Extension in Carver County

In 4-H, all youth are welcome

4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for people age 5-19. Youth choose a project that’s interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults. 4-H clubs are groups of youth who want to learn together and meet in every part of Minnesota.

Carver County 4-H believes that youth should be able to participate regardless of a family's financial situation. Available to anyone, fill out this confidential financial support request.

What can I do in 4-H?

The sky’s the limit! 4-H offers learning experiences in science, photography, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement and much more. We have one-day events, year-long projects and everything in between. There are many ways to try 4-H.

Ways to participate

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!

Stay up to date with Carver County 4-H  

• Download our app
  • Search 'Minnesota 4-H' in the App Store or in Google Play. In the app, search for Carver County 4-H
  • Carver County 4-H App information.
• Follow us on social media
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

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

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
  • Carver County 4-H Handbook
  • Carver County 4-H program catalog
• Enroll as an independent member
• Carver County Club List     
• Carver County Club Map

New to 4-H?

We understand that as a new family enrolled in 4-H, it can be confusing.  Reach out to the office anytime you have questions 952-466-5304 or mnext-carver@umn.edu

New family newsletters:

• October -November
• December-January
• February-March
• April-May
• June-July
• August-September

Kris Vatter, Carver County, 4-H educator
kvatter@umn.edu or 952-466-5304

Give to Carver County 4-H

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

Give today

The 2022 Carver County Fair is August 9-14 at the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia.

The 2022 Carver County Fair information will be posted as it becomes available.  

Minnesota 4-H at county fairs - resources for families relating to fairs

Premium Book 2022

FairEntry 2022 

• registration for the fair opens June 1, 2022
• Carver County FairEntry family registration detailed guide 2022

Policies

Cloverbud Policy  (grades K-2)

Carver County 4-H Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences and Exemptions 

Results for 2021 Fair

Carver County Extension has an active agricultural education program. From questions around land rent, farm transfer, pasture management, and livestock questions, many program offerings are developed from your inquiries. Reach out to Colleen Carlson with your questions. 

Follow us on Facebook @CarverScottExtension

Sign-Up for the Carver/ Scott Ag Newsletter

May 2022 Carver/ Scott Ag Newsletter

Colleen Carlson, Extension ag educator
traxl042@umn.edu or 507-521-3640

Master Gardeners in Carver and Scott counties joined together to form a unified group in 1987, with a grand total membership of five.  Since those humble beginnings, the group has grown to its current size of 100+ active members.  These members regularly average over 50 hours volunteer time per year and keep busy with many yearly projects.  

Learn more on the Carver Scott Extension Master Gardeners website or contact Kristy Mock, Master Gardener Program Coordinator at klmock@umn.edu or 952-466-5309

Ask a Master Gardener in Carver/Scott counties
952.466.5308 or gardenquestions@carverscottmastergardeners.org

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

Kristy Mock, Carver County, Master Gardener Program Coordinator
klmock@umn.edu or 952-466-5309

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

See all financial events for Carver County

Check out our UMN Extension Family News to stay current with information, resources, and programming.  Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @UMNExtFD. 

Samantha Roth, Financial Capability Extension Educator, Carver County
sroth@umn.edu or 952-466-5300

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 and how to submit a project idea.

U of M Extension, Carver County
mnext-carver@umn.edu

11360 Hwy 212 West
Suite 4
Cologne, MN  55322

952-466-5300
 

View all Carver County Extension 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.