Extension in St. Louis (Virginia) County

U of M Extension, St. Louis (Virginia) County
[email protected]

Government Services Center
201 S 3rd Ave W
Virginia, MN 55792-2668

Phone: 218-749-7120

Office hours

Office hours for the public are Monday-Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Outside of those hours, it's by appointment only.  

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
[email protected] or 218-733-2870

Tyler Erickson, Extension office supervisor
[email protected] or 218-733-2874

Sarah Westerberg, County support staff
[email protected] or (office) 218-471-7598

Main line
218-749-7120

Nicole Kudrle, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or (office) 218-749-7120 (cell) 218-404-6596

Troy Salzer, Extension educator
[email protected] or (office) 218-749-7120 (cell) 218-591-0478

Chris Strand, SNAP-Ed educator
[email protected] or (office) 218-471-7234 (cell) 218-966-8019

Freya Thurmer, Extension educator
[email protected] or (office) 218-733-2942

The 2025 4-H Showcase at the St. Louis County Fair in Chisholm is fast approaching, and we look forward to the July 29 Entry Day. 

As a reminder, families must register their 4-H showcase exhibits in FairEntry.

Fair registration opens on Sunday, June 1.

Fair registration closes on Tuesday, July 15.

Please refer to the links below for more information. 

Please call the Extension Office if you have any questions regarding the fair registration process! 218-749-7120 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Fair!

• St. Louis County 4-H Showcase Guide, 2025 - GENERAL PROJECTS
• St. Louis County 4-H Showcase Guide, 2025 - ANIMAL SCIENCE PROJECTS/LIVESTOCK
• St. Louis County Fair, Chisholm 4-H Schedule
• SLC 4-H Club Exhibit Form
• St. Louis County 4-H Volunteer Sign-Up
• St. Louis County 4-H Animal Pen/ Stall Reservations
• SLC 4-H Showcase Check List for July 15 - Google Docs
• SLC 4-H Market Livestock Auction Information Sheet for Families
• 4-H enrolled youth - Order your FREE St. Louis County 4-H T-shirt here! Order by July 7

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

Give to St. Louis (Virginia) County 4-H

Gifts support 4-H youth development in St. Louis (Virginia) County and local programming coordinated by the St. Louis (Virginia) County 4-H Federation. 

Give today

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 topics 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.

St. Louis (Virginia) County 4-H

• Who are the SLC 4-H Clubs?
• St. Louis (Virginia) Club Meeting Information
• St. Louis (Virginia) Club Map
• Join 4-H Brochure
• St. Louis County 4-H Brochure
• How to get involved - NSL 4-H
• 4-H Project Brochure
• 4-H FAQ

Stay up to date!

There is always a lot going on in St. Louis (Virginia) County 4-H. 

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram

Nicole Kudrle, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected], 218-749-7120 (office) or 218-404-6596 (cell)

• UMN Forage and Cover Crop Species Database

Follow us on Facebook

@UMNExtensionSLC

Troy Salzer, Extension educator
[email protected] or 218-749-7120 (office) or 218-591-0478 (cell)

Freya Thurmer, Extension educator
[email protected] or 218-733-2942 (office)

Connect with SLC Ag Extension on Facebook

• Fertilizer Guidelines for Agronomic Crops in Minnesota

Connect with Extension

• Like and follow SLC 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.

Gifts support local programming coordinated by St. Louis (Virginia) County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

• Lawn & Garden Step-by-Step Soil Sampling Guide

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
[email protected] or 218-733-2870 

Troy Salzer, Extension educator, Agriculture
[email protected] or 218-749-7120

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

Connect with Extension

Like and follow SLC 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
[email protected] or 218-471-7234 (office) or 218-966-8019 (cell)

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 participatory 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.