Extension in Pine 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!

Hannah Halldorson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
hbuchege@umn.edu or 320-591-1654

Follow us on Facebook @pinecomn4h

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

Give today

Pine County agriculture includes both crop and livestock production. The county is home to many fruit and vegetable growers and small farms. 

• Private Pesticide Applicators
• Dairy events
• Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Women in Ag Network

Rod Greder, Extension educator, Ag Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
gred0014@umn.edu or 320-591-1662

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Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Terry Salmela, Master Gardener program coordinator, Pine County
salme002@umn.edu or 320-591-1653

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.

Jimmie Johnson, Extension educator, Health & Nutrition
joh12982@umn.edu or 320-591-1658

Briana Matrious, Tribal Community Facilitator
bmichels@umn.edu or 320-591-1625

• Community Based Solutions to the Opioid Crisis in Rural Minnesota, Team Information
• Historical trauma and cultural healing

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:

• Growing Leadership in Local Government
• 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 also can 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.

View all Pine County contacts.

Rodney Greder, Extension educator, Ag Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
gred0014@umn.edu or 320-591-1662

Hannah Halldorson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
hbuchege@umn.edu or 320-591-1654

Jimmie Johnson, Extension educator, Health & Nutrition
joh12982@umn.edu or 320-591-1658

Briana Matrious, Tribal Community Facilitator
bmichels@umn.edu or 320-591-1625

Roxanne Orvis, Administrative Assistant
rlorvis@umn.edu or 320-591-1651

Terry Salmela, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Pine County
salme002@umn.edu or 320-591-1653

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.