Extension in East Otter Tail 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
• Get in touch with us 

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

Sarah Downhour, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
sarahu@umn.edu or 218-385-5421

Jordan Gusa, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
gusa0010@umn.edu or 218-385-5424

Leah Maertens, Office Manager
frei0115@umn.edu or 218-998-8761

Gifts support 4-H youth development in East Otter Tail County and local programming coordinated by the East Otter Tail County 4-H Council.

Give today

Master Gardeners are  volunteers who give back to their communities by sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge about plants and gardening.

They are trained through the University of Minnesota Extension community in consumer horticulture. They then bring this research-based information to citizens throughout Minnesota. 

Master Gardeners can be teachers, parents, business owners, college students, professionals, retired and still employed. They come from diverse backgrounds and bring an excitement and energy to teaching in their communities.

Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 50 hours the first year and 25 hours annually thereafter. Active volunteers are also asked to participate in continuing education for 5 hours each year.

To learn more about the Master Gardener Program or how you can join the program, please contact Kelsey Wulf at the East Otter Tail County Extension Office, 218-385-5420 or klwulf@umn.edu.

Visit the East Otter Tail County Master Gardeners on Facebook

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

Diane Greiwe,  Volunteer Manager, Master Gardener Program Landscape Arboretum
dhgreiwe@umn.edu or 612-625-9864

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.

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)
• Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program (ELP)

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.

UMN Extension, East Otter Tail County
ottertaileast@umn.edu

118 North Main
P.O. Box 250
New York Mills, MN 56567-0250

Phone: 218-385-5420
Fax: 218-998-8765

View all East Otter Tail County contacts.

Sarah Downhour, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
sarahu@umn.edu or 218-385-5421

Jordan Gusa, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
gusa0010@umn.edu or 218-385-5424

Leah Maertens, Office Manager
frei0115@umn.edu or 218-998-8761

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.