Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
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
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 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.
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. We are thrilled to celebrate our 10-year anniversary this spring and you’re invited to participate in the way you feel most comfortable. You may run a route of your choosing, come to Bunker Hills Regional Park and run our marked route, or run an identified route at another Anoka County Park. This is a “fun run” and will not be timed.
On Saturday, April 24, our traditional 5K route will be marked at Bunker Hills Activities Center from 9 am to noon for you to run or walk in your own time. We will also provide maps for you to run the same distance at another Anoka County Park at a time that is convenient for you.
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.
4-H contacts
Anna Gilbertson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
annag@umn.edu or 763-324-3797
Layne Vermeulen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
trall005@umn.edu or 763-324-3793
Mamadou Toure, 4-H Program associate
toure034@umn.edu or 763-324-3794
Kim Ferguson, Administrative Services Assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499
Visit us on social media:
Gardening
- Visit the Anoka County Master Gardeners website for gardening information along with a complete list of upcoming events.
- Follow us 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.
Statewide news
- Yard and Garden News - Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
- My Minnesota Woods - Find out how to take care of your trees and enjoy Minnesota's beautiful woodlands.
- Natural Resources News - From preserving our wetlands to combating invasive species, read about protecting and enjoying nature.
Lia Spaniolo, Master Gardener program coordinator
spaniolo@umn.edu or 763-324-3798
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)
Kim Ferguson, Administrative services assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499
Anna Gilbertson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
annag@umn.edu or 763-324-3797
Lia Spaniolo, Master Gardener program coordinator
spaniolo@umn.edu or 763-324-3798
Mamadou Toure, 4-H program associate
toure034@umn.edu or 763-324-3794
Layne Vermeulen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
trall005@umn.edu or 763-324-3793
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.