Extension in Douglas County

There are several ways to join or re-enroll. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member
• Reach out to 4-H staff in Douglas County
  • Jodi Hintzen, Extension Educator hintz010@umn.edu
  • Jackie Kokett, Extension Educator jkokett@umn.edu
  • Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist tavei001@umn.edu
  • Call the Douglas County Extension Office at (320) 762-3890 or visit us at 720 Fillmore Street, Alexandria

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!

Jodi Hintzen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
hintz010@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Jackie Kokett, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
jkokett@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist 
tavei001@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

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

Give today

Farm Information Line

For general questions or to set up a financial counseling session, contact the Farm Information Line. You'll get reliable, research-based answers from Extension agriculture and natural resources experts. It's a statewide service backed by a network of local educators, so you'll get information to meet your needs.

Call: 1-800-232-9077
Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Afterhours: Leave a voicemail and we'll return your call the next business day.
Anytime: Email us at fil@umn.edu.

Meet Your Local Educator

Horticulture

Because University of Minnesota Extension is part of the communities we serve, we can identify information needs early, set up related research as needed, and develop educational programs to bring information and training to the community.

That’s true in Douglas County where Robin Trott is the consumer horticulture Extension Educator, offering customized resources. As part of the University, Robin is a member of a diverse network of experts engaged in research and education.

Robin is an experienced environmental educator, market gardener, and flower farmer and has worked in various positions in the floriculture/education industry for more than 15 years. As the consumer horticulture Extension educator in Douglas County, she answers questions ranging from insects and disease to landscape design. Robin has a passion for all aspects of horticulture, and especially loves the challenging questions that lead to research and revelation.

Residents of Douglas County may send their questions to Robin by clicking here. 

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community
• Douglas County Master Gardener Facebook page
• Lawn, Garden & Landscape Soil Analysis Form

Douglas County Master Gardeners are very active in their community. They share best practices in gardening that promote healthy landscapes, healthy foods and healthy lives.  They have completed a University-taught core course and contribute a certain number of hours to teaching research-based horticulture practices in Douglas County.  The Master Gardeners are from all walks of life and volunteer on behalf of their University.  

There's a good chance you or a family member have participated in one or more of their programs or classes.  Some of their most recognizable offerings includes Let's Get Growing, Tour of Gardens, Lunch and Learn, Brown Bag workshops, Terrace Learning Gardens, annual plant sale, bus tours, Ask a Master Gardener booth (county fair and farmers market), Woodland Gardens and numerous community education classes.  

This group of over 55 Master Gardeners meets monthly. They are extremely dedicated and put in time and effort toward continuing education.  If you believe that you have the skills and passion it takes to be an Extension Master Gardener, applications open in early July!

Check out the Douglas County Master Gardener Facebook  page for more information. 

Robin Trott, Extension Educator, Horticulture
trot0053@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist 
tavei001@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

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

University of Minnesota Extension

Located in the Douglas County Service Center Building (down the hall from the Douglas County Library)
720 Fillmore Street, Suite B090
 Alexandria, MN 56308

Phone: 320-762-3890
Fax: 320-762-3871
Email: mnext-douglas@umn.edu 

Jodi Hintzen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
hintz010@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Jackie Kokett, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
jkokett@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist 
tavei001@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Robin Trott, Extension Educator, Horticulture 
trot0053@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

View all Douglas 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.