Extension in Winona County

U of M Extension, Winona County
[email protected]

225 W 2nd St
Winona MN 55987

Phone: 507-457-6440
Fax: 507-454-9362

Office hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

View all Winona County contacts.

Linda Mueller, Administrative Specialist
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

Annette Shepardson, SNAP-Ed Educator
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

Kimberly Stehr, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

Mika Miller, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

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. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. We offer online, small group and independent learning experiences for youth of all ages. In 4-H, youth choose the topic they find interesting and caring adults support their learning and leadership. From agronomy to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures, 4-H has just the right learning experience for young people.

There are many ways to participate in 4-H!

There are also many ways adults (anyone age 18+) can support youth learning and leading in 4-H. 

• Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?

  • Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and the community.

  • Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community.

• Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?

  • Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process.

Give to Winona County 4-H

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

Give today

Kimberly Stehr, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

Mika Miller, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

Linda Mueller, Administrative Specialist
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

Project records are due to the Winona County Extension office by Oct. 1. The top records are eligible for a cash award of $100.

• Project records
• Leader forms
• Winona County 4-H April 2025 Newsletter
• 2024-2025 Winona County 4-H Club Information
• 2023-24 Year at a Glance Calendar

Winona County 4-H programming and success relies heavily on volunteers!  We are looking for youth and adult volunteers for the following committee/activities.

Committee and Volunteer Descriptions

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Master Gardener volunteers are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using readily available, up-to-date, research-based information. This educational effort is designed to enhance the public's quality of life and to promote good stewardship of the environment.

Who are Master Gardener volunteers?

Master Gardeners come from all walks of life.  They share gardening best practices that promote healthy landscapes, healthy food and healthy lives.  Upon completing a core course, they contribute their time teaching research-based horticulture practices in their communities.

Contact Kristy Tibor, Master Gardener volunteer, for more information.

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

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

• Yard and garden
• Ask a Master Gardener

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Winona 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.

Annette Shepardson, SNAP-Ed educator
[email protected] or 507-457-6440

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 participatory 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 can also 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.