has had many successes, but even with these much-appreciated contributions, 4-H funding continues to fall short. To continue offering the quality programming that has been the heart of Michigan 4-H for nearly 100 years, we are exploring some options for supplementing our public funding with more private dollars.  This additional funding would be used to sustain current programming, update and create new curricula, branch into new program areas as the need arises, and support 4-H operations at both the county and state levels.

Two options are on the table. The first would essentially raise by 10 percent the fees we charge for attending county and state events, such as 4-H camps, workshops, Exploration Days, Capitol Experience, and other county and state events. The second option would implement a small annual youth participation fee, with part of the fee going to the state and part going to the county or region.

To help us evaluate both options, we would like you to encourage 4-H families, volunteers and staff members to fill out a survey about the options available for 4-H.  Web versions of the three surveys are linked below.  Please click below, complete the appropriate survey on the computer and click the “submit' button.”  Each survey is short (it should take less than 5 minutes to complete) and anonymous.  Each survey can be completed only once on a given computer. We will collect survey information until Jan. 31.

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/downloads/revenhance.html

Citizen survey—More than 1,400 responses have been entered into the survey. The survey will be posted on the state and county and field station Web pages until March 1, so this is a good time to encourage additional participation. A copy of the press release promoting the survey is available on the issues Web site: www.msue.msu.edu/issueid/. Counties will soon be receiving information on how to access the results.

Faculty/staff survey—In early February, all MSUE and MAES personnel and all MSU faculty members will be asked to respond to e-mail surveys concerning our organizational capacity to address the needs and opportunities facing Michigan residents and communities. Five focus groups were conducted with MSU faculty members and academic professionals. Those results will help shape the surveys and will soon be posted on the above Web site.

County process— County Extension offices are currently scheduling at least two sessions to bring together key community leaders to examine current trends and emerging needs. The groups will then prioritize the issues that can be addressed by educational programming and applied research. Counties will be using a video/PowerPoint presentation to highlight major topic areas; that file is available at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/learnnet/issues.html. Counties will be submitting their plans by March 31.

AoE teams—Teams have been meeting with stakeholders, conducting interviews and circulating surveys to gather input to help shape their plans of work. The results of these efforts need to be submitted via the Web by Jan. 30.

Citizen focus groups—Four focus groups were held in various parts of the state. Those results will be posted on the Web site.

Questions -- Please contact any member of the design team: Marie Ruemenapp and Christine Vogt, co-chairs, and Maggie Bethel, Bruce Haas, Scott Loveridge and Beth Moore.

Portal update
•  MSU Extension employees will now be able to log in to the portal and go to EIS without having to log in again. Staff members must have an active portal login to access EIS through the portal. On the My Portal page is a module called MSUE Applications and the link to EIS. This will take you directly into EIS without having to log n again.

•  URL links in modules. Putting the whole URL address into a module as a link to a document or Web site makes it difficult for the user to access the file. To better link to documents or Web sites make a comment in the module-for example, “For a full list, see the brochure”, highlight the word “brochure” and use the URL tool on the module edit bar to add in the link. Now the word “brochure” is highlighted and linked to the document, people can click on it to open the document, but the long URL is hidden. It makes a cleaner and nicer look.

•  Nickname problems. Because hackers could find and use our nicknames file in the Support Center site, the file has been moved to an internal location. To access the file, log in to the portal, go to the Application drop down menu, then the MSUE Staff Resources page-- the nicknames module can be found on the lower left of the page, which has directions for using a password to get the file.

•  There have also been some problems with XP machines, depending on how a computer is setup. The person updating the nickname file must have administrator permissions on the computer to update the nicknames file. There is a link in the module directed to the Eudora Help page to help troubleshoot these problems.

•  Calendar posting. Events that are added to calendars now have a line indicating who posted each event. This should help when questions or concerns about an event occur.

•  Listservs. The listservs have changed addresses, and a listing of all available listservs can be found by going to the Staff Resources page and scrolling down to the e-mail listservs module. Updated information on e-mail and the listservs will be available in this module.

