Extension in Koochiching County

U of M Extension, Koochiching County
[email protected]

Backus Community Center
900 5th Street, Room 204
International Falls, MN 56649

Phone: 218-324-3708

Office hours

Contact the Extension office as hours vary.

View all Koochiching County contacts

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

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!

There are also many ways adults (anyone age 18+) can support youth learning and leading in 4-H. 

• Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?
  • Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and community
  • Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community
• Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?
  • Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process

Give to Koochiching County 4-H

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

Give today

If you have any questions about the Koochiching County 4-H program, please contact:

Stacy Hall, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or (218) 324-2709

This year, the Koochiching County 4-H Showcase will include:

• Horse and other animal science exhibits will be showcased at the Northern Minnesota District Fair in Littlefork from July 11-13, 2025.
• All special events and general 4-H exhibits will be showcased at the Koochiching County Fair in Northome from Aug. 8-10, 2025.

Additional information

• Koochiching County 4-H 2025 Showcase Guide
• Koochiching County 4-H Schedule of Showcase Events

Learn more about this year's 4-H showcase.

If you have questions about fair registrations or anything related to 4-H at the fair, please contact Stacy Hall at [email protected] or 218-324-2709.

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

• Yard and garden
• Ask a Master Gardener

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

• 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 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.