MSU Extension-Macomb County plant and pest diagnostics lab opens May 4, 2026

Solving the mystery of struggling plants and identifying unknown pests or insects are among many of the common questions posed by Macomb County residents to the local Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) office located in Clinton Township, Michigan. And today, MSUE announced it is ready to answer those questions and solve those mysteries with the annual opening of its diagnostics lab to Macomb County residents.

Beginning May 4, 2026, MSUE is offering Macomb County residents insect and plant diagnostic services for a nominal fee of just $7. These services will be available at the MSUE office located at 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 12, Clinton Township, Michigan 48036. Use entrance "E".

The lab will be open from 9:30 am to 12:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• May 4
• May 18
• May 28
• June 2
• June 11
• June 15
• June 24

The lab will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• June 30
• July 7
• July 16

MSUE's Consumer Horticulture Educator and entomologist David Lowenstein as well as trained Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be available during this time to help Macomb County residents identify insects and leaf damage as well as provide answers to general gardening questions.

The diagnostics lab is well-equipped, and most samples brought into the office will be able to be identified and diagnosed the same day. "We're pleased to bring this valuable resource to Macomb County," said Andrew Cox, director/health officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services, which oversees MSU Extension. "This service helps support the many residents who take pride in their outdoor spaces by offering expert guidance to help their gardens, trees, and landscapes thrive."

Residents who are unable to visit the office during the times identified above are encouraged to call 586-469-6440 to make alternate drop-off arrangements. Additionally, the Michigan State University Extension office in East Lansing, Michigan has a variety of options available to help gardeners find answers to their lawn and garden questions such as the Ask Extension online portal, the migarden.msu.edu website and its toll-free Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 which is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. - Noon.

David Lowenstein, Ph.D., is a consumer horticulture extension educator based out of Clinton Township, Michigan. Before joining MSUE, he worked with managing invasive species, integrated pest management (IPM) of vegetable crops, and pests and pollinators in urban agriculture. He has a background in IPM and entomology with a B.A. in Biology from CUNY-Lehman, an M.S. in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin and a Ph.D. in Ecology/Evolution from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

To learn more about MSU Extension, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/

Scott Turske

[email protected]