MSU Tollgate Farm Camp is seeking  a few more teens age 15 - 19 to be stewards of summer camp!

Stewards are:

• role models for our campers
• song leaders
• game players
• joke tellers
• fishing buddies
• and much more!

Stewards assist our adult Educational Leaders in maintaining the safety and well-being of the campers.

Deadline to register is May 1.

Register here!

 
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 opens on May 1st.

Visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/early-childhood/ for more information.

Michigan State University's Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) offers CHAMP and ISHALL accelerated programs in math and English, designed for gifted students in grades 7-9. These programs are held at the Tollgate Center in Novi, and students from all areas surrounding Novi are welcome! The programs allow students to complete all four years of high school curriculum in math or English in just two years!

The deadline to apply is May 2, 2018.

For eligibility requirements and more information, please visit
www.gifted.msu.edu

 
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]

What better way to celebrate advent of summer and the starry night than to join us at MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center for an exciting outdoor overnight learning experience? This family-focused adventure will give you a rare glimpse into what goes on after sundown on the farm.

Arrive Friday evening after dinner to explore the science of the night sky with the Oakland Astronomy Club. Enjoy astronomy investigations, solar system games on the hill, and s'mores around the campfire before settling down for the night. Depending on weather, we'll camp outdoors or in the historic barn before waking to a farm-fresh breakfast and morning animal chores. Leave with warm memories and new friends.

Register Here for Starry Night

K - 8 teachers and informal educators, this three day professional development workshop will guide you through the scientific process in an outdoor setting and provide you with the skills to meet expectations set forth by the Next Generation Science Standards. Come explore best practices for teaching science in the outdoor classroom!
 
Financial aid process available. For more info, contact

[email protected]
 
Register here for Teaching Science Outdoors

Tollgate sheep and goat moms (ewes and does) have been eagerly awaiting this moment - and so have Tollgate staff.

SEVEN babies were born between April 2nd and 3rd! Baby goats (kids) Eva and Diego were born to veteran mama goat Spring Rain on April 2nd. On the same day, baby lambs Roger and Grendel were born to Blue, the ewe. Next, on April 3, kids Amy and Ted were born to doe Violet, and Zeus was born to doe Penny.

Notice Amy, Ted, and Zeus all asleep in their blue tub. Hopping around, eating, and meeting adoring fans is all very hard work.

The Tollgate Farm 4-H Club members get the privilege of naming the babies when they are born.

Tollgate Spring Break Farm Campers had a really special experience - they were able to watch a baby goat being born during their day at camp!

All moms and babies are doing well, and babies are growing fast. Come visit them soon!

4-H Discovery Day Tollgate lambs born earlier in the spring - Homer, Elmo, and Rocky - will be headed to Discovery Day for weigh-in, a required part of a market animal project. These lambs will be auctioned at the Oakland County Fair in July.

Also making an appearance at Discovery Day are the newest Tollgate goats and kids, and maybe even the Shetland pony, Sesame. Discovery Day provides families a fun, interactive way to learn about all the activities that 4-H has to offer. Check it out!
https://www.oakgov.com/msu/4h/Documents/Events/Discovery_Day_Flyer.pdf

Tollgate Farm 4-H members have also been busy taking care of new goat kids, getting the garden ready, and distributing seed packets to school and community gardens. There is much more to come!

Sound Like Fun?
Tollgate Farm 4-H Club is 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]

Support for the MSU Tollgate Community Supported Agriculture farm has been strong. Will Jaquinde, CSA Farm Manager and Sustainable Agriculture Instructor, has just announced that all shares have been sold for the 2018 season! Even though the CSA is full, Will will put you on the waiting list if you want to be contacted when spots open in the fall for the 2019 season.

What is Community Supported Agriculture, and why would you want to join? Click here for more information:

http://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/sustainable-ag/

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.

In this issue, more information about 4-H Discovery Day! Get your copy here:

April Oakland County 4-H Connections

There are many fun and friendly opportunities to contribute to Tollgate!

*    The Tollgate Garden Volunteers have begun a new season of maintaining the nearly 20 gardens on The Farm.
*    The Tollgate Maple Syrup crew just finished a successful season of making maple syrup. (90 gallons!)
*    The Tollgate Nursery Team is propagating hundreds of Michigan native plant seedlings.
*    The Tollgate Educational Programming staff seeks volunteers throughout the calendar year for public events and group programs.

"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

Visit  Tollgate Volunteer Page for garden volunteer opportunities. For Tollgate Educational Programming volunteer opportunities contact [email protected]

Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who make MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center the wonderful place that it is!

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