See what's happening at Tollgate this month!

MSU Tollgate Farm August 2017

 
Registration is Now Open for Summer Evenings in the Garden Classes

Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm
$20. each
Please join in on the brand new classes scheduled at Tollgate:

August 24 - Cheryl M. English
Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for the Michigan Garden

September 14 - Nick Zimmer
Fall Container Planting

Advance registration is required, and it's easy! For more information and to register, please visit:
Lego League - Hydrodynamics Field Excursions

The secret is out! Water will be a major component of this year's Lego League Challenge. MSU Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center has its science educators on standby to teach about the water cycle, water conservation, and watersheds to take your team to the next level. Email [email protected] to set up a scientific field excursion at Tollgate Farm!
Tollgate Garden Volunteers
Fall Plant Sale

Saturday, September 16th, 2017
9 am - 12 pm

Reasonably-priced, easy-care perennials ideal for low maintenance gardens

Featuring late summer and fall blooming varieties

Cash and Check Sales Only

MSU Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and assist with plant selection. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Michigan State University
Tollgate Farm and Education Center
12 Mile @ Meadowbrook Road
28115 Meadowbrook Rd.
Novi, MI
248-347-3860 ext. 251

MSU Tollgate Farm & Education Center
MSUE Tollgate Farm Pumpkinfest 2017!

Pumpkinfest is coming soon to a pumpkin patch near you!
Join us for a fun fall harvest celebration:

Saturday, October 7th &
Sunday, October 8th
11 am - 5 pm.

Bring your family and friends for a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch to pick your perfect pumpkin, food, music, farm animals, educational exhibits, children's activities, and more.

Sponsored by Vibe Credit Union, this special event for all ages is a fundraiser for educational programming at the farm. Entry, educational exhibits, children's area, and music are free of charge. Tickets sold for cash or credit are required for pumpkins, food, and select children's activities. Parking is $ 5.

Interested in joining the team of volunteers who help make Pumpkinfest come to life?

Pumpkinfest Volunteer information and signup
Children's Garden Story Hour

This summer, we have been enjoying a wonderful story hour season in partnership with Novi Public Library. Children ages 2-5 years have joined us to listen to stories, dance, sing, interact with our farm animals, create art, experiment, explore, and ask lots of questions. Plus we have more to come!

We love asking questions and seeking out new understandings at MSU Tollgate Farm. During our last story hour, we had a very special visitor - Tulsa, the horse belonging to our 4-H Program Coordinator, Debra Morgan. Children had the opportunity to care for Tulsa by brushing her. One child asked, "Why does her skin jiggle like that?" It was a great question we were able to answer after some careful observation. (She is shaking off those pesky flies).

Our 2017 season is full, so stay in touch with us regarding details and registration for 2018.

Tollgate Early Childhood Program

Kellogg Biological Station at Tollgate: 
Teaching Science Outdoors 

The Teaching Science Outdoors workshop was offered by Kellogg Biological Station at Tollgate and offered research-based professional development utilizing technology and up to date data collection and analysis. Local elementary teachers explored best practices for teaching science outdoors as they enjoyed the beauty of the farm as their classroom.

Tollgate Takes to the Road: Tollgate at Kellogg Biological Station

Winged Wonders, in collaboration with Kellogg Biological Station and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, took flight this summer!  This a uthentic science
learning opportunity for the slightly older camper took the Tollgate Camp model of hands-on natural resources and agriculture education to the bird sanctuary where we camped overnight. A fun and unforgettable learning adventure for 16 hardy Tollgate campers. 

To learn more about Tollgate summer camps, visit our blog:

Experience Tollgate


Give the Gift of Tollgate

We invite you to help us offer children the gift of Tollgate.  You can make it possible for children who may otherwise not experience the rich, research-based learning of the farm to make important connections to agriculture and the natural world around them.   Your tax-deductible gift could help a struggling school or individual child in need visit the farm. This year, make a difference and give the gift of Tollgate.   
 
Donate here 
Tollgate 4-H Club Members Bring Home Awards

The Oakland County Fair, held the second week of July, gave 4-H kids an opportunity to showcase their work through competition. The Tollgate Farm 4-H Club members participated in the areas of Plant Science, Photography, Art, Sewing, Fiber Arts, Cooking, and more. Animal projects included Market Calf, Market Lambs, and Dairy Goats.

Highlights of the members' winnings include:

Heather Gregory:
    1st Place Best of Show - Black & White Photography
    1st Place Best of Show - Plaster Form
Linnaea Griffin:
    1st Place Best of Show - Vegetables
Aaron Hutka:
    2017 Oakland County - Gardener of the Year
    Largest Tomato
    Largest Radish
Alana Hutka:
    Reserve Grand Champion Showman - Goats
    1st Place Best of Show - Table Setting
    1st Place Best of Show - Woodworking / Kit Assembly

Club members Heather, Alana, and Aaron were also 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in Best of Show for potted plants. The Tollgate goats also did well, receiving first place in each of their age categories. Jenna received Grand Champion Breeding Stock and Best Udder, with daughter Gracie receiving Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Stock, Jenna / Violet took Best Dam & Daughter honors as well.

Tollgate Farm 4-H members will be entering more projects at the Michigan State Fair, which begins August 31. Be sure to stop by and visit them at the Suburban Showplace.

Do you know a kid interested in working in the garden, working with farm animals, helping at the farm stand, or participating in 4-H fair projects? Tollgate Farm 4-H Club is looking forward to the start of the new year on September 1. We also welcome adult volunteers to help the kids through projects. Fall is a great time to join 4-H!

For more information:
[email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/TGF4H
http://www.tollgatefarm4h.com/
Tollgate Volunteer Opportunities

There are many fun and friendly opportunities to contribute to Tollgate! Join us in the gardens; help with community events, special projects, maple sugaring, or educational programming.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

If you are interested, send us your name, email address, telephone number, and area(s) of interest. As opportunities arise, you'll be contacted. Thank you!  [email protected]
Rent the Tollgate Conference Center

The MSU Tollgate Conference Center, historic barn, and Americana boardroom are available for your next business meeting, bridal or baby shower, or private luncheon. Our event catering staff are available to meet all of your needs.

To learn more about hosting your event at Tollgate, please visit:

 
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center offers programs throughout the year designed to allow adults and children to experience learning hands-on, explore the joys of gardening and the natural world, appreciate and promote locally grown food, and build community. 
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
28115 Meadowbrook Rd.
Novi, MI 48377
248-347-0269
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Programs and materials are open to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, height, weight, disability,political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital, family or veteran status.
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