Extension in Renville County

Give to Renville County 4-H

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

Give today

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!

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

Ashle Benson, 4-H Extension Educator, benson18@umn.edu or 320-523-3707.

Theresa Maher-Bock, Administrative Support Staff, bockx097@umn.edu or 320-523-3709. 

• 2022 FairEntry
• 2022 Renville County Fair Registration for Club Projects
• 2022 Premium Book
• FairEntry Family Guide
• Participation Record (Word Doc)
• General Project Record (Word Doc)
• Cloverbud Record (Word Doc)
• Record Evaluation Form
• Key Award Form Application

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.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

May 2023 Garden Gatherings

April 2023 Garden Gatherings

March 2023 Garden Gatherings

February 2023 Garden Gatherings

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Renville 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 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 Renville County and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.

U of M Extension, Renville County

County Government Center
105 S. 5th St. Ste 124H
Olivia, MN 56277

Email: mnext-renville@umn.edu

Phone: 320-523-3713
Fax: 320-523-3886

View all Renville County contacts.

Ashle Benson,  Renville County Extension Educator, benson18@umn.edu or 320-523-3707.

Theresa Maher-Bock, Administrative Assistant, Renville County
bockx097@umn.edu or 320-523-3713.

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.