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
MSU Extension for the 21st century will move Michigan forward
MSU Extension has conducted a vigorous internal discussion focused on resculpting itself into a 21st-century organization, while continuing its dedication to furthering the quality of life and prosperity of Michigan citizens. The program now will carry that conversation to its external stakeholders, starting with partners in state government.
“The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michigan State University Cooperative Extension have historically provided relevant, responsive services that were tailored to our rural communities," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. "As Michigan moves from rust to green, these programs will be focused on enhancing our local communities’ efforts to collaborate and innovate in the new clean energy economy. I support continued funding for this restructuring, with its emphasis on growing Michigan's new green economy.” Read the entire announcement on the MSU News site.
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:
Second Opportunity for Municipal Leaders to Take Bio-Energy Tour
On Monday, October 26, 2009, Ottawa County Michigan State University Extension will host its second Bio-Energy Tour in less than a month. Municipal leaders, planners, elected/appointed officials, those involved with economic development, and other government officials are encouraged to attend to gain a better understanding of how two common types of renewable energy forms can safely play a positive role in both rural and urban communities.
Topics addressed will include biofuel production and anaerobic digestion. The morning will be spent at an on-farm ethanol facility. The afternoon will be at an anaerobic digester. An anaerobic digester produces biogas from manure, fruit and vegetable wastes, cafeteria waste and other organic materials. Biogas is 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide and can be used to generate electricity or with impurities removed, to produce pipeline quality gas. This opportunity will give participants the ability to visit and discuss how these types of facilities operate with facility operators and others.
Tour participants will meet to load on to the tour bus at 8:00 a.m. at the main entrance of Ottawa County Fillmore Complex Administration Building located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan. Participants are advised to dress in weather appropriate clothing as portions of the day will be spent outside. Lunch will be provided at noon at Crane’s Restaurant in Fennville. The tour will return to the Fillmore Complex between 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
There is no registration fee to attend this field day; however, pre-registration is required. To register, call the Ottawa County MSU Extension office at 616-994-4580 by Tuesday, October 20th. All participants who register must ride the bus. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For further information, contact Adam Kantrovich or Charles Gould at the same number.
Transportation and lunch for the tour are sponsored by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Michigan Corn Growers Association.
Previous Renewable Energy Programs
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.
ACRE Farm Bill Presentations
To view or download ACRE Farm Bill information click on the links below. Enrollment in the ACRE Program must be completed prior to August 14, 2009. Contact your local FSA office before the 14th.
MSU Extension’s Emergency Management website contains valuable information to help you and your family prepare for both natural and man-made disasters.
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:
MSU Extension staff members use the university’s resources to meet needs in every Michigan county. The County Partner Report demonstrates how MSU Extension educators, program associates and specialists are working with nonprofit organizations, agencies, schools, businesses, farms and families to "bring knowledge to life" in your community. Click the link below to read more.
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.
