Extension in Mille Lacs County

U of M Extension, Mille Lacs County
[email protected]

635 2nd St SE 
Milaca, MN 56353

Phone: 320-983-8317

Office hours

Typical office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Office hours are subject to change without notice. Please call for an appointment to ensure staff is available to assist you.

View all Mille Lacs County contacts.

Victoria Keiser, Mille Lacs County 4-H Extension Educator

[email protected] or 320-983-8330

Kam Schroeder, SNAP-Ed educator
[email protected] or 320-679-8478

Hope Lynch, office support specialist
[email protected] or 320-983-8317

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 the 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 Mille Lacs County 4-H

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

Give today

Victoria Keiser

[email protected] or 320-983-8330

Hope Schendel, Office support specialist
[email protected] or 320-983-8317

The 2025 Mille Lacs County Fair will be August 6-10th at the Mille Lacs County Fairgrounds. Look here for the most up-to-date schedule.

2025 Mille Lacs County Fair Premium

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Registration for 2025 recertification workshops and the online Exam.

Attend a 2025 recertification workshop if your applicator certification has not expired and has an expiration date of March 1, 2025. Recertification workshops are held in January and February.

Reminder: Registration is available online if you prefer to pay in advance by credit card (optional). Walk-in registration is still available and payable by check only (no cash).

You must take the online or mail-in exam if:

• You are a new private applicator.
• You are a current applicator who didn’t attend a workshop.
• You are an applicator with an expired certification.

New for 2025: You must be at least 18 years old to be certified. 

For help with the online registration process see our videos under Registration help.

Note: The exam and workshops are available only in English at this time. 

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Mille Lacs County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

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

• Yard and garden
• Ask a Master Gardener
• Contact [email protected] or 320-983-8317

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

Kam Schroeder, SNAP-Ed educator
[email protected] or 320-679-8478

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.