Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in North St. Louis County - Virginia

Welcome to North St. Louis County
North 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 NSLC on Facebook. Instagram: stlouiscountyextension
4-H
Give to North St. Louis County 4-H
Gifts support 4-H youth development in North St. Louis County, and local programming coordinated by the North St. Louis County 4-H Federation.
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 at countyextension@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-7120
4-H events in North 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 North St. Louis County
Stay informed about all that is happening in North St. Louis County 4-H.
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!
Nicole Kudrle, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
vande422@umn.edu or 218-749-7120 or 218-404-6596 (cell)
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.
Taryn Burnett, YIA program coordinator
burnettT2@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-7119
Angela Zavodnik, YIA program coordinator
zavodnika@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-7114
Like and follow YIA on Facebook.
Instagram: youthinactionmn
Agriculture
Agriculture events in North 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 North 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
salze003@umn.edu or 218-749-7120 (office) or 218-591-0478 (cell)
Connect with SLC Ag Extension on Facebook
Gardening and Horticulture
Connect with Extension
Like and follow NSLC 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.
Upcoming Events
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.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in North St. Louis County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
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 sesseions taking place at the Duluth Public Library. This year's sessions are virtual until further notice.
Become a Master Gardener
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
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 NSLC Extension on Facebook.
Instagram: stlouiscountyextension
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in North 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 North 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 North St. Louis 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.
Chris Strand, SNAP-Ed educator
csstrand@umn.edu or 218-471-7234 (office) or 218-966-8019 (cell)
North St. Louis County Extension
U of M Extension, North St. Louis County
mnext-stlouis-virginia@umn.edu
countyextensionoffice@stlouiscountymn.gov
Government Services Center
201 S 3rd Ave W
Virginia, MN 55792-2668
Phone: 218-749-7120
Fax: 218-749-0698
View all North St. Louis County contacts.
Nicole Kudrle, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
vande422@umn.edu or 218-749-7120 or 218-404-6596 (cell)
Troy Salzer, Extension educator
salze003@umn.edu or 218-749-7120 (office) or 218-591-0478 (cell)
Chris Strand, SNAP-Ed educator
csstrand@umn.edu or 218-471-7234 (office) or 218-966-8019 (cell)
Taryn Burnett, YIA Program Coordinator
burnettT2@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-7119 (office) or 218-966-9061 (cell)
Angela Zavodnik, YIA Program Coordinator
zavodnika@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-7114 (office) or 218-780-9109 (cell)
Mary Tennis, Extension office administrator
tennism@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-2870
Shirley Lantz, County Support Staff
lantzs@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-7120
Sarah Westerberg, County Support Staff
westerbergs@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-471-7598