🍦Scoop Into Summer at Tollgate!🍦

Did you know you can get MSU Dairy Store ice cream right at Tollgate Farm???

There's no sweeter sign that summer is on its way than with the return of MSU Dairy Store ice cream at Tollgate! We'll be kicking off ice cream season, Saturday, May 31st from 3:00 - 7:00.

As our way of saying *thank you* for staying connected to Tollgate, show this newsletter and receive $1.00 off each ice cream.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon treat while taking in the fresh air and open space of the farm. Whether you're strolling the gardens, walking the trails, or just enjoying a peaceful moment by the pond—this is the perfect way to ease into summer. Stay tuned to our social media and future newsletters for more ice cream dates and pop-up sales throughout the summer.

🌽 Fridays at the Farm Return in June🍯

Mark your calendars! School’s almost out, which can only mean one thing... the return of Fridays at the Farm, starting Friday, June 13th from 4:00 - 7:00 and continuing on Fridays all summer long! These weekly evenings are a celebration of community and connection, featuring:

MSU Dairy Store ice cream
Locally made honey and wax goods from our resident beekeeper
Handmade and home-baked treats from the Tollgate 4-H Club
Fresh Tollgate flowers and produce, available as the season allows

This is a perfect opportunity to pack a picnic, enjoy some ice cream, and make new summer memories with family and friends. Visitors are welcome to explore the farm. Don't forget to say hi to the farm animals while you are here!

🌱 Sprouting New Talent at Tollgate!🌾

We’re thrilled to welcome our two summer Sustainable Agriculture Interns, Yael and Emika, to the farm! Yael is entering her third year at MSU, studying Environmental Studies and Sustainability with a minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. She brings great energy to the team—not only from her passion for Sustainable Ag, but also as a proud member of the Spartan Marching Band’s color guard! Emika is heading into her fourth year at MSU, majoring in Environmental Economics and Management. After volunteering at Tollgate this past summer, she’s back from a semester abroad in the Netherlands and eager to get hands-on again with our animals and vegetable production.

🐣Upcoming Programs 🐐

✨June 20 - The Science of Twilight – Night Hike at Tollgate - Experience Tollgate Farm like never before—under the magic of twilight. As day transitions to night, the farm transforms into a canvas of color, sound, and science. During this guided evening hike, we’ll explore how the positions of the sun and moon shape the images we see before and after sunset, and how geometry plays a surprising role in twilight’s natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a unique outing for your family, a memorable activity for a scout group, or simply a peaceful evening walk in nature, this program is perfect for all ages.

Click Here to Sign Up!

🌞Summer Camp - We’ve expanded our popular Summer Farm Camp, and there’s still time to register! Open to campers entering grades 1–6, each week offers hands-on fun, outdoor adventures, and one of three engaging camp themes — or sign up for all three!

Give your child a week (or more!) of fresh air, farm animals, gardening, and unforgettable memories at Tollgate Farm. Click Here to Sign Up!

🌿Cultivating Community: Partner Spotlight🌿

In mid-March, Tollgate Farm proudly launched a new partnership with Oakland Schools Technical Campus, welcoming high school seniors through a work-based learning program focused on sustainable agriculture.

This hands-on collaboration offered students meaningful experience and practical job skills in a real-world farm setting. Two students worked closely with our Livestock Coordinator, Destiny, and our local veterinarian—learning how to care for animals through daily routines like cleaning, feeding, and administering vaccines. Meanwhile, the other students partnered with Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, Monique, assisting with greenhouse prep and field work in anticipation of the summer crop season.

We are incredibly grateful for the energy, curiosity, and hard work these students brought to the farm. We’re excited to continue this enriching partnership in the fall and help cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

📸 PICTURE OF THE MONTH!

Tollgate Farm was proud to host the Detroit Spartans at their Spartans Connect, Storyteller Event. The historic barn was the perfect backdrop for an evening that featured lively discussions and meaningful conversations centered around sustainability, agribusiness, and community building.

🌱 Save the Date: Tollgate Spring Plant Sale!

Mark your calendars for one of our favorite spring traditions! The MSU Tollgate Spring Plant Sale is happening on Saturday, June 7th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stock up on a beautiful selection of sun and shade perennials, all in convenient 1-gallon pots and reasonably priced to fill your garden. This is a rain-or-shine event, so come prepared and bring a friend — it's the perfect way to welcome the growing season! MSU Dairy Store ice cream for sale!

For more details - Click Here!

MSU Tollgate Farm is the legacy of Adolph and Ginger Meyer who had the foresight to preserve the farm for future generations. Their efforts have allowed Tollgate Farm to touch the lives of countless individuals. You can walk in their footsteps by making a planned gift or setting up an endowment to support specific areas of personal interest at the farm. Opportunities exist to endow a variety of positions, facilities, and operations. The generous support of major donors will ensure the sustainability of MSU Tollgate Farm in perpetuity. Those interested in learning more this opportunity can contact Katie Peet, Tollgate Farm Director at peetkati@msu.edu.

MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center

28115 Meadowbrook Rd. Novi, MI 48377

248-347-0269

http://tollgate.msu.edu/

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.