Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in Mower County
Welcome to Mower County
Mower County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Mower County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
Statewide 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Mower County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Mower 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!
Max Herrera, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
herre114@umn.edu or 507-437-9439
Jessica Vasquez, STEM Club Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development
jvazquez@umn.edu or 507-437-9550
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Mower County, and local programming coordinated by the Mower County 4-H Council.
Gardening
Master Gardener volunteers educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance quality of life and promote good stewardship of the environment.
Master Gardener volunteers are trained by University of Minnesota horticulture educators and complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.
Karen Sundal Bartz karen.sundal@yahoo.com
Clara Cummings cjcummings47@outlook.com
Kris Henke kristine_henke@hotmail.com
Don Smith adsmithmd.smith@gmail.com
Therese Manggaard tmanggaard@gmail.com
Gardening events in Mower 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 Mower County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Statewide news
- Yard and Garden News - Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
- 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.
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health that 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 Mower 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 Mower 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.
Thelma Garcia, SNAP-Ed Educator
tgarcia@umn.edu or 507-437-9552
Mower County Extension
U of M Extension, Mower County
1105 1/2 8th Avenue NE
Austin, MN 55912
Phone: 507-437-9552
View all Mower County contacts.
Max Herrera, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
herre114@umn.edu or 507-437-9439
Toby Neal, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
neal0225@umn.edu or 507-635-6325
Jessica Vasquez, STEM Club Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development
jvazquez@umn.edu or 507-437-9550
Thelma Garcia, SNAP-Ed Educator
tgarcia@umn.edu or 507-437-9552
Mower County events
View all events hosted in and near Mower County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Mower County news
Read all news from Mower 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.