Extension in Carver County
Welcome to Carver County
Carver County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Contact
[email protected] or 952-466-5300
Carver County Extension office
U of M Extension, Carver County
[email protected]
11360 Hwy 212 West
Suite 4
Cologne, MN 55322
952-466-5300
Office hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (by appointment is preferred)
Carver County events
View all events hosted in and near Carver County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Carver County news
Read all news from Carver 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.
4-H
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!
There are also many ways adults (anyone age 18+) can support youth learning and leading in 4-H.
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Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?
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Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and community
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Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community
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Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?
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Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process
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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
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
- Carver County Club List 2024
- Carver County Club Map
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
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Carver County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Carver County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
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 [email protected]
Devarati Bhattacharya, Extension Educator, Carver County 4-H
[email protected] 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.
Newsletters
Financial Resources
- Expense Reimbursement Form
- 4-H Income Generation Application
- 4-H Fundraising Transaction Form
- 4-H Income Generation Follow-up Report
4-H Club Leader/ Officer Resources
- Leading a club and charter applications
- Leaders Resource Guide
- President's Script
- Secretary's Book
- Meeting Minutes Worksheet
- Treasurer Training Workbook
Policies
Award Application
- Key Award
- Friend of 4-H nomination form
- Pat on the Back - nomination form
- 4-H Federation Scholarship-high school graduates, due April 7, 2025
Fair Information
Save the date for the 2025 Carver County Fair, August 6-10, 2025 (Tuesday, August 5, 2025-Entry Day and general project conference judging.)
Premium Book 2024
Bookmarks
- General information
- 4-H Judging and events schedule
- How to register for the fair
- Rules and regulations
- General project area
- Animal Science project area
Volunteers needed to run the fair!
Resources
Policies
- Cloverbud Policy (grades K-2)
- Carver County 4-H Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences and Exemptions 2024
Interview Schedules
Results for 2024 Fair
State Fair information for Carver County 4-H members - coming soon
Information for Carver County 4-H at the MN State Fair 2024
- Carver County General Encampment is Encampment 2: August 27 - 29, 2024 - Judging Schedule
- Livestock encampment is Wednesday, August 21-Sunday, August 24, 2024 - Judge Schedule-coming soon
- Llama encampment is Wednesday, August 28 - Friday, August 30, 2024
- 4-H state fair exhibitor resources
- State Fair Livestock interviews due before you arrive at the state fair grounds.
- Chaperone resources
Agriculture
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
Agriculture events in Carver 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 Carver 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.
Colleen Carlson, Extension ag educator
[email protected] or 507-521-3640
Benton Lake is a No-Wake Lake in the middle of Cologne, Minnesota that citizens can explore via the fishing pier and kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Gardening
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 [email protected] or 952-466-5309
Gifts support local programming coordinated by Carver County Master Gardener volunteers.
Gardening events in Carver 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 Carver 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.
Ask a Master Gardener in Carver/Scott counties
952.466.5308 or [email protected]
Kristy Mock, Carver County, Master Gardener Program Coordinator
[email protected] or 952-466-5309
Health and nutrition
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.
Health and nutrition events in Carver 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 Carver 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.
Financial Capability
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
[email protected] or 952-466-5300
Sustainable communities
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 can also study to become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
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 news
Find information on community-focused news.
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.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.