Extension in Kandiyohi 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!

Give to Kandiyohi County 4-H

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

Give today

Nate Erickson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
eric4561@umn.edu or 320-231-7890

Rachel Mitchell, interim Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
mitc1071@umn.edu or 320-231-7890

Cameo Van Horn, office support
cvanhorn@umn.edu or 320-231-7890

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

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

Mary Hagen, Master Gardener
wmhhagen@frontiernet.net or 320-254-8443

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

SNAP-Ed offers health and nutrition education and works with community partners to impact policies, systems and environments (PSE) to “make the healthy choice the easy choice”. Classes are free and topics include cooking, diabetes prevention, budgeting, shopping and nutrition.

The SNAP-Ed program is for individuals and families living on a reduced income. Some qualifying programs include SNAP, WIC, and Free and Reduced lunch for example. If you are part of an organization or have a group looking for educational opportunities please contact Rebecca Chelene to set up a course that fits the needs of your group. 

Individuals looking to volunteer in cooking classes can contact Rebecca Chelene at rjspanie@umn.edu. Volunteers are needed to assist with class preparation, demonstrate basic kitchen skills and to support participants in learning kitchen skills.  

Individuals interested in collaborating on PSE work can contact Rebecca Chelene at rjspanie@umn.edu.

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

Rebecca Chelne, SNAP-Ed educator, Spanish
rjspanie@umn.edu or 320-235-0726, Extension 2010

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)
• Vision 2040 Leadership - Willmar Area Vision 2040

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.

U of M Extension, Kandiyohi County
mnext-kandiyohi@umn.edu

2200 23rd St. NE, Ste 2025
Willmar, MN 56201

Phone: 320-231-7890
Fax: 320-231-6535

View all Kandiyohi County contacts.

Nate Erickson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
eric4561@umn.edu or 320-231-7890

Rachel Mitchell, interim Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
mitc1071@umn.edu or 320-231-7890

Rebecca Chelne, SNAP-Ed educator, Spanish
rjspanie@umn.edu or 320-235-0726, Extension 2010

Cameo Van Horn, office support
cvanhorn@umn.edu or 320-231-7890

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.