Extension in South St. Louis County - Duluth

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. 

Mary Tennis, Extension office administrator
tennism@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-725-5230

Nicole Baxton, County support staff
baxtonn@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2871

Stacey DeRoche, County marketing and event coordinator
deroches@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2877

Abby DeVita, Nutrition educator
devi0112@umn.edu or 218-733-2897

Katie Ecklund, 4-H Extension educator
kolean@umn.edu or 218-733-2876

Hailey Eidenschink, 4-H Extension educator
eiden067@umn.edu or 218-733-7566

Linda Erdahl, Nutrition educator
lerdahl@umn.edu or 218-733-2896

Kristy McManus, 4-H Extension educator
khansen4@umn.edu or 218-733-2879

Robert Olen, County horticulturist
horticulturist@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2870, ext. #2

Kate Preiner, 4-H Extension educator
henry250@umn.edu or 218-733-2947

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

Office hours

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

The 2024 South St. Louis County 4-H Showcase in Proctor is fast approaching, and we look forward to the July 2 Entry Day.

• 4-H SHOWCASE EVENT SCHEDULE - SSL COUNTY FAIR, PROCTOR

Just a reminder, families are required to register their 4-H showcase exhibits in FairEntry. Registration has now closed.

Important dates to note:

• Fair registration opens on Wednesday, May 15
• The fair registration closes on Saturday, June 15
• MN 4-H State Fair Livestock Encampment August 21-25
• SLC MN 4-H State Fair General Encampment August 25-27

Please call the Extension Office at 218-733-2870 if you have any questions regarding the fair registration process! We look forward to seeing you at the Fair!

All youth who plan to participate in a local 4-H showcase event during the County Fair will receive a premium check.

• These checks will be available for pick up on Sunday, July 7th at 4:00 pm, at the South St. Louis County Fairgrounds in Proctor.
• If those dates and times do not work for you to pick up your check, you can provide us with a self-addressed envelope and stamp during 4-H general project judging on Tuesday, July 2nd at 4:00 pm so we can mail it to you.
• It is extremely important that these checks are picked up and cashed in a timely manner as they do expire 30 days after they are written.

Please refer to the links below for more information.

• 4-H Showcase guide for the St. Louis County Fair in Proctor
• The Extension County Fair page
• State Showcase Information

Connect with South St. Louis County 4-H

• Like and follow 4-H 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. 

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

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 the 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.

• About 4-H Incredible Exchange
• How to Apply

Katie Ecklund, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
kolean@umn.edu or 218-733-2876

Hailey Eidenschink, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
eiden067@umn.edu or 218-733-7566

Kristy McManus, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
khansen4@umn.edu or 218-733-2879

Kate Preiner, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
henry250@umn.edu or 218-733-2947

Connect with South St. Louis County 4-H

Like and follow us on Facebook.
Instagram: southstlouiscounty4h

Connect with Extension

Like and follow SLC Extension on Facebook.
Instagram: stlouiscountyextension

Have questions about gardening?

Horticulture Question Line

Call the Extension office Horticulture Question Line at 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.

Gifts support local programming coordinated by South St Louis County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Become a Master Gardener

For information on becoming a Master Gardener in St. Louis County, call 218-733-2870 or email the Extension office deroches@stlouiscountymn.gov.

Become a Master Gardener Volunteer

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

Variety lists

• Vegetable and Fruit variety lists

Publications

• Seed Saving Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
• Fall Clean-up
• Jumping Worms
• Small Space and Container Gardening
• Tree and Shrub Handout
• Minnesota Lawn Care Calendar
• Veggies for Containers

Soil testing

• University of Minnesota Soil Test Lab

Bob Olen, County horticulturist
horticulturist@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2870 

Troy Salzer, Extension educator, Agriculture
salze003@umn.edu or 218-749-7120

Stacey DeRoche, Extension support staff, Extension Master Gardener program 
mcku0006@umn.edu or 218-733-2870

Horticulture Question Line
218-733-2870, Ext. #2

Connect with Extension

Like and follow SSLC Extension on Facebook.
Instagram: stlouiscountyextension

• Emergency Forages Table | UMN Extension
• UMN Forage and Cover Crop Species Database

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

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.

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

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).

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.

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.