Extension in Washington County

View all Washington County contacts.

Ann Church, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 651-430-6809

Megan Slater, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 651-430-6805

Ashton Kulesa, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 651-430-6807

Jennifer Grilliot, Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator
[email protected] or 651-430-6804

Kathy Erf, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist, U of M Extension
[email protected] or 651-430-6803

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. 

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

We are excited that you are interested in joining 4-H in Washington County. You will find as you get connected that there is a lot going on and many ways to get involved. It is our hope that the 4-H community will be a positive one for you and your family.

At Washington County 4-H, we are committed to using experiential education methods to develop a passion for lifelong learning. Our program is for youth grades Kindergarten through one year past high school. The primary way that youth get involved in our programs is through community clubs.

Fill out a new family inquiry form

Please take a few moments to fill out the new family inquiry form. 

This information will help staff best answer your 4-H questions and get you connected with programs that fit the needs and interests of your child(ren). Upon completing the form, staff will reach out to you with more information about 4-H as soon as they can.

4-H enrollment period (Sept. 15 - May 15)

You can enroll in 4-H at any time however, some events like County Fair and MN State Fair require enrollment before May 15. If you would like to exhibit animals, those need to be ID'ed by May 15th. More information about Animal Science projects can be found under the Washington County 4-H resources section or by contacting our office.

When you enroll you will be asked to pick a club and enroll in projects. Members will need to enroll in at least one project but we encourage youth to enroll in any project area that they might be interested in so your family will receive information about that project area. 

Fees

As of September 2024, Washington County 4-H will not require an enrollment fee.  Please keep in mind that some project areas and activities like Dog Training, Shooting Sports, Arts-In, Horse Camp, Summer camps and project workshops will require a participation fee. We do our best to keep these fees as low as possible and do offer scholarships upon request. 

4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for youth in grades Kindergarten through one year past high school. Youth choose a project that’s interesting to them and explore it with peers, adult volunteers or independently. 4-H clubs are groups of youth who explore multiple project areas together and meet in every part of Minnesota. All youth are welcome in 4-H.

Find a 4-H club in Washington County

• 4-H club bios
• 4-H club locations

Follow us on social media

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram

Give to Washington County 4-H

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Washington County and local programming coordinated by the Washington County 4-H Federation. 

Give today

Stay up to date with Washington County 4-H by reading our family newsletter.

Read the current issue - March 13, 2025

Newsletter past issues

February 20, 2025

February 6, 2025

January 23, 2025

January 9, 2025

December 19, 2024

December 5, 2024

November 21, 2024

November 7, 2024

October 24, 2024

October 10, 2024

September 26, 2024

September, 12, 2024

General information

• Washington County 4-H Club Map
• Event Scholarship Form
• Competitive events: deadlines, consequences and exemption table
• 4-H Graduation application (Gift given at County Fair) Due July 1
• Livestock Graduation form (This questionnaire will be used during the Livestock/Horse Shows to recognize those 4-H members who are graduating from the 4-H program.)
• Minnesota 4-H Scholarships (Apply by April 1, 2025)
• Minnesota Key Award (Award presented Aug. 3 @ fairgrounds during awards ceremony)

Animal Science information

All animal information can be found on the state website, 4-H Animal ID. Each species has information that needs to be uploaded to your family account by May 15. This is a state deadline and you will be locked out of your account at 12:00 AM on May 16. There are exceptions for some poultry (please read poultry information sheet below) and Cloverbud animals except Dog, Cloverbud dogs will still need a competed ID with vaccinations for safety purposes.

