Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in Crow Wing County

Welcome to Crow Wing County
Crow Wing County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. Extension faculty and staff live and work across the state, in regional and county offices, University campuses, and research and outreach centers.
4-H
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Crow Wing County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
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!
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Crow Wing County, and local programming coordinated by the Crow Wing County 4-H Council.
There are many areas to donate to 4-H including 4-H General Fund; 4-H Youth Leadership Program Fund; 4-H Project Areas; 4-H State Fair Building Improvement Project Fund; 4-H Scholarships and Awards; Urban 4-H Program Fund
Please reach out to us with any questions on 4-H and how we can help you!
Cassie Girling, 4-H Youth Extension Educator
cgirling@umn.edu or 218-824-1069
Tracy Giza, Administration
tgiza@umn.edu or 218-824-1065
Gardening
Master Gardener volunteers are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using readily available, up-to-date research-based information. This educational effort is designed to enhance the public’s quality of life and to promote good stewardship of the environment.
Master Gardener volunteers complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution. These dollar figures quantify the enormous value that our volunteers provide to Minnesota.
In 2019 Crow Wing County Master Gardeners volunteered a total of 4,486 hours, at $29.44 a volunteer hour, contributed a value of $132,067 to the County.
Contact Brittany Goerges, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, for more information.
Gardening events in Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Statewide news
- Yard and Garden News - Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
- 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.
Brittany Goerges, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator
goerg039@umn.edu or 218-824-1068
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing 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.
Carolyn McQueen, Extension educator, Health & Nutrition
cmcqueen@umn.edu or 218-824-1349
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing 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.
Crow Wing County Extension
U of M Extension, Crow Wing County
326 Laurel Street, Suite 11
Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone: (218) 824-1065
mnext-crowwing@umn.edu
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
View all Crow Wing County contacts.
Cassie Girling, 4-H Youth Extension Educator
cgirling@umn.edu or 218-824-1069
Carolyn McQueen, Extension educator, Health & Nutrition
cmcqueen@umn.edu or 218-824-1349
Brittany Goerges, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator
goerg039@umn.edu or 218-824-1068
Tracy Giza, Administration
tgiza@umn.edu or 218-824-1065
Susanne Hinrichs, Regional Director Northeast Region
susanneh@umn.edu or 218-828-2286
Crow Wing County events
View all events hosted in and near Crow Wing County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Crow Wing County news
Read all news from Crow Wing 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.