Extension in West Otter Tail County
Welcome to West Otter Tail County
West Otter Tail 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 West Otter Tail County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
Statewide 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in West Otter Tail County
Stay informed about all that is happening in West Otter Tail 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!
Sarah Downhour, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
sarau@umn.edu or 218-385-5421
Amy Bergem, Interim Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
ber00090@umn.edu 218-998-8762
Jessica Mohagen, Interim Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
mohag150@umn.edu or 218-998-8766
Leah Maertens, Office Manager and Master Gardener Coordinator
frei0115@umn.edu or 218-998-8761
Ashley Stevens, 4-H Program Assistant
steve0631@umn.edu or 218-998-8760
Gifts support 4-H youth development in West Otter Tail County and local programming coordinated by the West Otter Tail County 4-H Council.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in West Otter Tail 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.
Agriculture news in West Otter Tail County
Find the latest on Extension agricultural research and news you can use on your farm from local experts.
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.
Gardening
Become a West Otter Tail County Master Gardener
Stay Connected
Other Opportunities in Minnesota
Gardening events in West Otter Tail 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.
College scholarship application
Scholarship opportunity
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Leah Maertens, Master Gardener Coordinator
frei0115@umn.edu or 218-998-8760
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 West Otter Tail 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, well-being and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in West Otter Tail County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Find Family News information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and well-being.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Jackie Larson, SNAP-Ed educator
larsonjb@umn.edu or 218-998-8763
Sustainable communities
Extension's Center for Community Vitality 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.
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.
West Otter Tail County Extension
UMN Extension, West Otter Tail County
505 South Court Street Suite 3
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Phone: 218-998-8760
mnext-westottertail@umn.edu
View all West Otter Tail County contacts.
Sarah Downhour, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
sarau@umn.edu or 218-385-5421
Amy Bergem, Interim Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
ber00090@umn.edu 218-998-8762
Jessica Mohagen, Interim Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
mohag150@umn.edu or 218-998-8766
Leah Maertens, Office Manager and Master Gardener Coordinator
frei0115@umn.edu or 218-998-8761
Ashley Stevens, 4-H Program Assistant
steve0631@umn.edu or 218-998-8760
Jackie Larson, SNAP-Ed Educator
larsonjb@umn.edu or 218-998-8763
West Otter Tail County events
View all events hosted in and near West Otter Tail County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
West Otter Tail County news
Read all news from West Otter Tail 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.