Michigan State University
EN-12: Continuing Education

See file upload for inventory. MSU Extension is responsible for the large number of sustainability continuing education course offerings through its extensive agriculture, business, community, food and health, lawn and garden, and natural resources focus areas. The programming of Extension directly addresses several sustainability challenges such as poverty alleviation, food security, environmental stewardship of agricultural and natural working lands, water quality, biodiversity, and sustainable communities. In addition, the Institute of Public Utilities, the Student Organic Farm, and the Broad Executive Development program offer continuing education courses at MSU which are captured in both the inventory and the total continuing education course count. MSU Extension’s routine way of reporting programming counts each time a program is offered as a separate program. The inventory and total course count reflect this approach. The inventory includes the number of programs offered per course which was used to calculate the total number of continuing education and/or extension courses and programs that address sustainability or a sustainability challenge. This also is consistent with how the university reported its 2019 inventory.

The Certified Master Gardener Program was created and implemented in 1978. Since then, it has taught over 40,000 Michigan residents. The program shares science-based, environmentally-sound gardening knowledge with engaged citizens and helps to empower communities in sustainability. This is done through environmentally responsible gardening practices that protect and preserve the native species and existing water resources; improve food security for participating communities through lessons in growing one's own food and providing assistance and mentorship for gardeners; improve the community through engagement and activities that benefit all ages and abilities; and develop youth through gardening through after school programs and the Junior Master Gardener class.

The program teaches participants about science-based horticultural practices: Introduction and Volunteerism; Plant Science; Soils for Plant Growth; Annuals and Perennials; Woody Ornamentals; Lawns; Vegetables; Small Fruits; Tree Fruits; Integrated Pest Management; Indoor Plants; Household and Nuisance Pests; Diagnostics for Extension Master Gardeners; and Gardening Practices to Protect Water.

The program also has a required volunteer component where participants must educate others in their community about environmentally and economically sounds practices. The Extension Master Gardener trainee’s commitment to volunteering is just as important than the educational component of the course. Volunteer tasks may include everything from designing an elementary school garden with children, to creating a horticulture therapy program at a senior center, to helping a neighborhood beautification team with site and plant selection. Upon completion of the educational component and 40 hours of volunteer service in Michigan, the Extension Master Gardener trainee will receive his or her Extension Master Gardener certification. Maintaining MSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer status requires completing a minimum of 20 hours of community service in the state of Michigan, and 10 hours of education each year. In addition, Master Gardener can participate in the Master Garden College event to keep up to date on the latest best practices in horticulture and sustainable land management.