
Extension in Anoka County

Welcome to Anoka County
Anoka County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
4-H events in Anoka County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
Also see our events and deadlines google calendar.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Anoka County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Anoka County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
Join Summer Camp Director, Aaron Stack, for an exciting camp season of games, crafts, camp hikes, and more! Since 1945 4-H Camp Salie has been a wonderful part of the 4-H experience for 4-H members. Make your own memories this summer...
4-H Camp Salie is located in Wyoming and is staffed by an experienced staff including enthusiastic trained 4-H teen volunteers. 4-H Camp lets kids try new things, try new skills and express themselves through fun hands-on activities. Campers will enjoy action-packed days filled with a variety of crafts, skits, songs & games with the great 4-H camp counselors who will be with them for every exciting moment!
Anoka County 4-H summer camp opportunities.
Camp Counselor & Leadership Training (CCLT): June 13-17
Day camp: June 16
Overnight camp: June 21-24
Overnight camp: June 28-29
Day camp: June 30
4-H Clover Dash will be on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Walk or run to support this fundraiser for Anoka County 4-H! Funds will support healthy living programs, community service projects and scholarships for youth.
Details and registration information.
If you are unable to participate but still want to support this Anoka County 4-H fundraiser, donations can be made online to the Anoka County 4-H Program Fund. Please select "Add Special Instructions" and write "4-H Clover Dash" before submitting.
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!
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Anoka County, and local programming coordinated by the Anoka County 4-H Council.
Anna Gilbertson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
annag@umn.edu or 763-324-3497
Sarah Devine, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
komp0030@umn.edu or 763-324-3493
Kim Ferguson, Administrative Services Assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499
Jen Graham, Office Support Assistant
jlgraham@umn.edu or (763) 324-3496
Visit Anoka County 4-H on social media:
We are looking forward to a summer of celebrating 4-H project learning! These local showcases will begin in June with the Public Presentation day and conclude in early August with the Dog show. The Anoka County Fair will be happening this year and will take place during the week of Monday, July 25 - Saturday, July 31.
4-H Summer Showcase Schedule (will be posted soon)
Anoka County Fair 4-H Premium Book, 2022 (will be posted soon)
This guide will help you prepare to participate in Anoka County 4-H at the County Fair. There are suggestions for project ideas and in some cases, guidelines on what components a project must have. Please note that there have been significant changes to the project categories this year. Please read carefully and contact staff if you have questions about where a project should be exhibited.
Static exhibits
In 2022, we are returning to our traditional judging schedule of Monday, July 25, and Tuesday, July 26 for general “Static” exhibits and club projects. Register to exhibit (will be posted soon). Your project registration must be completed by Friday, July 1.
Wristband sales
4-H members, parents and screened volunteers may purchase a reduced rate wristband which will allow entrance to the fairgrounds during the week of the fair. Wristbands may be purchased Monday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Tuesday, July 26 from Noon - 8 p.m. in the 4-H building. It is wise to purchase wristbands Monday to avoid paying gate admission fees on Tuesday. There will be no exception for 4-H families. All wristbands will be put on at the time of sale. Cost is $6 per 4-H member and $20 per adult.
Animal projects at the fair
Check out the Anoka County Fair 4-H Premium Book, 2022 (will be posted soon) for Animal Show dates and information about participating during the County Fair week. Our show schedule (will be posted soon) will continue to align with the changes that were made last year.
Horse project at the fair
Exhibiting in the horse project at the County Fair is a large commitment with many moving parts. Please be sure to read the Anoka County 4-H Horse Handbook (will be posted soon) & complete the stalling and camping forms when they become available. They will be posted here when available. Please ask questions of the horse committee members when needed. Contact information is included in the handbooks.
Horse Project Events
- Saturday, July 23 for Training Project
- Thursday & Friday, July 28 and 29 for 6-13th graders
- Saturday, July 30 for Kindergarten-5th graders, Novice and Horseless Horse
- Sunday, July 31 for grades 3+ including Novice
Other 4-H Showcase/County Fair Events
County Arts-In - County Arts-In is a summer performing arts/leadership experience for youth that have completed grades 2 – one year post high school. Singing, dancing, and acting, plus leadership and team building activities all culminate in a 30-minute musical revue.
Public Presentation Day - Public Presentations are an opportunity to practice public speaking skills, share your knowledge.
Fashion Revue - An opportunity to demonstrate skills and knowledge of clothing and textile construction and consumerism.
Gardening
- Visit the Anoka County Master Gardeners website for gardening information along with a complete list of upcoming events.
- Follow Anoka County Master Gardeners on Facebook.
Gardening events in Anoka County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Anoka County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Lia Spaniolo, Master Gardener Program Coordinator
spaniolo@umn.edu or 763-324-3498
Jen Graham, Office Support Assistant
jlgraham@umn.edu or (763) 324-3496
Kim Ferguson, Administrative Services Assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499
Anoka County Extension
U of M Extension, Anoka County
mnext-anoka@umn.edu
550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304
Phone: 763-324-3495
Fax: 763-324-3325
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (by appointment only)
Sarah Devine, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
komp0030@umn.edu or 763-324-3493
Kim Ferguson, Administrative Services Assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499
Anna Gilbertson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
annag@umn.edu or 763-324-3497
Jen Graham, Office Support Assistant
jlgraham@umn.edu or (763) 324-3496
Lia Spaniolo, Master Gardener Program Coordinator
spaniolo@umn.edu or 763-324-3498
Anoka County events
View all events hosted in and near Anoka County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Anoka County news
Read all news from Anoka County.
Extension wide news
Read the latest news from all of Extension's programs.
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.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Anoka County
Attend an agriculture-related event near you.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered all year around the state.
Agriculture news in Anoka County
Find the latest on Extension agricultural research and news you can use on your farm from local experts.
Statewide news and blogs
- Agricultural Business Management News - Business and financial resources for farmers.
- Beef News - Beef industry featured events, farm safety and animal health.
- Dairy News - Dairy industry featured events, farm safety and animal health.
- Fruit and Vegetable News - Local production and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Crop News - Emerging issues affecting Minnesota row crops and forages.
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Anoka 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.
Health and nutrition events in Anoka County
Learn more about staying healthy and eating well.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in events that encourage health, wellbeing and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Anoka County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Family News
Find information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Sustainable communities
Extension's Center for Community Vitality 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 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 neighboring communities and how to submit a project idea.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development newsFind information on community-focused news. My Minnesota WoodsFind out how to take care of your trees and enjoy Minnesota's beautiful woodlands. Natural Resources NewsFrom preserving our wetlands to combating invasive species, read about protecting and enjoying nature. RSDP HappeningsLearn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota. |