Extension in Itasca 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
• Get in touch with us

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!

Give to Itasca County 4-H

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

Give today

Allison Hansen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development 
aahansen@umn.edu or 218-327-7312

Courtney Johnson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development 
joh06997@umn.edu or 218-327-7365

Rebecca Rasmussen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development 
rasm0071@umn.edu or 218-327-2801

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Do you have questions about gardening?

Our Master Gardeners have experience with a wide range of special interests. From alternative insect and disease control to wildlife, Itasca County is rich with Master Gardener knowledge.

• Get information about best plants and gardening practices for Minnesota lawns, landscapes, and gardens.
• Diagnose: identify weeds, insects, and plant diseases with our online tools.
• Have a gardening question? Ask a Master Gardener. 
• Itasca County Master Gardeners Facebook.
• Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Itasca County Master Gardeners hotline

If you have a question, call us at 218-327-0676 leaving your name, telephone number, and your question. One of our knowledgeable gardeners will call you back.

Marge Kelley, Master Gardener marge_kelleyppk@hotmail.com or 218-327-0317

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

Jodi Nordlund, SNAP-Ed educator
nordl058@umn.edu or 218-327-7356

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.

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.

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.

U of M Extension, Itasca County
mnext-itasca@umn.edu

123 NE 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Phone: 218-327-7486
Fax: 218-327-2848

View all Itasca County contacts.

Allison Hansen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
aahansen@umn.edu or 218-327-7312

Courtney Johnson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
joh06997@umn.edu or 218-327-7365

Drew Winegar, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
dwinegar@umn.edu or 218-327-7486

Jodi Nordlund, SNAP-Ed Educator
nordl058@umn.edu or 218-327-7356

Rebecca Rasmussen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
rasm0071@umn.edu or 218-327-2801

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.