Extension in Lake County
Welcome to Lake County
Lake County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work, and in your community.
Contact
mnext-lake@umn.edu or 218-834-8469
Lake County Extension office
U of M Extension, Lake County
mnext-lake@umn.edu
County Service Center
616 3rd Ave.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Phone: 218-834-8469
Fax: 218-834-8545
Office hours
Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (by appointment is encouraged)
Lake County events
View all events hosted in and near Lake County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Lake County news
Read all news from Lake 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
Time to enroll for the 2024-2025 year!
Need Help?
Contact the 4-H Office @ 218-834-8469 or refer to the 4-H Online Enrollment for Families guide.
Find out what's happening in Lake County 4-H!
4-H events in Lake County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
Statewide 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Lake County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Lake County 4-H.
Lake County 4-H Google Calendar
Keep track of important deadlines and upcoming events.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
Apply to Become a 4-H Volunteer
Pay it forward! Support youth and make our community stronger.
Premium Books
- General Projects
- Animal Science Projects
- Participation & Exhibition Rules
Volunteering
Practice your chef skills, flex your 4-H Service ethic, and join the team that makes Lake County Fair more tasty...
Work at the 4-H Food Stand!
Sign Up Here
Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show
If you have questions about Lake County 4-H, please contact:
Tracey Anderson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
turne275@umn.edu or 218-834-8379
Amy Overby, Support Staff
schi0097@umn.edu or 218-834-8469
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Lake County, and local programming coordinated by the Lake County 4-H Council.
Gardening
Gardening events in Lake 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.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Marek Community Garden
The Marek Community Garden is located in Two Harbors, next to the AEOA Food Shelf.
The garden offers 38 garden plots, a community tool shed, and a water trough that is filled during the season. Lake County Master Gardeners are available to help with gardening questions and demonstrate new techniques.
For more information or to apply for a garden plot, contact Lake County Master Gardeners:
- 218-834-8469
- thgardencommittee@gmail.com
Gifts support local programming coordinated by Lake County Master Gardener volunteers.
Submit an online help request at Ask a Master Gardener
-OR-
Call the Lake County Extension Office at 218-834-8469
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Lake 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.
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.
Health and nutrition
Health and nutrition events in Lake 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.
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.