Extension in Hennepin County

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member

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!

Project Records

Project Records have changed in the last few years as we try to tweak every year to make it easier and less tedious for our 4-H'ers. Check out what resources and see how the questions have changed to better reflect your learning and judging experience. 4-H'ers can now submit their Project Records for the Fall Awards Banquet (October) for review using traditional methods (binder, pencil & paper) or a virtual method (Google Slides, Videos, etc.). Youth in grades K-13 are welcome to use project records to keep track of what projects they have done through their 4-H year. Almost like a journal entry, except for projects you've completed. 

All Project Record resources can be found at z.umn.edu/HCProjectRecords.

• June 11, 2021 Newsletter County Fair Edition, Issue 4
• June 4, 2021 Newsletter County Fair Edition, Issue 3
• May 28, 2021 Newsletter County Fair Edition, Issue 2
• May 21, 2021 Newsletter County Fair Edition, Issue 1
• May 14, 2021 Newsletter
• May 7, 2021 Newsletter

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

Give today

Amy Collura, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
hughe534@umn.edu or 612-596-2134

Katherine Nguyen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
nguy1518@umn.edu or 612-596-2115

Amie Mondl, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
rober199@umn.edu or 612-624-6955

Master Gardener volunteers are University of Minnesota-trained and bring researched-based information to the public about a variety of horticulture topics. Our work consists of seven priority areas:

• Clean water
• Climate change
• Horticultural skills 
• Local food
• Nearby nature
• Plant biodiversity
• Pollinators

Certified Master Gardener volunteers are required to provide 25 hours of service annually.

Become a Master Gardener

Master Gardener volunteers take their knowledge and love of gardening into the Hennepin County Community and share it with others. Volunteers learn while they are volunteering; they also learn by attending required continuing education classes offered by the University of Minnesota, MN Landscape Arboretum and Minnesota Horticultural Society. The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is the perfect way to volunteer your time and talents AND learn more at the same time. Applications are accepted annually from August 1 through October 1. During their first year, Master Gardener volunteers are expected to provide 50 hours of service, in addition to attending our 50-hour core course. Volunteers pay $300 for the course; scholarships are available.

Email hcmg@umn.edu, or call 612-596-2130 to be placed on our application notification list.

Terry Straub, Extension Educator, Master Gardener Volunteer Program
strau097@umn.edu
Office phone: 612-596-2130, Cell phone: 612-501-3761

Jaime Harris, Master Gardener Program Youth Education Coordinator, Master Gardener program
jsharris@umn.edu or 612-596-1695

Learn a delicious and herbaceous dish from our educator, Thao Pham!

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a Federal Extension or community outreach program that currently operates through the 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Universities (LGUs) in every state, the District of Columbia, and the six U.S. territories – American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA), EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. EFNEP combines hands-on learning, applied science, and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.

Learn more about EFNEP and find links to state and local programs, EFNEP impacts and reports, and research findings. This site also includes program guidance for EFNEP implementers.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) team helps low-income individuals and families make diet and lifestyle choices to improve their health and prevent obesity. We provide families with tools and strategies to help counter the effects of food insecurity, poverty, and obesity. The University of Minnesota Extension SNAP-Ed team can partner with your agency on educational offerings, or on a project for changing practices and systems to create an environment conducive to healthier living.

Partner organizations

• Twin Cities Growers Network
• Ecological Service Livestock Network

Natural resources

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.

Karl Hakanson, Extension educator, agriculture and natural resources
khakanso@umn.edu

Extension's Center for Community Vitality 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.

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 and how to submit a project idea.

U of M Extension, Hennepin County
mnext-hennepin@umn.edu

479 Prairie Center Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-5378

Phone: 612- 596-2110
Fax: 612- 466-9974

View all Hennepin County contacts.

D. Craig Taylor, Regional Director, East Central Region
taylo103@umn.edu, 763-767-3836

Amy Collura, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
hughe534@umn.edu,  612-596-2134

Karl Hakanson, Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources
khakanso@umn.edu

Jaime Harris, Master Gardener Program Youth Education Coordinator, Master Gardener program
jsharris@umn.edu, 612-596-1695

Askia Luminae, Executive Office & Administrative Specialist
 aluminae@umn.edu, 612-596-2128

Joyce McGee-Brown, EFNEP Community Nutrition Educator 
jmcgee@umn.edu, 612-596-2135

Amie Mondl, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
rober199@umn.edu, 612-624-6955

Dawn Montgomery, EFNEP Community Nutrition Educator 
montg032@umn.edu, 612-596-2126

Katherine Nguyen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
nguy1518@umn.edu, 612-596-2115

Thao Pham - (Vietnamese Speaking), SNAP-Ed Educator 
pham0375@umn.edu

Terry Straub, Extension Educator, Master Gardener Volunteer Program
strau097@umn.edu, Office Phone: 612-596-2130, Cell Phone: 612-501-3761

Nimo Yusuf (Somali Speaking), SNAP-Ed Educator  
yusu0008@umn.edu

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.