•  Library Information Center . Topic tabs at the top of the MSUE main portal page now have links to the Library Information Center . These pages give updates to the MSU e-mail system and virus alerts, and tell how to contact the help line and find information through the library. Please take a few moments to review this comprehensive and informative site.

•  How to Use this Site portal page addition. In an effort to help both staff member and the public, a new tab has been added to the top of the MSUE portal page. Called “How to Use this Site,” it gives some quick tips on using the portal system, how to search the Knowledge Repository and understand the results returned, and how to search for other information and people. Suggestions for other items that should go in there are welcomed. Send suggestions to Cindy Straus, strausc@msu.edu.

•  Knowledge Repository. The Knowledge Repository has been loaded with Extension publications with more added each day. The search tool for the Knowledge Repository can be added to portal pages as a global module. Feel free to begin using the module. The Knowledge Repository can also be searched from the research task pane of the latest version of Microsoft Office. This option allows knowledge repository searches from within Office applications and without having to log in to the portal. Instructions for adding the search module, adding the research task pane Web service, and interpreting the Knowledge Repository search results are available on the support site.

The new year looks full of opportunities to utilize portal capabilities. Please contact any regional portal trainer or implementation team member if you need assistance or have suggestions.

New dates for urban Extension conference – May 7-10, 2007
Extension educators and faculty and staff members who work in urban, suburban and highly populated areas, who provide administrative and program leadership on the local, state and federal level, or who have responsibilities for urban programming are invited to attend the 2007 Urban Extension Conference May 7-10, 2007, in Kansas City, Mo. Participants will learn about and share Extension programs, leadership and issues related to urban areas. For more information go to http://extension.missouri.edu/urbanconf.

Staffing updates

New hires:

• Diane Rellinger is the new family and consumer sciences educator in Emmet County , effective last October.

• Bradley Neumann is the new land use educator in St. Joseph County , effective last October.

• Keri Morris is an office assistant for the state Family and Consumer Sciences Program, effective last October.

• Frank Peacock is a family and consumer science program associate in Benzie County , effective last October.

• Doreen Wade is a family and consumer sciences program associate in Wayne County , effective last October.

• Brian Forman joined the Houghton/Keweenaw County Extension team as a 4-H youth development program associate last October.

• Kimberly Bodfish joined the state family and consumer sciences team as an associate program leader last October.

• Katie Vanderkolk is the new 4-H youth development educator in Ionia County , effective last November.

•  Bindu Bhakta is the new groundwater stewardship educator in Oakland County , effective last November.

•  Sonia Joseph is a Sea Grant educator at MSU effective, last November.

•  Jasmin Crable is the new administrative assistant in Wayne County , effective last November.

•  Cynthia Will is the new family and consumer sciences educator in Muskegon County , effective last December.

•  Jane Higley has joined the Missaukee County team as a family and nutrition program associate, effective in December.

•  Deborah Wehling has also joined the Missaukee County team as an administrative assistant, effective in December.

•  Renee Lane is the new family and consumer sciences program associate in Midland County , effective last December.

Departures:

• Donna Walker left the Muskegon County family and consumer sciences program associate position in October.

• John Burk left the Bay County agriculture and natural resources educator position in October.

• Kristin Konath left a campus technician position in October.

• Marquetta Frost left the Ingham County 4-H youth development position in October.

• Sally Carpenter retired from the St. Joseph County family and consumer sciences educator position in October.

• Thomas Edison left the Montmorency County family and nutrition program educator position in October.

• Shelley King-Curry left the Wayne County family and consumer sciences educator position in October.

• Tina Hickey left the Midland County family and consumer sciences program associate position in November.

• Linda Brown left the Kent County family and consumer sciences program associate position in November.

• Barry Murray left the Oakland County Sea Grant educator position in December.

• Daisy Seremba left the Wayne County family and consumer sciences associate program leader position in December.

• Georgia Willis retired from the Berrien County family and consumer sciences program associate position in December.

• Vicki Morrone left the Clinton County agriculture and natural resources educator position in December.

Reide named state leader of MSUE family and consumer sciences
Mona Reide was named state leader of MSUE Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), the program area that offers statewide outreach and education programs in nutrition, child care, family management and health care as of Jan. 16.

