There is so much to do!

• Tour the gardens
• Enjoy live music
• Take a hayride through the back fields
• Shop for gifts
• Learn about plants and gardening

The Tollgate Farm has over 20 gardens to enjoy.  There will be musicians, artists, and vendors on the farm to display their crafts.  Tollgate Garden Volunteers will be available for informational presentations on garden topics and will guide you through the gardens.  There will be hayrides and walking tours to highlight the Tollgate grounds and gardens.  Come join us for an evening on the farm!

The fall season is a busy and exciting time at MSU Tollgate Farm. Join in on the harvest! How does food end up on your table? We'll press apple cider, harvest fruits and vegetables, explore animal science topics, and much more. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities are integrated into the program to support inquiry-based investigations, as well as Spanish as a Foreign Language.

Please visit our website for more information!

Tollgate Farm Sprouts Program

From hatching chicks to starting sunflower seeds in the greenhouse, these preschoolers accomplished some important work and play at the farm this spring! We explored how a garden grows, which included a lot of discussion about compost. These experiences provide children with the opportunity to build new understandings and broaden their thinking, not only about science and the natural world, but also other learning domains, such as social interaction and early mathematical skills.

Read our blog www.experiencetollgate.com or
visit our Farm Sprouts Website to learn more about our Farm Sprouts Preschool Program.

We're now registering for our fall season!

I am raising a market lamb for the first time. I will put the money I earn into my college fund.I am learning many skills with this experience. I am learning how to walk, catch, and build muscles in animals.  Please show your support for the 4-H community at the Oakland County fair on July 15.

I am growing a market lamb for the show and auction at the Oakland County Fair. I want to learn about animal nutrition and behavior, as well as about marketing and good business practices. I also plan to study those at college level, and will use the money earned toward my goal. Thank you for supporting the 4-H movement, and the County Fair!

I am raising and auctioning a market calf for the second time. I really enjoy the challenge of working with my calf. The money earned from selling the calf at auction will be put toward my future endeavors. So if you'd like to help me or the other kids of Tollgate with their project animal, then come on out to the Oakland County Fair, Large Animal Auction, Saturday July 15, 6:30 PM.

Thanks to all who helped make the Tollgate Spring Plant Sale on June 3 a success! There was a crowd of eager shoppers waiting at the "gate" when the sale began, and got first dibs on the great selection of plants. Due to the efforts of many volunteers who donated plants, prepared the nursery, and helped customers on the day of the sale, we made nearly $11,000! This was our best sale ever.

All of the money raised goes directly into the Tollgate Garden Volunteer account, helping us keep the gardens looking great for our many visitors. Big "Thanks!" are due to George Papadelis of Telly's Greenhouse, who very generously donated a trailer load of wonderful annuals. Thanks also to Christensen's Plant and Hardscape Centers who last fall also donated plants for the sale.

The Tollgate Fall Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 9 am to noon, so mark your calendar now to be ready for fall planting season!

During the Spring Plant Sale, some observant volunteers noticed a bird's nest - tucked into one of the boxwoods that had just been purchased - with four little speckled eggs inside. After some healthy deliberation, it was decided that it would be best if we could convince the plant sale customers to accept a refund for the plant, so that it (and its Cardinal cargo) could remain onsite to be cared for by the mother bird.

Thanks to the conscientious volunteers and customers, the eggs have hatched and are developing safely here at Tollgate.

On Monday, June 5, Tollgate's three Holstein steers decided to go on a bit of an adventure. Taking advantage of a weak spot in the fence, all three animals snuck out of the pasture, walked through the Tollgate woods, and meandered through the subdivision to the north of Tollgate. I got the call from the Novi Police Department around 9:30 pm that the cattle had got as far as 13 Mile Road. With the help of several amused officers, the animals were apprehended, trailered, and returned to Tollgate. It was an exciting event that I hope is not soon repeated!

Oakland County 4-H Connections is a monthly newsletter for 4-H members, families, and the general community with news and information about 4-H Youth Development activities in Oakland County.

First article:
Hands to Larger Service....
"As 4-Hers we are all familiar with the 4-H Pledge, but sometimes it is worth looking at its meaning. 4-H youth and volunteers are well known for their generosity. This year at Discovery Day several 4-H clubs teamed up to raise money for the wildfires that swept the plains. "Wildfires in early March swept across the plains in regions of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas..."

June Oakland County 4-H Connections newsletter (pdf)

Tollgate Volunteer Page

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 Conference Center