Extension in Washington County

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

• 4-H Club Map
• 4-H club bios

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

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.

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

• March 23, 2023
• March 9, 2023
• February 23, 2023
• February 9, 2023
• January 26, 2023
• January 12, 2023
• December 28, 2022
• December 8, 2022
• November 23, 2022
• November 10, 2022
• October 27, 2022
• October 13, 2022
• September 29, 2022
• September 14, 2022
• No Family Newsletter in August - New 4-H year starts Oct. 1

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)
• County Dog ID Letter (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

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

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 2022 Washington County Fair.  The 2023 4-H Information book will be available late May. 

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. 

• Register through FairEntry
• FairEntry instructions

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

• 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.

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.

• 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
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

• 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 wcmg@umn.edu.
2. Send in a completed application by October 1.
   1. Email the application to wcmg@umn.edu 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.

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 4600
  Stillwater, MN 55082

Nancie Klebba, Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator
nklebba@umn.edu 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'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 and how to submit a project idea.

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

Nancie Klebba, Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator
nklebba@umn.edu or 651-430-6804

Kathy Erf, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist, U of M Extension
eber0002@umn.edu 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.