Extension in Chippewa County

U of M Extension, Chippewa County
[email protected]

Courthouse Ste #6
629 N 11th St.
Montevideo, MN 56265

Phone: 320-269-6521
Fax: 320-269-5223

Office hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

View all Chippewa County contacts.

Amber Johnson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected]  or 320-269-6521 

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. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

Volunteering with Chippewa County 4-H

• Learn more about volunteering with 4-H
• Apply to become a 4-H volunteer

About 4-H

4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for young people grades K-13. Youth choose a project that is 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.

Chippewa County has many active 4-H clubs. To learn more, contact Chippewa County 4-H staff at [email protected].

Follow us on social media @ Chipp4H

• Facebook

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!

Give to Chippewa County 4-H

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

Give today

• Ron Ochsendorf Legacy application
• 2023 Chippewa County 4-H Premium Book
• Project record keeping
• 4-H animal science projects
• 4-H animal ID
• 4-H Livestock Quality Assurance Training (LQA)
• 4-H civic engagement and leadership

Amber Johnson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 320-269-6521 

Master Gardener volunteers educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance quality of life and promote good stewardship of the environment.

Master Gardener volunteers are trained by University of Minnesota horticulture educators and complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.

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

Jennifer Philaya, Master Gardener
[email protected] or 320-226-7333

Dan Oleson, Master Gardener
[email protected] or 320-269-7488

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Chippewa 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 participatory 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 in your county and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.