
Extension in Washington County

Welcome to Washington County
Washington County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for people age 5-19. Youth choose a project that’s interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults. 4-H clubs are groups of youth who want to learn together and meet in every part of Minnesota. All youth are welcome in 4-H.
Find a 4-H Club in Washington County
Follow us on social media
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.
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.
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
- Contact the Washington County Extension Office at 651-430-6800 or mnext-washington@umn.edu
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 (Oct. 1 - May 15)
You can enroll in 4-H at any time however, some events like County Fairs and MN State Fair require enrollment before May 15. If you would like to exhibit animals, those also 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.
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 that they might be interested in that way your family will receive information about that project area.
Enrollment fee
Once you enroll in 4-H you will need to send in a membership fee, $25 per child or $100 max per family. The fees can be paid by either check or cash and mailed or dropped off at our office. We DO NOT have online payment at this time.
Mail the enrollment fee to:
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd St N
Stillwater, MN 55082
If you write a check please include the name of your child(ren) and the club they are enrolled in on the memo line. We do have need based scholarships available if needed.
4-H events in Washington County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Washington County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Washington County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
General information
- Washington County 4-H Clubs
- Event Scholarship Form
- Competitive events: deadlines, consequences and exemption table
- 4-H Graduation application (Gift given at County Fair) Due June 1
- Minnesota 4-H Scholarships (Apply by April 1, 2023)
Family newsletters
Animal Science information
- Market beef and dairy steer letter (online ID due Feb. 15)
- Beef ID tag help sheet
- County Livestock ID Letter (online ID due May 15)
- County Horse ID Letter (online ID due May 15)
- Dog ID and Vaccination Form (online ID due May 15)
County 4-H scholarships
(All scholarships will be awarded at the County Fair Awards Program, Sunday evening Aug. 7)
- Farm Bureau Scholarship (Due June 1, 2023)
- Washington County Federation Scholarship (Due June 1, 2023)
- Washington County Memorial Scholarship (Due June 1, 2023)
County 4-H record keeping
The Washington County Fair will be Aug. 2-Aug. 6, 2023.
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 29: General/Static project judging day.
- July 29-30: County Dog Show
4-H Information Book (Premium Book)
4-H Information Book contains everything you need to know about 4-H at the 2023 Washington County Fair.
Registration - Closes on July 1
Entries after July 1 must be emailed to eber0002@umn.edu 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.
Demonstrations
- Demonstration Handbook
- Demonstration time registration
- Don't forget to register in FairEntry by July 1
Volunteers
Many volunteers are needed throughout the fair. Email the office if interested. mnext-washington@umn.edu
4-H Champion Program
4-H Livestock Auction
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.
Events and programs will be posted on this website and included in the monthly Clover Update that comes out each month along with the following social media sites.
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
churc109@umn.edu or 651-430-6809
Megan Slater, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
slate187@umn.edu or 651-430-6805
Ashton Kulesa, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
kules010@umn.edu or 651-430-6807
Kathy Erf, Principal office and administrative specialist
eber0002@umn.edu or 651-430-6803
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Washington 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 Washington 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.
Gardening
Stay up to date with Washington County Master Gardeners
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
- Request an application packet.
- Send an email with your contact information to wcmg@umn.edu.
- Send in a completed application by October 1.
- Email the application to wcmg@umn.edu or mail a hard copy.
- Applicants will be interviewed.
- 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.
Gardening events in Washington County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Washington County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
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: wcmg@umn.edu
- 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
grill076@umn.edu or 651-430-6804
Health and nutrition
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.
Health and nutrition events in Washington 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 Washington 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.
Sustainable communities
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 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.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development news
Find information on community-focused news.
My Minnesota Woods
Find out how to take care of your trees and enjoy Minnesota's beautiful woodlands.
Natural Resources News
From preserving our wetlands to combating invasive species, read about protecting and enjoying nature.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.
Washington County Extension
U of M Extension, Washington County
mnext-washington@umn.edu
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082-6132
Phone: 651-430-6800
Fax: 651-430-6811
Office hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Please call or email ahead to schedule a visit.
651-430-6800 or mnext-washington@umn.edu
View all Washington County contacts.
Ann Church, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
churc109@umn.edu or 651-430-6809
Megan Slater, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
slate187@umn.edu or 651-430-6805
Ashton Kulesa, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
kules010@umn.edu or 651-430-6807
Jennifer Grilliot, Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator
grill076@umn.edu or 651-430-6804
Kathy Erf, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist, U of M Extension
eber0002@umn.edu or 651-430-6803
Washington County events
View all events hosted in and near Washington County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Washington County news
Read all news from Washington County.
Extension wide news
Read the latest news from all of Extension's programs.
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.