About Michigan State University Extension
The Michigan State University Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, forestry, natural resources, pest management, environmental stewardship, youth development, and community improvement throughout Michigan. As the outreach arm of Michigan State University, Extension connects residents, farmers, foresters, gardeners, businesses, and local governments with practical solutions based on scientific research.
Official Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/
Michigan’s diverse geography includes the Great Lakes shoreline, extensive forests, productive farmland, urban centers, inland lakes, and recreational landscapes. Michigan State University Extension develops programs tailored to the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic challenges found throughout the state.
Core Services Offered
Michigan State University Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Michigan is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, producing fruits, vegetables, grains, nursery crops, and specialty products. Extension specialists help growers improve productivity and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation management
- Agricultural business development
Extension programs support producers of corn, soybeans, wheat, dry beans, sugar beets, vegetables, and specialty crops throughout the state.
Fruit and Specialty Crop Programs
Michigan is a leading producer of apples, cherries, blueberries, grapes, peaches, and other fruit crops. Extension specialists provide extensive support for commercial fruit production.
- Orchard management
- Fruit pest monitoring
- Disease prevention strategies
- Pollination management
- Crop protection planning
- Harvest management practices
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout Michigan rely on Extension resources for practical gardening and landscape management information.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Michigan Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate communities about gardening, plant health, and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Native plant gardening
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable landscaping practices
Forestry and Natural Resources
Michigan’s forests provide significant environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. Extension programs help landowners and communities manage these resources responsibly.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Watershed protection
- Conservation planning
- Natural resource management
Great Lakes and Environmental Programs
The Great Lakes play a critical role in Michigan’s economy and environment. Extension programs support conservation and sustainable resource management.
- Water quality protection
- Great Lakes stewardship
- Invasive species management
- Coastal resource education
- Climate resilience initiatives
- Environmental sustainability programs
4-H Youth Development
The Michigan 4-H program provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Michigan
Michigan’s forests, farms, orchards, landscapes, and urban environments face a wide variety of pest challenges. Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these issues effectively.
Fruit Crop Pests
Michigan’s fruit industry faces pressure from numerous insect pests that can affect crop quality and yields.
Important fruit pests include:
- Codling Moths
- Apple Maggots
- Spotted Wing Drosophila
- Plum Curculios
- Cherry Fruit Flies
- San Jose Scale
Extension specialists provide monitoring updates, trapping programs, and management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Michigan growers manage a variety of insect pests that affect field crops and specialty crop production.
Common agricultural pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- Soybean Aphids
- Western Bean Cutworms
- Armyworms
- Stink Bugs
- Spider Mites
Extension entomologists provide integrated management strategies designed to minimize crop losses and support sustainable production.
Forest Pests
Michigan’s extensive forests face threats from native and invasive insects that impact tree health and ecosystem stability.
Important forest pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spruce Budworms
- Gypsy Moths (Spongy Moths)
- Bark Beetles
- Beech Bark Disease Complex
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
Extension forestry specialists provide guidance on monitoring forest health and responding to pest outbreaks.
Invasive Species
Michigan has been significantly impacted by invasive insects that threaten forests, agriculture, and urban landscapes.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- European Cherry Fruit Flies
Extension personnel work closely with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, and public education efforts.
Household and Structural Pests
Michigan homeowners regularly encounter pests that invade homes and buildings.
Common household pests include:
- Termites
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Bed Bugs
- Rodents
- Spiders
Extension publications emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management techniques.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes are affected by a variety of insects and plant diseases throughout the growing season.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Leafminers
- Spider Mites
Extension specialists provide educational resources that help gardeners identify pests and implement effective management strategies.
Turfgrass Pests
Lawn care is a major focus area for homeowners, parks, athletic fields, and golf courses throughout Michigan.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Billbugs
- Armyworms
Extension recommendations focus on maintaining healthy turfgrass while reducing pest pressure and minimizing environmental impacts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a cornerstone of Michigan State University Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting pollinators, beneficial insects, water quality, and environmental health.
Research and Diagnostic Services
Michigan State University conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, forestry, pest management, environmental stewardship, and Great Lakes conservation.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Fruit pest management
- Forest health monitoring
- Biological control
- Invasive species research
- Climate-related pest impacts
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations for Michigan residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
Michigan State University Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering agriculture, pest management, gardening, forestry, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Fruit production manuals
- Crop protection publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Forest health resources
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact Michigan State University Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a crop, protecting an orchard, maintaining a lawn, improving a garden, protecting forest resources, or addressing invasive species concerns, Michigan State University Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the Michigan State University Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.