Extension in Pine County

View all Pine County contacts.

Katie Hagen, Ag Educator, Pine & Isanti County Extension
[email protected] or 320-591-1662 (Pine County) and 763-689-1810 (Isanti County)

Sarah Odendahl, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] 
Office: 320-591-1654 | Cell: 320-591-0692

Joanna Gechas, Administrative Assistant
[email protected] or 320-591-1651

Kristin Riley, SNAP-Ed Educator
[email protected] 
Office: 320-591-1650 | Cell: 763-218-7743

Terry Salmela, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Pine County
[email protected] 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. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll
• Find a Pine County 4-H Club with our Club List or Interactive Map

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!

You can find out more about Pine County 4-H clubs by reading our club listing or by visiting our interactive map.

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 or view our volunteer opportunities list 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 Odendahl, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] 
Office: 320-591-1654 
Cell: 320-591-0692

4-H Google Calendar

Keep track of meetings and events with the Pine County 4-H Google calendar.

4-H Social Media

Follow us on Facebook @pinecomn4h

Follow us on Instagram @pine4h

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

Give today

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

Katie Hagen, Extension educator, Agriculture
[email protected] or 320-591-1662 (Pine County) and 763-689-1810 (Isanti County)

Like and follow us on Facebook

Stay connected!

• Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram
• Join our mailing list for updates on Horticulture day, our Plant sale, and more!

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Pine County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Terry Salmela, Master Gardener program coordinator, Pine County
[email protected] or 320-591-1653

What is the Pine City Discovery Garden?

The Pine City Discovery Garden is a beautiful gateway into Pine City located on the west side of old Hwy 61, just south of the Snake River Bridge. It is created to invite visitors and residents to explore a restful and educational garden space while at the same time strengthening and beautifying the community. Funding comes from grant awards, community businesses, citizens’ donations, and city support.

Up & Coming at the Pine City Discovery Garden

Plants that are blooming or about to bloom will be highlighted here. Use the links to see additional flowers that are currently blooming and to view the previous weeks of botanical happenings at the Discovery Garden.

• Week of June 27
• Week of June 7
• Week of June 1
• Week of May 13
• Week of May 7
• Week of April 24

Want to tour the garden on your own?

Use the QR codes on the plant ID signs in the garden for the names and details of plants. If there is no plant ID sign by a plant, look further in the garden for another example. There are multiple examples of the approximately 100 species of plants in the garden. Note: Late November thru early April, plant ID signs are removed for the winter. They will be put back in place in early Spring.

Discovery Garden self-guided tours are available for adults and children. Check back frequently for new and seasonal self-guided tours.

Wondering what plants are in the garden?  Use this map.  Click on any bubble in the map and it will link you to specific details about that plant. 

Want a personalized tour or class with a UMN Extension Pine County Master Gardener? That can be arranged by calling 320-591-1650.

History of the garden

The city property on Hwy 61 just south of the Snake River Bridge has been a city park for about 20 years and was previously referred to as the Rotary Park. In the summer of 2021, the Pine County Master Gardeners were searching for a location for a memorial honoring a local businesswoman and Pine County Master Gardener, Cindy Novy, who died of COVID-19 in 2020. After discussions with the Pine City Park and Recreation director, the idea of revitalizing Rotary Park began. A monetary donation by Cindy Novy’s family helped create part of this city garden.

In early 2022, University of Minnesota Extension Educator of Landscape Design Julie Weisenhorn provided a day-long workshop on landscaping principles and design to Master Gardeners, the park and rec director and key city residents. Julie supported the design process through the implementation of the garden.     

On a cool day in May 2022, Pine City crews brought in heavy equipment and removed previous garden plants that had become overgrown and unsightly. 

Several local entities are partners in the garden’s development. Greater Pine Area Endowment awarded a $10,000 grant for a structure on the garden site. Pine Technical College 2022 staff included Jacob Mans, a Hinckley native and associate professor of architecture at the University of Minnesota. Mans designed and built a pavilion structure for the garden with the help of graduate students and students from Pine Technical and Community College. Jeff’s Outdoor Services consulted (and generously donated) part of the infrastructure of the garden. Many others have made monetary donations (See donor section). 

