Extension in Itasca County

View all Itasca County contacts

Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training. Learn more about Extension by visiting our about page and by browsing this website. 

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member

Join or re-enroll in 4-H

• Welcome back! Re-enroll for the new 4-H year
• Join 4-H for the first time

Itasca County 4-H clubs

We have several community and project clubs to choose from to help make your experience in 4-H great!

Stay connected and informed

Keep track of events and meetings with the Itasca County 4-H Google Calendar.

Accommodations Request Form If an accommodation is needed in order to be successful at a 4-H program or event, please contact your local Extension office. Requests should be made as far in advance as reasonably possible. Please know that we will do our best to provide all requested accommodations.

Read the 4-H Federation Minutes. They contain valuable 4-H information that you don't want to miss out on!

Learn more about volunteering with 4-H

Apply to become a 4-H volunteer

We have several community and project clubs to choose from to help make your experience in 4-H great!

Like us on Facebook: @ItascaCounty4HMinnesota

Follow us on Instagram: @itasca4h

Resources for Minnesota 4-H at county fairs.

Give to Itasca County 4-H

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Itasca County, and local programming coordinated by the Itasca County 4-H Council. 

Give today

Andrew Anderson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development 
[email protected] or 218-327-2801

Allison Hansen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development 
[email protected] or 218-327-7312

Courtney Johnson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development 
[email protected] or 218-327-7365

Do you have questions about gardening?

Our Master Gardeners have experience with a wide range of special interests. From alternative insect and disease control to wildlife, Itasca County is rich with Master Gardener knowledge.

• Get information about best plants and gardening practices for Minnesota lawns, landscapes, and gardens.
• Diagnose: identify weeds, insects, and plant diseases with our online tools.
• Have a gardening question? Ask a Master Gardener. 
• Itasca County Master Gardeners Facebook.
• Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Itasca County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Zona Kinn, Master Gardener [email protected] or 218-244-1031

Soil Testing Form - Lawn and Garden

Soil Testing Form - Farm

Sample Submission Form

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Itasca County. These programs are open to families and individuals of all ages who are eligible for benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or who meet Extension’s program income guidelines.

Programs are offered in community settings such as food shelves, schools, community centers and public housing sites. The programs are free to all individuals and families who meet income guidelines, and may be offered in multiple languages, depending on the audience needs and availability of educators.

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

Jodi Nordlund, SNAP-Ed Health & Wellness Coordinator
[email protected] or 218-327-7356

Extension engages Minnesotans to strengthen the social, civic, economic and technological capacity of their communities. We help create vibrant communities and enhance skills and knowledge in economics, leadership and civic engagement, and tourism.

Check our community research page for reports on county and community-focused topics relating to local economics, retaining businesses, growing retail markets, developing tourism, and more.

Local programs can be offered in collaboration with local community organizations and government agencies. Current programs include Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (MARL).

Contact an educator in your area for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.

Minnesota is a great place to explore, understand and conserve the natural landscape. Extension education, volunteer and community science programs encourage people to become stewards of Minnesota’s public and private lands.

Volunteer. Natural resources volunteers track invasive species, detect forest pests and count native bees, among many other activities. You also can study to become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.

Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) connect Greater Minnesota communities and University of Minnesota knowledge and resources to support local sustainability projects.

Working in partnership, RSDP supports community-driven projects in four focus areas: agriculture and food systems, clean energy, natural resources, and resilient communities. Projects are supported by boards made up of local community members and University faculty and staff.

Learn more about RSDP’s recent work in your county and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.