Extension in Jackson County

U of M Extension, Jackson County
[email protected]

607 South HWY 86
Lakefield, MN 56150

Phone: 507-662-5293
Fax: 507-662-5016

Office hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

View all Jackson County contacts.

Debra Scott, Administrative Assistant, Jackson County Extension
[email protected] or 507-662-5293

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. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H.

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

In 4-H, all youth are welcome!

For new 4-H families

Welcome to Jackson County 4-H! We are excited to have you join us for hands-on learning.

• Jackson County 4-H New Member Handbook
• 4-H Project Guide
• Minnesota 4-H Family Handbook

Our clubs our constantly evolving.  For the most up to date information we encourage you to read this document.  Each club is unique in their members and focus.  We encourage you to shop around and find the club that fits you best.  Have questions?  We are here to help.  Feel free to stop by our Extension office located at 607 S Hwy 86, Lakefield, MN 56150 or you can call or email us as well. The club leaders contact information can be found on the document above. They would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have as well. 

Award Sponsors & Volunteering

To learn more about supporting our 4-H Program through various gifts or time, talents, or supplies, you can read our Sponsorship letter.  Speaking of volunteering your time, if you would like to volunteer in the Jackson County 4-H program throughout the year, please visit our 4-H Volunteer website  or start the online volunteer application . We appreciate and need volunteers of all ages and interests to have a robust 4-H and Extension program.

• Animal Science Volunteering
• General Project Volunteering
• Food Stand Donations/Volunteering

Give to Jackson County 4-H

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

Give today

Caitlyn Chronister, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-662-5293

Scholarships and Grants in Jackson County

Andrea Ruesch Scholarship

Bring it Back Scholarship

Legacy Grant

Senior Scholarship

Michael J. Liepold Scholarship for Extraordinary Leadership

Questions? Call the Extension Office at 507-662-5293 or email [email protected]. 

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

• Yard and garden
• Ask a Master Gardener
• Ask a Master Gardener online
• Ask a Master Gardener by phone - 612-301-7590

Our Local Master Gardeners:

• Jesika Mitchell* in training
• Lindsay Chapman* in training
  Want to know how you can become a Master Gardener?  Here is a helpful website that outlines how to join. 

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.

You can learn more about food, health, an nutrition on our Extension page. 

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

• Families and youth
• Food, health and nutrition

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)

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 participatory 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.