The Annual Tollgate Spring Plant Sale is the place to find a large selection of reasonably-priced, Michigan-hardy plants for your landscape.  Wander through rows of healthy, beautiful plants grown exclusively for Tollgate, and get expert help from MSU Extension Master Gardeners.

Choose Michigan natives that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators.  Pick out sun or shade perennials, shrubs, and native Michigan plants - many you won't see in your average garden center.
 
Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to get great plants at a good price, and support Tollgate Farm at the same time!

Cash, Check, MasterCard, or Visa accepted.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/events/spring_plant_sale

 
This exceptional MSU Extension educational program includes the latest research trends, group discussions, and skill-building activities in:
*    Basic Horse Health
*    Forage/Pasture Management
*    Toxic Plant identification
*    Environmental Considerations
Registration fee is $10 per person and includes refreshments.
RSVP REQUIRED. Cash or checks only.

For more information and registration form, contact:
Debbie Morgan, 4-H Program Coordinator
248-347-3860, ext. 279
[email protected]

A unique selection is coming up for the Evenings in the Garden spring season. On May 31, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Tollgate's own favorite farm manager Roy Prentice presents
"MSU Tollgate Farms: Carrying on Novi's Agricultural Traditions."

The history of Novi - or Any Town, USA - can be told through its agricultural roots. Join us for this historical journey with the former chair of the Novi Historical Commission. Weather permitting, a tour of the grounds is included.

On June 14, Mary Gerstenberger reprises her popular and fun class "Water: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."

Advance registration is required. For more information and registration:
http://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/events/evenings-in-the-garden

What better way to celebrate summer's arrival than to join us for a family camp-out on the farm?

Explore the importance of the sun in growing our food, the science of the summer solstice, and the fascinating night sky. Enjoy astronomy investigations with the Oakland Astronomy Club, solar system activities and games, and s'mores around the campfire. Wake to a farm fresh breakfast and help with animal chores. Leave with warm memories and new friends. Spaces are filling quickly.

To learn more or to register:

https://events.anr.msu.edu/TollgateStarryNightontheFarm2018

What is it like to be an entomologist? We are devoting an entire week of MSU Tollgate Farm Summer Camp to the study of bugs. Join us in exploring the amazing and valuable world of insects. We will:

• Learn how to safely collect and study insects,
• Meet MSU Bug House entomologists and their collection,
• Contribute to a citizen science project, and
• Much, much more! 

Insects are key for helping our garden grow and decompose. Learn who has what job, and why we need to keep the creepy crawlies around.  

 

Bug Camp!

K - 8 teachers and informal educators, come explore best practices for teaching science outdoors. Join campus speakers and area experts as we take to the fields and forest of the farm to learn about how to share the process of science with children in the outdoor classroom. Explore ways to live out ideas set forth in the Next Generation Science Standards.

Financial aid process available.

For more info or to register:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/MSUTollgateTeachingScienceOutdoors/

 
Our fall season invites us to investigate how our plants and animals prepare for winter.

Each year our investigation takes us in a different direction as we follow the interests of the children. Farm Sprouts develop scientific thinking skills as they observe the many changes taking place around them.

We'll harvest apples, learn how to ride a horse, discover the wonders of the forest, and much more! Registration is open, and is almost full. For more information, visit:

http://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/early-childhood/

The early childhood education team at MSU Tollgate Farm is seeking one to two volunteers to support the very popular Children's Garden Story Hour program this summer!

Volunteers who enjoy young children, gardening, plant/animal science, and crafts would be well suited for the role. Ideally, volunteers would support all five story hours, or a majority of the dates, from 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. The program runs bi-weekly on Thursdays from June 28th through August 23rd. Responsibilities include supporting the hands-on activities, such as process art and garden-related projects, and interactions with featured farm animals. Tollgate staff and volunteers will engage with both 2-5-year-old children and their accompanying adults to provide a fun and educational experience at the farm.
 
For more information about the program:
http://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/early-childhood/story-hour

If interested, please contact Brooke Larm, Early Childhood Coordinator, via email with the following information:

• a brief paragraph outlining your background and interests,
• your availability, and
• your contact information. 

Thank you!

Over the summer, 4-H members will participate in many activities at the farm. These young people are planting the garden, and will soon be stocking summer farm stands with fresh vegetables, in addition to goat milk soap, granola, fruit leather and more. These items are all produced through the members' hands-on activities. We continue to care for livestock and poultry on weekends and as time permits, work on agility and handling with some of the animals on the farm.

We are looking forward to our members participating in the county and state fairs. Projects include the areas of plant and animal science and home arts. Some members will be participating in goat and sheep showmanship as well.

If you know a young person interested in any of these areas, invite them to join now. Adults, you can volunteer now to help guide kids through these areas and more.

Tollgate Farm 4-H Club remains open to new members ages 5 - 19.
Adult 4-H Volunteers Welcome - No Kid Required!

For more information
Web: www.tollgatefarm4h.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TGF4H/
Email: [email protected]

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.

Oakland County 4-H Connections

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