Extension in North St. Louis County - Virginia

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. 

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 at countyextension@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-7120

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, 218-749-7120 (office) or 218-404-6596 (cell)

There is always a lot going on in North St. Louis County 4-H. Stay up to date!

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram:  @northstlouiscounty4-H
• Read the latest Clover Update

Summer is here and many are kicking their “4-H” life into high gear as we look forward to the St. Louis County Fair August 4-8, 2021. 

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

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

Troy Salzer, Extension educator
salze003@umn.edu or 218-749-7120 (office) or 218-591-0478 (cell)

Connect with SLC Ag Extension on Facebook

Connect with Extension

• Like and follow NSLC Extension on Facebook.
• Instagram: stlouiscountyextension

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

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.

Become a Master Gardener

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

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

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

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.

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)

Extension's Center for Community Vitality 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.

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.

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

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.