Extension in Carlton County

U of M Extension, Carlton County

317 Chestnut Avenue
PO Box 307
Carlton MN 55718-0307

(218) 384-3511 (phone)
mnext-carlton@umn.edu

View all Carlton County contacts.

Tracey Hartung, Principal Office & Administrative Assistant
thartung@umn.edu or 218-384-8680

Mercedes Moffett, Extension Educator, Ag Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
moffe029@umn.edu or 218-384-8681

Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator & Horticulture Assistant
rustx048@umn.edu or 218-384-8684

Katie Siltanen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
silta006@umn.edu or 218-384-8682

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
• Get in touch with us

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.

• Esko Cloverleaf Club - Youth who enjoy STEM
  • Usually meets on 2nd Sunday of month from 2pm-4pm
  • Contact: John Bleskacek - jwbleskacek@yahoo.com H: 218-879-6292  C: 218-590-0506
• Nemadji - Variety of projects; General
  • Usually meets on 1st or 2nd Sunday from 2pm - 4:30pm
  • Contact: Jessica Ketchum bootsnjeans2014@hotmail.com  C: 218-565-2635
• Rowdy Wranglers - Horse Project & community service
  • Usually meets on 1st Sunday from 1pm to 3pm
  • Contact: Jill McNamara - gottabtrouble@yahoo.com or C: 218-591-6162
• Sunshine Acres - Youth who raise animals; general projects, animal science
  • Meeting times/dates vary - call for information - 1.5 hour meetings
  • Contact: Rachel Olesiak - rolesiak@umn.edu C: 218-269-4324
• Shooting Sports Project Club - Archery & wildlife
  • Must be registered in 4HOnline and select Shooting Sports Club & Project
  • Contact: Jason Burley jlburley@live.com C: 218-330-5412
• Barnyard Buddies - Animal Science Livestock Club
  • TBD
  • Contact: Heather Wright C: 218-626-5175 or Sam Laveau C: 218-269-5494

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 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

Katie Siltanen, Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
Email: silta006@umn.edu
Office: 218-384-8682 or Cell: 218-348-9375

Visit the Carlton County 4-H page on Facebook.

Give to Carlton County 4-H

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

Give today

The 2023 Carlton County Fair is scheduled for August 17 - 20, 2023. 
Watch this page for critical information for exhibitors and participants.

County Fair season is right around the corner! The 2023 Carlton County Fair premium book will be available for printing or download near the end of May. If you would like a printed copy of the Premium Book and registration forms mailed to you, please sign up here!

Just announced! Carlton County will participate in Static State Fair Encampment 2 (August 29 to August 31st) for static exhibits. 

Livestock Encampment is August 23rd to August 27th, 2023.

State Shoot is September 8th to 10th, 2023

State Horse Show is September 15th to September 18th, 2023

Northeast Livestock Show is September 23rd & 24th, 2023

Visit the Carlton County Agriculture Extension program on Facebook.

Mercedes Moffett, Extension Educator 
Agriculture Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
Email: moffe029@umn.edu
Office: 218-384-8681

Who are Master Gardener volunteers? They come from all walks of life and share gardening best practices that promote healthy landscapes, healthy foods and healthy lives. They complete a core course taught by University faculty and Extension educators. Upon completing the core course, they contribute their time teaching research-based horticulture practices in their communities.

The Carlton County group currently has 37 members and kept busy this gardening season by maintaining outdoor public gardens, answering gardening questions from the general public, hosting a plant sale and garden tour, garden consultations and many other horticulture related activities.

The Carlton County group welcomed 7 new Master Gardeners for the 2023 gardening season. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer or would like to receive programming notifications, please email Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator at: rustx048@umn.edu or call the office at 218-384-3511.

More information about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer.

Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator/ Horticulture Assistant
Email: rustx048@umn.edu
Office: 218-384-3511 ext. 1

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

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 Carlton County and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.