Extension in Koochiching County
Welcome to Koochiching County
Koochiching County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Contact
koochiching@umn.edu or 218-324-3708
Koochiching County Extension office
U of M Extension, Koochiching County
koochiching@umn.edu
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.
Koochiching County events
View all events hosted in and near Koochiching County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Koochiching County news
Read all news from Koochiching 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.
4-H
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Koochiching County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
Statewide 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Koochiching County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Koochiching 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!
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.
If you have any questions about the Koochiching County 4-H program, please contact:
Stacy Hall, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
smhall@umn.edu or (218) 324-2709
This year the Koochiching County 4-H Showcase will include:
- The showcasing of horse and other animal science exhibits at the Northern Minnesota District Fair in Littlefork on July 12-14.
- The showcasing of special events and all general 4-H projects at the Koochiching County Fair in Northome on Aug. 9-11.
Preparing and registering exhibits for the fair
Koochiching County 4-H 2024 Showcase Guide
Koochiching County 4-H Schedule of Showcase Events
If you have questions about fair registrations or anything related to 4-H at the fair, please contact Stacy Hall at smhall@umn.edu or 218-324-2709.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Koochiching 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 Koochiching 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
Gardening events in Koochiching 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 Koochiching County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Health and nutrition
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.
Health and nutrition events in Koochiching 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 Koochiching 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.
Sustainable communities
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 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.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development news
Find information on community-focused news.
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.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.