Extension in Ramsey County

U of M Extension, Ramsey County
mnext-ramsey@umn.edu

2020 White Bear Avenue N
St Paul MN 55109-3713

Office hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (by appointment is preferred) 

View all Ramsey County contacts.

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 Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. We offer online and in-person learning experiences for youth from kindergarten through high school. In 4-H, caring adults support youth learning and leadership. Youth may explore a wide range of interest areas, from agronomy to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures.

• Join a Ramsey County 4-H club! The Ramsey County 4-H office has program staff who coordinate the clubs and screened volunteers who lead them. Clubs meet on average of once per month. 
  • View our Ramsey County 4-H program catalog to find a list of our current 4-H clubs and their contact information. Contact the person listed for each club to join or get more information.
  • Contact us for additional help connecting with 4-H clubs, if needed.
  • View our clubs from a Google map of Minnesota 4-H clubs, which also contains information for each club.

• Want to learn about adult volunteer opportunities 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

Distance learning with 4-H connects you to online events and subject areas in which youth can participate from home.

For more general participation information, Minnesota 4-H. 

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Get in touch with us

Give to Ramsey County 4-H

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

Give today

Brianna Hall, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
fishe866@umn.edu or 612-624-1823

Kurtis Hewes, Administrative and Office Specialist, 4-H Youth Development hewes020@umn.edu or 612-624-7626

Master Gardener volunteers educate the public about horticulture using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance the 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.

• Visit the Ramsey County Master Gardeners website for gardening information and a list of their upcoming events.
  • Follow them on Facebook
  • Sign up for their newsletter

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

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Darren Lochner, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Ramsey County
dlochner@umn.edu, 651-704-2080

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Ramsey 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.

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).

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.