Extension in Olmsted County

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member 
• Contact us at mnext-olmsted@umn.edu if you have any questions or if you'd like a paper enrollment form 

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

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!

Find a 4-H club

• Each club is a little different and it's important to find the right fit for your family. You don't have to choose the club nearest to your house. Some families choose to drive a little farther to join a club with people they already know, a club with other youth the same age, or just by what fits best in your schedule. Visit a few and see how you feel!
• View a list of Olmsted County 4-H clubs.

Spotlight: Finding You in 4-H

• This bi-monthly newsletter sent to first-year 4-H'ers will guide you through the 4-H year. If you're new to 4-H and not receiving Spotlight, please let us know!

Deadlines and events

• See our county calendar for office hours, activities, deadlines, and more!

Minnesota 4-H Family Handbook

• This handbook is an introduction to 4-H for families. Contact the office if you'd like a print copy.

Mika Miller, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
mill7335@umn.edu or 507-328-6180

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

Give today

Fill out this form to receive a program fee reimbursement after attending BLU, TEEL, YELLO, regional 4-H camp, or CWF!  Contact us if you would like to discuss reimbursement for a different event.

*The following resources are for 2023. They will be updated and re-posted throughout the year.  Let us know if you're looking for something that's not here!

Are you curious about farm or crop land rental rates in Olmsted County? You can find that information and more in the Managing a Farm section of this website. 

• Recertification for Private Pesticide Applicators
• Dairy events
• FSMA on your farm
• Women in Ag Network

Private pesticide applicators must be recertified every 3 years.  Find out about the recertification process and more information on private pesticide applicators. 

You can pick up private pesticide applicator test booklets and manuals at the  Olmsted County Extension office.  

Who are Master Gardener volunteers?

• Master Gardeners come from all walks of life.
• They share gardening best practices that promote healthy landscapes, healthy foods and healthy lives.
• They complete a core course taught by University faculty and Extension educators. 
• Upon completing the core course, they contribute their time teaching research-based horticulture practices in their communities. 
• You can learn more about the program by watching our 2021 Virtual Tour with the Masters! 
• Become a Master Gardener by filling out the application here.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer  - Find out how to join the program.
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community 
• U of M Yard and Garden Resources - Use this site to find information on a variety of horticultural topics from the University of Minnesota.
• U of M Yard and Garden News - Receive up-to-date information from horticulture Extension educators through Yard and Garden News articles. 
• U of M Diagnostic Tools - Diagnose plant and garden problems.

This scholarship fund, created in memory of Albert Dashow, supports interns on their way to becoming Master Gardeners.  

Donate to the fund and help promote the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Olmsted County.

Connect with your local Olmsted County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on Facebook, send us an email or give us a call at 507-328-6214.

You can find Master Gardener events, office hours, and more on our calendar.

• See our office hours, events, and more on our calendar
• Log your volunteer hours in the Master Gardener database
• OCEMGV Garden Map
• Watch OCEMGV presentations! 
• Check out Master Gardener volunteer signup opportunities: 
  • Community Coffeehouse Composting 
  • County Fair
  • Horticulture Skills Projects
  • Intern Pasquale's Pizza Project
  • Local Food Projects
  • Month by Month Gardening @ 125 LIVE 
  • Pollinator Health Projects
  • Youth Container Planting Events

The Olmsted County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is unable to accept project requests for 2023 after the January 31, 2023 deadline, but you're welcome to fill out the form for 2024 project requests, which will be accepted until January 31, 2024. 

Project Request Form

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.

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

Milena Nunez Garcia, SNAP-Ed educator
mnunezga@umn.edu or 507-328-6201 

Kowsar Adam, SNAP-Ed educator
kadan@umn.edu or 507-328-6215

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 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.

Mika Miller, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
mill7335@umn.edu or 507-328-6180

Milena Nunez Garcia, SNAP-Ed Educator
mnunezga@umn.edu or 507-328-6201 

Kowsar Adan, SNAP-Ed educator
kadan@umn.edu or 507-328-6215

Olmsted County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
mnext-olmsted@umn.edu or 507-328-6214

Christine Schwartz, Administrative Support Staff
schw2317@umn.edu or 507-328-6214

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.