“Dr. Reide is a strong and welcome addition to Extension's leadership team,” said Thomas Coon, MSUE director. “She brings with her 30 years of managing programs that have had significant impact on the health and well-being of families not only in Michigan but around the world.”

Reide, a faculty member in the Behavioral Science Department at Bowie State University in Maryland , was selected following an extensive national search. She replaces Kathy Foerster, who served as interim state leader for more than two years.

Jim Artabasy will retire effective Jan. 31.
In his 33-year career at MSU, Jim Artabasy has served in a number of capacities, ranging from compensation assistant to MSU Extension program leader to his most recent role as manager of ANR Human Resources. Through the years, Artabasy has developed, implemented and supported an array of innovative, progressive human resource programs and services to MSUE and CANR employees and retirees. Well known and highly respected across campus and the state for his integrity, sincerity and expertise, Artabasy has also been an ardent advocate for developing a more diverse and multicultural work force. In his human resources work, he has demonstrated special sensitivities and skills in conflict management and resolution .

Get ideas, inspiration at Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference
Small-farm owners looking for ways to improve crop production and business management can attend the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Grayling.

Participants can attend three one-hour workshops. They'll also hear a presentation by Percy Schmeiser, a third-generation Saskatchewan , Canada , farmer who became a spokesperson for independent farmers' rights and the regulation of transgenic crops following a long legal battle with Monsanto Corporation.

Topics of the hourlong workshops include a whole-farm approach to weed control, renewable energy, food we love, medicinal food, holistic management, saving heirloom seeds, alternative tillage, wild fruit and nut permaculture, going organic in Michigan , enhancing beneficial insects with native plants, managing and marketing sheep, and health from the hedgerow.

The registration fee is $40 for the first person from each operation and $25 for each additional participant. The registration deadline is Jan. 20.

For more information, call the Antrim County Extension office at 231-533-8818 or visit http://web1.msue.msu.edu/iac/farmconf/ .

Agriculture and Natural Resources Week- March 3-11
The 91st College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Week will take place March 3-11 on the East Lansing campus.

ANR Week programs focus on topics such as organic growing, livestock, pasteurization, nutrition, horticulture and youth development.

Participants can attend forest stewardship training (March 3), the rabbit breeders school (March 3), a heritage livestock exhibition (March 3-4), the Quiet Water Symposium (March 4), an Alaskan wildlife travelogue presentation (March 5), a poultry program (March 7), a horticultural therapy program (March 10) and other workshops throughout the week.

There are also activities available for youth. FFA and 4-H members can compete in the Crop-O-Rama contest March 8 and attend the 78th Michigan FFA Annual Convention March 8-10.

The Michigan Animal Damage Control Association, the Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Association, the Michigan Wildflower Association, the American Fisheries Society, the Michigan Audubon Society, the Michigan Commission of Agriculture, the Great Lakes Council, the Michigan Herb Associates, the Michigan Barn Preservation Network, and the Michigan Recreation and Park Association are among the organizations holding conferences, annual meetings and workshops during ANR Week.

For more information about ANR Week events, visit www.canr.msu.edu/anrweek/ or contact program coordinator Sandi Bauer at 517-353-3175, ext. 217, or e-mail bauer@msu.edu .

Free ANR Week program guides providing dates, times, locations, costs and descriptions of the events are also available on the ANR Week Web site, from any county MSU Extension office or by calling the MSU Bulletin Office at 517-353-6740.

Grandparents University is June 29 - July 1.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Natural Science are hosting a summer camp that brings grandparents and grandkids together for three days of educational fun on the MSU campus.

Grandparents University will take place June 29 - July 1.

Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other favorite relatives may enroll with up to two children ages 7 to 12. Relatives and children alike will have the opportunity to eat and sleep in an MSU dorm, swim, visit Abrams Planetarium and the MSU Dairy Store, attend fun educational programs together and create a lifetime of memories.

If registered by Feb. 24, the cost is $199 for adults and $75 per child. For those who register after Feb. 24, it will cost $250 for adults and $99 per child. MSU Alumni Association members receive a $10 discount on adult fees.

For more information contact, Barb Stinnett at 517-355-4662 or stinnett@msu.edu .