Extension in Cook County

U of M Extension, Cook County

Community Center Bldg
317 West 5th St
Grand Marais MN 55604-1338

Phone: 218-387-3015
Fax: 218-387-3016
mnext-cook@umn.edu

Office hours

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

Sarah Waddle, Extension Educator, Healthy and Resilient Communities
swaddle@umn.edu, 218-387-3015

View all Cook County 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. 

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• Recertification for Private Pesticide Applicators
• Dairy events
• FSMA on your farm
• Women in Ag Network

Cook County Extension partners with the Northwoods Food Project to host the Cook County Food Systems Network. The Network brings together partners from all parts of the local food system with the goal of working towards a sustainable, equitable, local food system through information sharing, opportunity identification, and promoting collaboration. The Network gathers quarterly to meet and share information around a food system theme. Read more and join the contact list on the Northwoods Food Project website.

Sarah Waddle, Extension Educator, Healthy and Resilient Communities
swaddle@umn.edu, 218-387-3015

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

What do Master Gardeners do?

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.

How do I ask the Cook County Master Gardeners a question?

Fill out this brief form with your yard or garden question.   

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Cook County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Cook County Extension hosts a monthly radio show on WTIP Community Radio featuring interviews and discussions on local gardening topics. The show airs on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and on the following Saturday morning from 6:00-7:00 a.m. 

The show can be streamed live online or you can tune in to WTIP on

• FM 90.7 Grand Marais
• 89.1 Gunflint Lake
• 90.1 Grand Portage

You can listen to past episodes online through the WTIP archive.

Sarah Waddle, Extension Educator, Healthy and Resilient Communities
swaddle@umn.edu, 218-387-3015

• Yard and garden
• Ask a Master Gardener

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

Upcoming course

Learn more about the amazing Great Lakes North Woods biome while exploring some of the many incredible sites showcasing the ecology, geology, and history of the area. You will have the opportunity to discover your connection to the natural history of the landscape and become a steward and a lifelong learner while connecting with kindred spirits and fellow nature lovers.

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.