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MSU Extension Foundations of Gardening course begins Feb. 1
METRO DETROIT — Registration is now open for the Michigan State University Extension’s Foundations of Gardening winter session.
Foundations of Gardening is a 10-week online MSU Extension course with live sessions from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights, beginning Feb. 1 and running through April 11.
Sessions for the comprehensive certificate course are delivered by MSU Extension horticulture experts. Learning modules include readings, videos and interactive activities. The course is entirely electronic. Sessions are set to include plant science for gardeners, soils and plant growth, the basics of plant propagation, entomology for gardeners, smart lawn care, gardening with flowers, environmental gardening, and trees and shrubs. Plant diseases, pests and problems, and growing fruits and vegetables will also be discussed.
The cost for the course is $350. To register or for more information, visit canr.msu.edu/courses/foundations-of-gardening.
2024 Smart Gardening Conference to be held March 9
METRO DETROIT — The Michigan State University Extension will host the 2024 Smart Gardening Conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the Wayne County Community College District’s Ted Scott Campus in Belleville.
The cost to attend the conference is $100. Topics include an introduction to smart gardening, micro plantings for macro impact, urban agriculture and gardening, mite and insect problems, and inspiring plants and garden designs.
Scholarship opportunities are available.
The WCCCD Ted Scott Campus is located at 9555 Haggerty Road.
To register or for more information, visit events.anr.msu.edu/2024smartgardeningconference.
Looking for ‘Custodian of the Year’
NATIONWIDE — Cintas Corporation, based in Cincinnati, is holding its 11th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year contest, which honors standout school custodians. Cintas will award $10,000 to the winning custodian and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services to the winner’s school.
The other nine finalists will receive $1,000 each from Cintas, a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid and complimentary tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) virtual training event, valued at $1,500. In addition, the top three finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas in November.
The contest is open to all elementary, middle, high school, college and university custodians who have worked at their school for at least two years. Nominations must be 500 words or less about why the nominee is deserving of the award. Cintas will announce the top 10 finalists on March 5. The public can vote for their favorite custodian through April 12, and the finalist with the most votes will be crowned Custodian of the Year in the spring.
Nominations can be submitted until Feb. 9 at custodianoftheyear.com.
Macomb County updates roadwork projects
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb County Department of Roads announced updates to two projects on Jan. 8. Paving for the “Innovate Mound” project is completed, but lane closures will occur across the winter and spring.
Washington Road in Chesterfield Township will be closed across the Salt River from January to August 2024 for bridge replacement. Detour signs will guide drivers around the affected area.
Anton Art Center hosts exhibitions in January, February
MOUNT CLEMENS — The Anton Art Center is kicking off 2024 with two exhibitions running from late January through the end of February.
“The Outdoors” runs from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24 on the second floor of the center featuring art that explores nature’s beauty through scenes featuring animals, plants, landscapes and agriculture. Work was sourced from artists from the Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens Art Association, Romeo Guild of Art, Shelby Township Fine Art Society and Warren Tri-County Fine Arts, Inc. Lori Zurvalec juried the exhibition.
From Jan. 27 to Feb. 24, the Anton Art Center will showcase the 51st edition of its “Michigan Annual” exhibition. “Michigan Annual LI” will feature art submitted from across the state.
“This event is a cornerstone of our annual calendar, and the 51st edition promises to be as exciting as ever,” said Stephnaie Hazzard, exhibitions manager, in a press release. “It’s a platform that celebrates the incredible diversity and talent of Michigan’s fine art community.”
Juried by Meighan Jackson, the top-three artists will receive their share of $2,000 in prizes along with three honorable mentions. The opening reception and awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Anton Art Center is located at 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens. For questions or more information, visit theartcenter.org or call (586) 469-8666.
DNR expects big fishing season
STATEWIDE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has high hopes for the 2024 fishing season based on the fall 2023 fish stocking efforts.
The DNR was able to stock 14.5 tons of fish across 103 locations across the state.
“It was another outstanding fall fish stocking season that will provide enhanced fishing opportunities throughout Michigan,” said Ed Eisch, assistant chief of the DNR Fisheries Division, in a DNR statement. “When added to our successful spring and summer stocking efforts, that brings the total for 2023 to more than 10.4 million fish stocked in Michigan’s waters.”
Six species of fish — brook trout, coho salmon, lake trout, steelhead strain rainbow trout, walleye and muskellunge — are raised at six state and three cooperative fisheries. The fish are released at specific times and locations, with most fish released in the spring.
