Extension in Watonwan County

4-H helps youth develop leadership skills, build self confidence, develop public speaking skills, and other healthy life skills all while having fun!

You name it, you can do it! And better yet, you can get a lot of help from adult volunteers and youth leaders. There are mentors who can teach you and help you learn. You can join a 4-H club through 12th grade where you can do all kinds of fun, learning activities.

Watonwan County 4-H year runs from October 1 to the following year September 30. Each October is a new year for enrollment. Every 4-H family will receive a Watonwan County 4-H Newsletter with important information like meeting dates, upcoming activities, and opportunities for members and volunteers.

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Re-enroll as an independent member
• Get in touch with us

Clubs

Watonwan County has several different clubs as well as project clubs. Project clubs were created to help youth learn and focus on that certain project. For instance we have Horse, Engineering Design, Dairy, Poultry, Swine, and Shooting Sports that members can also be a member of.  You can join a Community club and also be a part of Cloverbuds, Tweens, Youth Leaders and any project clubs! When you join more than one club you get more fun. Another fun feature with 4-H is all the Summer activities we offer from camping, art, science, food and so much more!

Another feature 4-H offers is the ability to showcase your talents at the County fair and State Fair (if eligible). Each year you'll have the opportunity to show the community what you've learned and your talents. You can show anything from crafts to livestock and even science! There is something for everyone to be a part of!

Community/Family Clubs (Grades K-12)

The best part of a 4-H community club is the time spent as a family having fun while learning together. You may choose one Community Club and also be a part of Youth Leaders, Tweens, and Cloverbuds! You will learn new skills by working on projects together as a family; attend fun activities together like tours, bowling, holiday parties; or work and learn the importance of community service.

• Fieldon Rustlers - Madelia Area (Club Leader-Jenny Anderson; halfyann@hotmail.com or 507-327-3903)
• Golden Gleaners - St. James Area (Club Leader-Susan Craig; dscraig71@gmail.com or 507-327-7699)
• Nelson Wide Awake - Godahl/Hanska Area (Club Leaders-Kari Miest; kmiest75@gmail.com or 507-375-3085 & Cali Schmidt; jschmidt5@live.com or 507-439-6399)
• Nifty Thrifty - South Branch Area (Club Leaders-Kayla McGuire; jandkmcguire08@yahoo.com or 507-375-3650 & Amy Gieseke; giesekes@yourstarnet.net or 507-317-7356)
• Riverdale Rockets - Madelia Area (Club Leader-Lori Feder-Pietsch loripietsch@isd837.org or 507-317-4634)
• Rosendale Skippers - Madelia/St. James Area (Club Leaders-Joleen Braaten; jbraaten@embarqmail.com or 507-375-5796 & Michelle Knudson; meshellkober@yahoo.com or 507-304-3280)
• Speedway Builders - Butterfield Area (Club Leaders-Sheila Pierson; aspierson@frontier.com

Youth Leaders/Ambassadors Club (Grades 7-12)

This group works on community service projects, team building, healthy lifestyle choices, building relationships, fun, and creativity.

• Learn skills in dozens of subject areas
• Share your skills
• Go on exciting camps, retreats and adventures
• Mentor 4-H Cloverbuds and 4-H Tweens

Club Leaders-Bill & Kim Crowley

Tweens Club (Grades 3-6)

This group works on community service projects, exploring project areas, educational activities, team work, and building self-esteem. The group decides if they want to meet monthly or bi-monthly. Call the Extension office for meeting dates.

• The kids make new friends
• Brainstorm ideas
• Work as a team
• Learn how to help the community and 
• Go on social events.

Club Leader-Sarah Reckard

Cloverbuds (Grades K-2)

Cloverbuds is a fun, hands-on, educational program specially designed just for kids in Grades Kindergarten to 2nd grade.

County Cloverbuds meet monthly on the 1st Saturday morning from 10 a.m. - noon at the Watonwan County Extension Office from October to May. Your child is welcome to attend all or just one meeting.

