Extension in Pope County
Welcome to Pope County
Pope County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Contact
mnext-pope@umn.edu or 320-634-7734
Pope County Extension office
U of M Extension, Pope County
mnext-pope@umn.edu
Courthouse
130 East Minnesota Ave
Glenwood, MN 56334-1636
Phone: 320-634-7734
Fax: 320-634-4062
Office hours
- Monday-Wednesday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday, by appointment only
View all Pope County contacts.
Shayla Bosch, Principle Office and Administrative Specialist
sbosch@umn.edu or 320-634-7734
Pope County events
View all events hosted in and near Pope County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Pope County news
Read all news from Pope 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.
4-H
Welcome to Pope County 4-H. Pope County is located in west central Minnesota, with our county seat in Glenwood. We have eight 4-H Clubs, that meet in various locations throughout the county. Families interested in learning more about Pope County 4-H can request information from the Pope County Extension Office (see contact information) or click on the Join 4-H link below.
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 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!
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 events in Pope County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Pope County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Pope County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
Jacob Halper, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
halpe120@umn.edu or 320-634-7735
Shayla Bosch, Extension office support specialist
pope@umn.edu or 320-634-7734
Give to Pope County 4-H
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Pope County, and local programming coordinated by the Pope County 4-H Council.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Pope 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 Pope 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
Master Gardener volunteers educate the public about horticulture using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance quality of life and promote good stewardship of the environment.
Master Gardener volunteers complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.
Gardening events in Pope 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.
Gardening news in Pope County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Pope County. These programs 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 Pope 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, wellbeing and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Pope County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Family News
Find information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Sustainable communities
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 Pope 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.