Extension in Douglas County

Welcome to Douglas County 4-H!

4-H is an out-of-school, hands on learning program for youth 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.  All youth are welcome in 4-H.

Follow us on social media

• Like us on Facebook
• 4-H Photo Gallery

We are excited you are interested in joining 4-H in Douglas County!  As you get connected, you will find that there is a lot going on and many ways to get involved. It is our hope that the 4-H community will be a positive one for you and your family. Douglas County 4-H is committed to using experiential education methods to develop a passion for lifelong learning. Our program is for youth grades kindergarten through one year past high school. The primary way that youth get involved in our programs is through community clubs. 

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 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria

Douglas County 4-H resources

• Welcome to 4-H
• 4-H Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Catalog
• Enrollment Tip Sheet

4-H enrollment period

You can enroll in 4-H at any time, however some events like county fair and Minnesota State Fair require enrollment before May 15.  If you would like to exhibit animals, those also need to be ID'd by May 15.

When you enroll, you will be asked to pick a club and enroll in projects. Members need to enroll in at least one project but we encourage youth to enroll in as many projects as they're interested in.

Want to learn how to care for and train a dog?  Tackle leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork?  Compete in a 4-H dog show? The Douglas County 4-H program is offering dog obedience training starting in April for youth grade 3 and above.  Trainers cover obedience, rally, showmanship and agility.   

4-H Dog Training Flyer

4-H Dog Training Schedule

4-H Dog ID

Lease Form

The 2023 Douglas County Fair is set for August 16-19 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.  Check back as we'll continue to add important information as we get closer to fair!  We can't wait to see what our 4-Her's are working on and showcase all their hard work!  

• June 1 - 4-H fair registration opens in FairEntry 
• July 17 - FairEntry 4-H registration closes at 11:59 p.m.  
• August 1 - Clothing/textiles/quilting/fashion revue/performing arts judged
• August 4 - 4-H Dog Show
• August 7 - Fair cleanup and Leader's Council at the Douglas County Fairgrounds
• August 12 - 4-H Horse Show
• August 14 - Static (general non-perishable building) exhibits judged, animal science interviews and pet/cat shows
• August 15 - Static (general perishable building) exhibits judged and livestock vet check
• August 16 - Rocket launch, poultry show and rabbit show
• August 17 - Goat show, dairy show, lamb lead, sheep show and livestock demonstration judging
• August 18 - Swine show, beef show, register for livestock auction deadline and last call to accept state fair trips
• August 19 - Market livestock auction, state fair meetings and round robin showmanship 
• August 20 - Animals released premium checks available and static (general building) exhibits released 

4-H Food Stand

4-H club leaders will receive shift assignments for the 4-H Food Stand during the Douglas County Fair.  The Food Stand at the fair is our only fundraiser of the year.  4-H members and their families are asked to work at the 4-H Food Stand during their club's scheduled shift.  Please make every effort to volunteer with other families of your club.  Many hands make light work.  Independent families will be assigned a shift to volunteer at the Food Stand with another club.   Club leaders will also receive shift assignments to volunteer in the 4-H Exhibit Building during the fair.  If you have any questions, please contact your club leader or the 4-H office. 

Guides

• Resources to help you register for all 4-H fair exhibits in FairEntry.  There are no paper forms, if you need assistance please contact the Extension office and we will help you.  
• Resources to help you prepare for fair.  

Premium Book

The 2023 Douglas County 4-H Premium book is currently under development and should be available to families in April.  

County Fair Signups

 When available, Signup Genius links will be posted here for volunteers to signup where help is needed at the fair and livestock interviews.  

Read our newsletters

• April, 2023
• March, 2023
• February 2023
• December, 2022
• November, 2022
• October, 2022
• September, 2022
• August, 2022
• July 2022
• June 2022
• May 2022

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!

Get involved in program and projects

Throughout the year, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to explore different project areas at the county level outside 4-H clubs including livestock, STEM, performing arts, food and nutrition, gardening and more. These events can be short-term, long-term, half-day, full-day, overnight and virtual. Pick and choose programs based on your schedule and interests. Check out the Douglas County 4-H program catalog.  

Volunteers always needed

• One-time volunteering, such as helping out at a 4-H event
• Leading the youngest 4-H'ers - Cloverbuds in grades K-2
• Chaperoning at regional and state events
• Teaching a topic you know a lot about - once or regularly 
• Leading a 4-H club 

Most of our programs are led by adult volunteers, as a result, our programs depend on adults willing to share their time and talents. All adult volunteers are required to be screened before working with children. Learn more about volunteering with 4-H.  Are you 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.

Douglas County 4-H Record Guidelines

Learning in 4-H is based on the experiential learning cycle of do-reflect-apply.  4-H records are a way of reflecting and applying what has been learned in the  past year.

Records can take many forms; find the one that suits your learning style and how you like to share you story with others.  In your reflection, include goals of your project work, process (what did you do), sharing what you learned-demonstration, community service, public awareness,  challenges, successes and improvements, financial information if applicable and what life skills you learned.