• Explore monthly topics
• Make crafts
• Learn about and have healthy snacks
• Play games

Club Leader-Sarah Reckard

4-H in Minnesota

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!

Give to Watonwan County 4-H

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Watonwan County, and local programming coordinated by the Watonwan County 4-H Council. 

Give today

Sarah Reckard, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
recka025@umn.edu or 507-375-1275

Michelle Knudson, County support staff
mknudson@umn.edu or 507-375-1275

General Private Pesticide Applicator Information or for detailed information and options visit the Extension page.

Watonwan County Extension

Local agriculture related questions can be directed to our local extension office.

Sarah Reckard, Extension educator
recka025@umn.edu or 507-375-1275

Michelle Knudson, County support staff
mknudso@umn.edu or 507-375-1275

Minnesota agriculture resources

Questions outside our local area may be directed to the Farm information line.

• Managing a farm
• Crop production
• Animals and livestock
• Farm information line: 1-800-232-9077

Master Gardeners

Watonwan County is searching for volunteers willing to become University of Minnesota Master Gardeners to assist our community in questions and topics. Our Extension program will assist in program fees if needed.

Please consider becoming a Master Gardener for Watonwan County.

Master Naturalists

• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Although Watonwan County currently has no Master Gardeners in our area please contact the Extension yard & garden team.

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

Beth Labenz is Watonwan County's SNAP-Ed Educator working closely with the community, schools, and members to provide support and classes to a healthier living.

Watonwan County is committed to our community and helping in any way possible to fight hunger.  Check back often as the food distribution dates will be updated as new information is available.

Food assistance

To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formally known as Food Stamps or Food Assistance), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Apply for food assistance

Watonwan County Human Services 
715 2nd Ave S,
St. James, MN 56081
507-375-3294 (call prior to arrival)

If unable to access food

Public Health Essential Hotline
507-375-7869
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Food shelves

Watonwan County Food Shelf

108 8^th St S, St. James, MN 56081

• 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays
• 2nd and 4^th Friday 4:30-7 p.m.

Madelia Community Food Shelf

5 West Main St, Madelia, MN 56081
(alley behind Anytime Fitness)

• 4^th Wednesday of the month
• 3:30-6 p.m.
• No referral needed at this time

Seniors

• Senior dining, Lutheran Social Services.
• 60+ with donations accepted.
• EBT is accepted.
• No group dining until further notice.
• Frozen meals can be delivered upon request.

Meals on Wheels

• Hot meals delivered by volunteers.
• Call 507-375-5995 for more information in your area.

Madelia Community Hospital and Clinic

121 Drew Ave SE, Madelia, MN 56062
507-642-3255

* Special dietary meals available.

Backpack program

• Food packs for the weekend for children Kindergarten to 6^th grade.
• School pantry available for 6-12^th graders.
• Contact your school district to be enrolled.

Watonwan County Food Distribution

Watonwan County food shelf is offering a FREE drive thru food distribution open to all households in need. Each household will receive fresh produce, mixed dairy,

• Friday, February 19
• 4 - 6 pm
• Memorial Park South Shelter - 925 Memorial Dr., St. James, MN 

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

Beth Labenz, SNAP-Ed educator, Health & Nutrition
bmlabenz@umn.edu or 507-375-2523

* Currently Beth is working from home and will respond to emails.

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)
• Uniting Cultures

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 can also 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 Watonwan County and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.

U of M Extension, Watonwan County
mnext-watonwan@umn.edu

108 8th St. S, Suite 1
St. James, MN 56081

Phone: (507) 375-1275
Fax: (507) 375-1260

View all Watonwan County contacts.

Sarah Reckard, Extension educator
recka025@umn.edu or 507-375-1275

Michelle Knudson, Administrative Assistant 
mknudson@umn.edu or 507-375-1275

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.