• How to ID your animals in 4honline.
• Market beef and dairy steer letter (online ID due Feb. 18)
• Beef ID tag help sheet
• County Livestock ID Letter (online ID due May 15)
• County Horse ID Letter
• Horse ID Worksheet (Upload info by May 15 *Also need photos and current year Coggins)
• Dog ID and Vaccination Form (Upload before attending trainings but no later than May 15 *Also need a color photo)
• Dog Information sheet
• Dove/Pigeon ID sheet (Upload info by May 15)
• Poultry Information Sheet
• Animal Leasing Form (Upload by May 15)
• Animal Leasing Information

County 4-H scholarships

(All scholarships will be awarded at the County Fair Awards Program, Sunday evening) 

• Farm Bureau Scholarship (Due July 1, 2025)
• Washington County Federation Scholarship (Due July 1, 2025)
• Washington County Memorial Scholarship (Due July 1, 2025)
• Adele Clemens Memorial Scholarship (Due July 1, 2025)

County 4-H record keeping

• Steps to completing records
• Participation summary
• Static project record
• Small animal record
• Large animal record
• Horse record

The Washington County Fair will be July 30-Aug. 3, 2025. 

Important dates

• June 1: FairEntry Registration Opens (Please use 4-H Information Book below for reference)
• July 1: FairEntry registration closes at 11:59 p.m.
• July 26: General project judging day - including Pet Show!
• July 26-27: County Dog Show

4-H Information Book (Premium Book)

4-H Information Book contains everything you need to know about 4-H at the 2024 Washington County Fair. 

County Fair project ideas

Registration - Closes on July 1 

Entries after July 1 must be emailed to [email protected] and can show for blue, red and white ribbon only. Not eligible for Champions, premiums, livestock auction or state trips.

All entries are made online through FairEntry. 

• Register through FairEntry
• FairEntry instructions
• Direct link to Washington County Fair - FairEnry

Demonstrations

• Demonstration Handbook
• Don't forget to register in FairEntry by July 1

Volunteers

Many volunteers are needed throughout the fair. Email the office if interested. [email protected] 

4-H Champion Program

• Become a Sponsor

4-H Livestock Auction

• Become an Auction Buyer

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!

Get involved in programs and projects

Throughout the year there will be plenty of opportunities for you to explore different project areas at the county level outside 4-H clubs including livestock, STEM, performing arts, food and nutrition, gardening, and more! These programs can be short-term, long-term, half-day, full-day, overnight, and virtual events. Pick and choose programs based on your schedule and interests. 

You can also engage in self-guided project-based learning around any project area in 4-H independently.

Once enrolled in 4-H you will receive a bi-weekly county newsletter with local programming and a monthly Clover Update highlighting statewide events and programs. Events and programs will also be posted on this website along with the following social media sites. 

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram

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 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

Ann Church, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 651-430-6809

Megan Slater, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 651-430-6805

Ashton Kulesa, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 651-430-6807

Kathy Erf, Principal office and administrative specialist
[email protected] or 651-430-6803

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Stay up to date with Washington County Master Gardeners

• Washington County Master Gardeners website
• Washington County Master Gardeners Facebook

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

A love of gardening, a passion for knowledge and a desire to share that knowledge with others are central to why people join the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the friendship of others who share their interests in gaining and sharing research-based horticultural knowledge and giving back to the community through their volunteer commitment.

If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, you may be a good Master Gardener volunteer candidate. A formal education in horticulture is not necessary. We will provide the training and resources to help you teach others. 

Steps for becoming a volunteer

1. Request an application packet. 
   1. Send an email with your contact information to [email protected].
2. Send in a completed application by October 1.
   1. Email the application to [email protected] or mail a hard copy.
3. Applicants will be interviewed.
4. The selected candidates are accepted into the program and eligible for the next steps—commitment and training.

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Washington County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Yard and garden questions?

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Yard & Garden Line - 
Call 612-301-7590 to have your yard and garden related questions answered or leave a detailed message. We will call back with a response.

We're here to help you!

• Washington County Master Gardeners phone:  651-430-6690
• Washington County Master Gardeners email:  [email protected]
• Washington County Master Gardeners website
• Mailing address:
  U of M Extension
  Master Gardener Program
  14949 62nd St N – Room 4700
  Stillwater, MN 55082

Jennifer Grilliot, Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator
[email protected] or 651-430-6804

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Washington 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.

• Families and youth
• Food health and nutrition

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).

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 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.