Greening Michigan

Michigan State University Extension’s Greening Michigan statewide program partners with local communities, governments and community groups, especially those focused on community and economic development and stewardship of the state’s rich natural resources.  The goal is to support prosperous communities with strong economies; prepare citizen decision-makers prepared with the knowledge and skills to create change at the local, state and national levels; and enhance community capacity that results in  neighborhood revitalization and community vitality. 

Greening Michigan programs work to:

• Sustain community prosperity.
  
• Develop community food systems including production and marketing expertise, community gardens and direct marketing opportunities (including farmers markets).
  
• Encourage community engagement and leadership development.
  
• Educate Michigan families on financial issues including money management, youth financial literacy, mortgages and bankruptcy counseling. 
  
• Educate Michigan residents about energy including alternative energy production systems, such as woody bio-mass, waste-to- resources and renewable energy sources (e.g. wind, solar, and bio-gas). 
  
• Inform land owners on the responsible extraction and management of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, timber and water.
  
• Educate about effective  land use and stewardship.
  
• Inform leaders in the development of public policy
  
• Increase awareness and appreciation for Michigan’s natural resources including the Great Lakes, inland lakes and streams, and forests
  
• Provide leadership development, conflict management and community decision- making education.
  
• Provide counsel on community-based entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, and new venture and innovation development,  including natural resources, green energy and food- business enterprise education.
  
• Open the world of agriculture and its opportunities to Michigan’s youth.
  
• Assist businesses, communities and organizations in the planning and implementation of successful economic development programs.