The Mission of the Pine City Discovery Garden

• To beautify Pine City by providing a green space oasis for residents and a visual welcoming first impression for visitors
• To provide a place to educate the public about Zone 3 plants by conducting garden classes and through interpretive signs
• To honor Cindy Novy’s memory

Who are the major development partners of the Pine City Discovery Garden?

• Pine County Master Gardeners developed the design, raised funds, oversaw the demolition and preparation of the site including infrastructure, and did the installation of the plants, trees and shrubs. Master Gardeners will provide annual spring and fall clean-up events, in addition to offering classes.
• Pine City provides the ongoing maintenance once the garden is established.
• Pine Technical College provided the expertise and in-kind work of Jacob Mans and his students for the building the pavilion in the garden.
• UMN Extension Educator Julie Weisenhorn is the consultant on the garden design and taught a landscaping design class to those working on the garden.
• Jeff’s Outdoor Services consulted and provided help with the infrastructure of the garden including landscaping, path creation, roughing in for irrigation and lighting.

Donors

• Family of Cindy Novy
• Greater Pine Area Endowment
• Minnesota Energy Resources
• New Horizon Thrift Store
• Colors by Craig
• Jeff's Outdoor Services
• Pokegama Lake Association
• Pine Area Lions Club
• Pine City Lions Club
• Buds n' Blooms Garden Club
• Pine Gardeners Garden Club
• Pine County Master Gardeners
• East Central Energy
• Mike Gainor
• Cheryl McHugh
• Cara Novy Miller
• Council of Catholic Women
• Three Twenty Brewing Company
• Anonymous donors
• City of Pine City
• Cara Novy Miller
• East Central Energy Trust a.k.a Operation Round Up
• Benevity - JAMF Nation Global Foundation
• Cloverdale Senior Citizens Inc.
• Cookie Heikes

Phases of project

Garden Design

Design planning began late fall 2021 and continued through early 2023 with multiple educational and planning meetings with master gardeners and city stakeholders.

Demolition

May 18, 2022 

Infrastructure

The infrastructure work done by Jeff’s Outdoor Services included removal of soil imbedded with weeds, grading, add of topsoil, creation of a path, roughing in irrigation sleeves and mulch. Installation of irrigation occured in June 2023 after plants were in the ground. Lighting was installed and turned on late fall 2023.

Shelter design and building

UMN architecture associate professor, Jacob Mans designed, harvested wood, and built the structure. Graduate students and students in the construction technology program at Pine Tech assisted.

Concrete was poured for the footings for the Pine City Discovery Garden pavilion on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Funding for the pavilion came from a grant received by the UMN Extension Pine County Master Gardeners from the Greater Pine Area Endowment. 

Plant selection

Groups of master gardeners researched several categories of plants to use in the garden. Using specific criteria, including right plant/right place, educational value, and other criteria, a plant list was created. A team created a specific design based on previous plans and recommendations. The selection of plants occurred early in 2023. Updating and improving the garden plantings will be ongoing. 

Signage

Signs include a City Park sign, interpretive signs, donor recognition and individual plant identification signs. 

Fundraising

Fundraising is ongoing and will allow enhancements of the garden area. Contact Terry Salmela, Pine County Master Gardener Coordinator, at [email protected] or 612-390-3149 to donate. Or use this QR code to make an electronic donation.

Summary of implementation

• October 2022 Master Gardeners planted 1,700 spring blooming bulbs in the central section of the garden.
• Mid-November 2022 the pathway was installed by Jeff's Outdoor Services.
• December 2022 the pavilion was placed onsite.

• May 2023 trees and shrubs planted.
• Mid-May 2023: First yearly bloom of tulips, daffodils and grape hyacinths.
• June 2023: Perennials planted onsite.
• Irrigation and mulch were installed after plantings.
• Summer 2023 lighting hardware installed, garden watered and weeded regularly. First educational event: The Pine City Garden Club got a tour from design committee members Joie Lee and Lauren Meister.
• Fall 2023: peonies planted, electricity turned on, signage installed, spring bulbs planted.

What's new

Check back early spring 2025 for "What's happening at the Discovery Garden".

You can request a private tour or an education class at the garden by calling 320-591-1650 or emailing [email protected].

Prefer to tour the garden on your own? Find out more about the Discovery Garden self-guided tour.

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.

Kristin Riley, SNAP-Ed Educator
[email protected] 
Cell: 763-218-7743 | Office: 320-591-1650

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

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 participatory 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.