Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in Itasca County

Welcome to Itasca County
Itasca County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Itasca County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Itasca County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Itasca 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!
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.
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
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Itasca County
Attend an agriculture-related event near you.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered all year around the state.
Agriculture news in Itasca 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.
Gardening
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.
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.
Gardening events in Itasca County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Itasca County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Statewide news
- Yard and Garden News - Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
- 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.
Marge Kelley, Master Gardener marge_kelleyppk@hotmail.com or 218-327-0317
Health and nutrition
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.
Health and nutrition events in Itasca County
Learn more about staying healthy and eating well.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in events that encourage health, wellbeing and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Itasca County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Family News
Find information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.
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
Itasca County Extension
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
Itasca County events
View all events hosted in and near Itasca County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Itasca County news
Read all news from Itasca 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.