There are many different ways to complete your records:

• Google form-complete the prompts in form emailed to you and email resume to hintz010@umn.edu or jkokett@umn.edu.  Please submit a resume with your record.
• Written form-complete a participation summary OR write a story answering the following: what did you learn, what skills have you developed, what would you improve upon, how can you use what you learned in other parts of your life?  You can also include supporting newspaper articles or photographs.  Please submit a resume with your record.
• Be creative-make a scrapbook, or photo book, create a video or slide show answering the above questions.  Please submit a resume with your record.

Record  materials are due in the Extension office on or before October 1 of current year.

For more information on resumes click here

There are numerous awards youth leaders can apply for in addition to records.  

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 in 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.

If you are a resident of Douglas County, send your questions to Robin.

Let's Get Growing is CANCELLED due to inclement weather!

This event will not be re-scheduled in 2023.  

Let's Get Growing is back with a new half day format!  Join us Saturday, April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Discovery Middle School (510 McKay Ave N, Alexandria) for this popular in-person event with sought after specialists.  Visit numerous educational displays staffed by University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners and vendor booths.  This workshop has something for everyone, from the beginner to the expert gardener.  Attend these three sessions to gain an understanding of the latest and greatest in the gardening world.  

Plant Selection for Changing Climate by Julie Weisenhorn, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota
Dry spells, violent storms, late fall, bitter winter….how is a garden supposed to keep up? University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist, Julie Weisenhorn, provides guidance to gardening in our somewhat unpredictable climate. Creating healthy gardens that give properly selected plants a leg up on storms and drought, as well as ways to make landscaping more fool proof (and still fun for the gardener) will be discussed.

Building Soil Health by Joe Storlien, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, St. Benedict and St. John's University
Soils serve as the foundation in our gardens and landscapes. Building soil health should be a goal of many gardeners. Improved garden yields, healthy plants, and creating resilient ecosystems are some of the many benefits of a healthy soil environment. We will explore the various management practices gardeners can perform each year to boost the health of the soils in their backyard.

A-Z of Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits by Courtney Tchida, Community Programs Director, Minnesota State Horticultural Society 
This presentation will cover arugula to zucchini of vegetables and herbs and fruits you can grow in Minnesota. Using a cold climate, permaculture context, we will talk about both the easiest and the hardest crops to grow with tips for every crop along the way. We will also touch on pest and weed control strategies for the beginning grower. This class will help get you started in planning for spring. 

Educational booth topics include growing and enjoying garlic, landscape design principles, wise up to neonicotinoids, using soil blocks for seed starting, let's talk tomatoes, protected growing, sweet potatoes, children's gardening books, recipes with vegetables and ask a master gardener.  

Come early between 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. to register, enjoy refreshments and visit the displays and vendors.  Cost is $ 20 per person (cash or check, no credit cards accepted) at the door.  Please call the Douglas County Extension office with questions or to request a brochure at (320) 762-3890 or email mnext-douglas@umn.edu .  We hope to see you there!

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community
• Douglas County Master Gardener Facebook page
• Lawn, garden and landscape soil analysis 

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  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 meet 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

2023 University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County Scholarship Now Open

Application Deadline: April 21, 2023. The Scholarship Selection Committee will meet after the deadline to make a recommendation to the Master Gardener membership.

Criteria: 

• All information submitted should be typed, mailed and postmarked by April 21, 2023. An electronic copy of the application form can be requested by contacting the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County at mnext-douglas@umn.edu or 320-762-3890.

Applicant should be pursuing a future in a horticulture or horticulture-related career (examples include floriculture & nursery production, plant breeding & genetics, turfgrass science, horticulture, landscaping, plant biotechnology, arboriculture, environmental studies or viticulture.)  An agriculture or agriculture-related career path may be considered at the discretion of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County Scholarship Committee.

• Applicant must be graduating from an area high school in 2023 and be a resident of Douglas or Pope County; or a resident of Douglas or Pope County who is currently registered at a post-secondary education institution.

• Applicant must be planning to enroll or be enrolled in a two, three, or four-year post-secondary education institution.

• Applicant must provide a summary of education and career plans.

• Applicant must provide a summary of community or school activities he/she has participated in.

• Applicant must provide a letter of reference.

• The scholarship amount is $500.

• If awarded, the recipient must submit their college transcript upon completion of the fall 2023 semester or quarter of college and must have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or better. The full scholarship award of $500 will be issued to the school of record or the student upon receipt of this information. (The check will be mailed to the student to use for payment of his/her expenses at the college.)

Please mail completed application by April 21, 2023 to University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners, 305 8^th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN 56308 or email to mnext-douglas@umn.edu.  Please call 320-762-3890 with questions.  

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.

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)
• Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program (ELP)

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.

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.

University of Minnesota Extension

Located in the Douglas County Courthouse (2nd level)
305 8th Ave W
 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.