Fall 2025

Supporting Teachers and Building Community

Three images are side by side. First, a woman with a look of excitement feeds an alpaca from her hand. Then, a woman standing at the front of a classroom gestures to words on a whiteboard. Finally, a man sits on the floor of a classroom surrounded by young children who are making crafts with scissors, tape, and markers.

Rural teachers often play an outsized role in their communities, filling in gaps and sharing talents, but rural schools and students also play an outsized role in the lives of teachers through connections that span lifetimes.

 

 

Enjoying the Outdoors Safely in Grizzly Bear Country

A grizzly bear stands in some brush on a hill.

Whether you're a hunter deep in the backcountry, a family camping for the weekend, or a runner on a favorite trail, this article outlines what anyone spending time outdoors in Montana should know.

Beyond Time and Measure:
Connection and Community

Two kids load sand into buckets from a wheelbarrow.
For 50 years, the People Partner Program has allowed youth to practice the skills to recognize issues, develop solutions, create teams to implement potential answers, and evaluate the results. 

Pots of Possibility:
Herbs that Thrive Indoors

Young, healthy looking herb plants are lined up in pots.

As our Montana growing season is ending, consider starting a winter herb garden inside to enjoy fresh herbs year-round. Many herbs can be successfully grown indoors.

Engage with your Local Government: Celebrating 40 Years of the LGC

Four women and a man pose for a photo in front of a pond on a sunny day.

Founded in 1985, the MSU Extension Local Government Center strengthens local government capacities with training, technical assistance, and research. Learn how to engage and celebrate the LGC.

 

headshot of President Tessman

President Tessman's Opening Remarks

 

A letter from President Tessman to the MSU Extension community and beyond.

a close-up shot of a field ant with some sugar

Insects in the Kitchen

 

Sometimes unwanted kitchen guests are the six-legged kind. Read on for advice on identifying and removing some of these irksome critters.

A brown and white mouse nibbles on a piece of food. Photo: adobe stock

Ask Steward: What is hantavirus, and how can I prevent it when dealing with mice in my home?

 

A hantavirus infection could progress to a severe disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Crispy fried chicken is being lifted out of a pot of hot cooking oil with a long-handled strainer.

Sizzling Science of Tallow: Cooking and Health

 

Beef tallow is making a comeback in the kitchen. This article explains how to consume and use beef tallow safely and effectively.

a tractor drives across a field at dusk

Winterizing Farm and Yard Equipment

 

In Montana, winter comes early, stays long, and brings unique challenges for both farm and ranch operations and homeowners. Here are some best practices for winterizing equipment.

two women pose for the camera, holding up a wooden plaque together

Featured Montanan: A Legacy of Giving, Endurance, and Vision

 

Karyn Hamilton has been a proud member of Lewis & Clark County 4-H since her elementary school days growing up near Hauser Dam.

A woman works on a computer with her back to the camera

A Path to Lifelong Learning that Starts at Home

 

The Montana University System, which includes 16 colleges serving more than 40,000 students nationwide, offers 121 fully online programs and 1,608 remote classes. 

A small segment of tree branch sits atop a plant diagnostic form. A small magnifying glass and a plant ID book are also in the picture

Master Gardener Spotlight: Gallatin County Plant Clinic Returns

 

This summer, MSU Extension Gallatin County revived their plant diagnostic clinic with the support of Master Gardener volunteers.