
Extension in Douglas County

Welcome to Douglas County
Douglas County partners with Extension to deliver even more practical education and research right in your county. University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University, a land grant institution, with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education.
4-H
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.
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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
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.
Animal ID is a system for identifying and tracking all animals in the 4-H animal science project areas to ensure health, safety and fairness. Start with entering your animal ID information into 4-H Online, our membership database.
Monday, May 15 is the DEADLINE to ID beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine. See letter for full details and tip sheet if interested.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Extension office at 320-762-3890 or email Jodi at hintz010@umn.edu or Jackie Kokett at jkokett@umn.edu . Families are responsible for entering animal ID data into mn.4honline.com on or before 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 15. If you need assistance, please do not wait until the last minute and we can help you.
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.
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 (including officer elections) at the Douglas County Fairgrounds
- August 12 - 4-H Horse Show
- August 14 - Static/general exhibits judged, animal science interviews and pet/cat shows
- August 15 - Static/general 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 exhibits released
Guides
- Resources to help you register for all 4-H fair exhibits in FairEntry. 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 will be mailed to families in May. Electronic copy available here.
County Fair Signups
Junior Livestock Interview Signup (grades K-5)
Senior Livestock Interview Signup (grades 6+ and Horse, all grades)
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. 4-H Food Stand schedule with club shifts will be posted here when available.
4-H Building Schedule
Schedule with club shifts will be posted here when available.
4-H events in Douglas County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Douglas County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Douglas County 4-H.
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!
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.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Douglas County
Attend an agriculture-related event near you.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered around the state and throughout the year.
Agriculture news in Douglas 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.
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.
Gardening
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.
Gardening events in Douglas County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
The Master Gardener core course and other online courses are offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Douglas County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own backyard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
It's been a long winter, come celebrate the start of a new growing season! Join Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners for their annual plant sale Saturday, May 20 at the Alexandria Farmers Market. This event is held at Big Ole Central Park located at Broadway and 2nd Street in Alexandria from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or earlier if plants sell out).
You'll find a wonderful selection of local and sustainably grown plants including Minnesota natives, perennials, herbs and annuals for beauty and cutting garden. Also, take advantage of the "Ask a Master Gardener" station.
All proceeds benefit the University of Minnesota Extension Douglas County Master Gardener programs including education outreach and the Terrace Learning Gardens located by the Douglas County Library. Payment of cash or check only.
Whether you are just getting started or have been gardening for years, we hope you'll join us! For more information or questions, contact the Douglas County Extension office at 320-762-3890 or mnext-douglas@umn.edu.
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 8th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN 56308 or email to mnext-douglas@umn.edu. Please call 320-762-3890 with questions.
Health and nutrition
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.
Health and nutrition events in Douglas County
Join us at our health and nutrition events.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in upcoming events on health, wellbeing and nutrition.
Family News
Find information that help families make informed decisions leading to better health and well-being.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Sustainable communities
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.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development news
Find information on community-focused news.
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.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.
Douglas County Extension
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
Douglas County events
View all events hosted in and near Douglas County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Douglas County news
Read news from Douglas 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.