Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in South St. Louis County - Duluth
Welcome to South St. Louis County
South St. Louis County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Connect with SSLC on Facebook. Instagram: stlouiscountyextension
4-H
Connect with South St. Louis County 4-H
Like and follow us on Facebook.
Instagram: southstlouiscounty4h
Give to South St. Louis County 4-H
Gifts support 4-H youth development in South St. Louis County, and local programming coordinated by the South St. Louis County 4-H Council.
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in South St. Louis County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in South St. Louis County
Find out what is happening in
South St. Louis County 4-H.
Connect with us on Facebook.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 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!
Tim Caines, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
ctcaines@umn.edu or 218-733-2873
Katie Ecklund, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
kolean@umn.edu or 218-733-2876
Kate Preiner, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
henry250@umn.edu or 218-733-2870
Connect with South St. Louis County 4-H
Like and follow us on Facebook.
Instagram: southstlouiscounty4h
Youth in Action
About YIA
The Youth in Action mission is to maintain and support youth development and community programs and projects. We work to promote public service values to better engage young adults with their communities. Our goal is to bring positive change to St. Louis County through partnerships with students, schools, community organizations and businesses and our in-school advisors.
Connect with YIA
Like and follow YIA on Facebook.
Instagram: youthinactionmn
2021 Make a Difference Conference
Our annual Make a Difference Conference: Mind, Body & Soul will be virtual this year!
Three evenings-Feb. 21, 22 and 23 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
We are working hard to make this a valuable, virtual event for young people!
The conference is free and open to all youth in grades 7th - 12th throughout St. Louis County. Prior involvement with YIA is not required.
The conference will be hosted on Zoom. We will send participants a link for each session once they register for the conference.
The pre-registration deadline is Jan. 31 to receive your conference swag bag which includes this year's YIA conference T-shirt!
Youth in Action (YIA) is a St. Louis County program that promotes leadership by getting students involved in school and community projects that make a positive impact.
Youth in Action opportunities are available in Iron Range and Duluth area schools for students in grades 9-12. It is free to join and everybody is welcome! To participate in YIA, please contact a YIA program coordinator or your high school's YIA advisor.
Elise Rigney, YIA program coordinator
rigneye@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2899
Tyler Erickson, YIA program coordinator
ericksont@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2874
Like and follow YIA on Facebook.
Instagram: youthinactionmn
Gardening and horticulture
Connect with Extension
Like and follow SSLC Extension on Facebook.
Instagram: stlouiscountyextension
Become a Master Gardener volunteer
Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community
Have questions about gardening?
Call the Extension office Horticulture Question Line.
218-733-2870, ext. #2
Leave a message for our horticulture and agriculture educators and Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
Tune in for Gardening Advice
Listen to KDAL 610 radio on Tuesday mornings from 8-9 a.m. to hear Bob Olen of Extension talk about what you need to know to make your garden successful. Listeners are encouraged to call in with their questions.
Great Gardening on PBS
For more gardening advice tune in to Great Gardening on PBS North to watch Bob Olen and Tom Kasper answer viewer questions live and share their garden expertise. The show schedule and viewing information can be viewed on the WDSE website.
Gardening event calendar
in South St. Louis County
Upcoming Events
Gardening at the Library
Download or view the Extension Master Gardener list of gardening learning sesseions taking place at the Duluth Public Library. This year's sessions are virtual until further notice.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in South St. Louis County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Statewide news
- Yard and Garden News - Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
- 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.
About the Master Gardener program
For information on becoming a Master Gardener in St. Louis County, call 218-733-2870 or email the Extension office.
Master Gardener events and programs
Gardening at the Library
Download or view the Extension Master Gardener list of gardening learning sessions taking place at the Duluth Public Library. This year's sessions are virtual until further notice.
Resources for Master Gardeners
- Report your hours
- Read the latest newsletter
- Program support and toolkits
- Access to EMG templates, resource library, and promotional resources
Bob Olen, county horticulturist
horticulturist@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2870
Stacey DeRoche, Extension support staff, Extension Master Gardener program
mcku0006@umn.edu or 218-733-2870
Troy Salzer, Extension educator, Agriculture
salze003@umn.edu or 218-749-7120
Horticulture Question Line
218-733-2870, Ext. #2
Connect with Extension
Like and follow SSLC Extension on Facebook.
Instagram: stlouiscountyextension
Agriculture
Agriculture events in South St. Louis 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 South St. Louis 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.
Troy Salzer, Extension educator, Agriculture
salze003@umn.edu or 218-749-7120
Bob Olen, county horticulturist
horticulturist@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2870
Horticulture Question Line
218-733-2870, Ext. #2
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in South St. Louis 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 South St. Louis 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 South St. Louis County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
SNAP-Ed is hiring for a position in St. Louis County. To view details visit z.umn.edu/stlouis-county-snap-ed.
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.
Linda Erdahl, Extension educator, Health and Nutrition
lerdahl@umn.edu or 218-733-2896
South St. Louis County Extension
Contact Info
U of M Extension, South St. Louis County
mnext-stlouis-duluth@umn.edu
AP Cook Building
2503 Rice Lake Rd
Duluth, MN 55811
Phone: 218-733-2870
Connect with South St. Louis County Extension
Like and follow SSLC on Facebook.
Instagram: stlouiscountyextension
View all South St. Louis County contacts.
Mary Tennis, Extension office administrator
tennism@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2870
Nicole Baxton, County Support Staff
baxtonb@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2871
Stacey DeRoche, County Support Staff
deroches@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2877
Robert Olen, County Horticulturist
218-733-2870, ext. #2
Tyler Erickson, YIA Program Coordinator
ericksont@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2870
Elise Rigney, YIA Program Coordinator
rigneye@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2899
Tim Caines, 4-H Extension educator
ctcaines@umn.edu or 218-733-2973
Katie Ecklund, 4-H Extension educator
kolean@umn.edu or 218-733-2876
Kate Preiner, 4-H Extension educator
henry250@umn.edu or 218-733-2870
Linda Erdahl, Nutrition educator
lerdahl@umn.edu or 218-733-2896
South St. Louis County events
View all events hosted in and near South St. Louis County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
South St. Louis County news
Read all news from South St. Louis County.
Extension Connection newsletter Read the latest edition.
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.
Connect with South St. Louis County Extension
Like and follow SSLC on Facebook.
Instagram: stlouiscountyextension