Welcome to the Ottawa County Extension website. Our mission is to assist county residents to improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities. MSU Extension in Ottawa County is part of a state wide information and education delivery network, applying university level, research-based knowledge to locally identified critical issues. We respond to local needs through a unique partnership of County, State and Federal resources. Information is extended to Ottawa County residents through the MSU non-formal education system, which assists individuals, families and communities to make better decisions.
A summary of significant program accomplishments is available in our 2008 Program Year Annual Report(Please Note: The Annual Report is a large file that may take some time to load for viewing)
For more information on the programs we offer, click on the links to the left under "Local Information". For contact information on our staff, click on "Staff Directory" in the Office Information box to the right and look for upcoming events in our online calendar.
Highlights
Learn more about MSU Extension's redesign process
MSU Extension began an organization-wide effort to look at its programming and administrative structure in early 2009. The goal was to ensure that MSUE continues to remain responsive to the needs of Michigan's residents and makes the best use of resources.
The redesign effort was made public in the fall of 2009, and with input from stakeholders and decision makers from across the state, it is being launched in 2010. To learn more about the MSU Extension redesign effort, including the organization’s statewide program priorities and new district structure, please click here.
H1N1 Influenza Virus
H1N1
Important Message:
Many areas of Michigan are experiencing outbreaks of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. It is important that Michigan citizens understand the benefits of vaccination, the projected supply of vaccine in the state, and who should get vaccinated NOW.
The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is being shipped from the manufacturer directly to vaccine providers. As of October 16, Michigan received approximately 151,200 doses of the vaccine. Due to the temporary limited supply of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, it is important that individuals at risk for influenza complications get vaccinated first. The MDCH recommends that the first people to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine are:
First target group:
All people from 6 months through 24 years old.
Pregnant women.
Second target group:
Anyone who has regular contact with children younger than 6 months old.
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.
People 25 through 64 years old who have underlying health conditions.
The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine manufacturers continue to produce vaccine, and this is continually being shipped to Michigan. By mid to late November, MDCH expects that anyone who wants a 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine will be able to get one.
The most common side effects following flu vaccinations are mild, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. The MDCH and federal partners will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events.
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) expects the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. Over the years, millions of Michigan citizens have received seasonal flu vaccines. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza infection and its complications. The MDCH believe that the benefits of vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine will far outweigh the limited risks.
Please see Michigan’s flu website at www.michigan.gov/flu for the most up-to-date information regarding seasonal and H1N1 influenza.
For information on the H1N1 influenza virus (previously referred to as "swine" flu) specific to Ottawa County, visit the Ottawa County Health Department website at:
Together with the Ottawa County Planning and Performance Improvement Department, Ottawa County MSU Extension has provided workshops on renewable energy topics including wind energy, bio-energy and geo-thermal energy. For information and handouts from those workshops click here.
Ottawa County Calendar
The Ottawa County MSU Extension program calendar has been moved. Click on "Calendar" under "Local Information" on the left side of the screen to view the program calendar.
Effective January 1, 2008: All areas in Ottawa County are prohibited the use of any lawn fertilizer containing more than 0% phosphorus; prohibited the use of any fertilizer on frozen ground; prohibited the use of any fertilizer on impervious surfaces including parking lots, roadways, and sidewalks.
Exemptions include:
Newly established turf or lawn areas during their first growing season.
Turf or lawn areas that have been shown within the last 3 years to be Phosphorus deficient through laboratory analysis (soil test).
Agricultural areas, gardens, or applications to trees and / or shrubs.
Compost or similar natural organic materials.
To view the complete ordinance, click on the link below:
Ottawa County MSU Extension is located in the Administration Building at the Ottawa County Fillmore Complex in West Olive. Our address and contact information is listed below:
Ottawa County MSU Extension
12220 Fillmore Street Suite 122
West Olive MI, 49460
Phone: 616-994-4580
Fax: 616-994-4579
Office Hours8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Monday through Friday
Click here for information and resources regarding The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
Knowledge Repository Search
How to read KR Search results
Type in your search term and then press <Enter> or click on the Search button.
Once the Knowledge Repository is searched, you will first see a listing of categories or nodes that might contain information related to the search string followed by any search results.
Below the category/node listings you will see documents, links, etc., that are related to the search you entered. To go to the content information click on the link you want. The next screen shows you more information about the document, including a short synopsis of the materials. If you want to see the complete document, click on the file name to open the contents.
For more information on searching the Knowledge Repository, click here.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
