Spring in their step, group studies ecology in Riverwalk Park
Come spring, Minnesotans of all ages love to get outside in nature. Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteers like Allison Benfield seize the opportunity so everyone can learn while enjoying the warmer weather.
A Spring Wildlife Day for Chisago and Isanti counties had participants — many with binoculars in hand and hiking boots on feet — taking a hike in a wooded river floodplain area near North Branch, highlighting species important to the ecology in Riverwalk Park.
They learned about plant life, edible plants, water quality and fishing, and also touched on invasive species and the impact humans have on nature. Youth in the 4-H shooting sports and wildlife program received wildlife education credit hours as part of the event.
Highlights
- RSDP impact: With support from a CERTs Seed Grant, an energy-efficiency assessment of manufactured homes in Stonegate Cooperative in Lindstrom was used to develop a scalable rehab loan and grant program for homeowners.
- 4-H Cloverbuds served their communities in a creative fashion, making one pillowcase for themselves and one to donate to a community member who may not have their own pillowcase.
- U of M Farm Family of the Year: The 40-acre Hardy family farm focuses on grass-fed lamb and beef, forest-raised pork and pastured chicken and eggs. Animals are raised using traditional methods and rotated through pastures to support healthy soils and natural ecosystems.
- Master Gardener volunteers in Chisago County are planning free education in 2026 for those looking for alternatives to chemicals when it comes to controlling Japanese beetle grubs, mosquitos and ants in lawns and gardens.
- SuperShelf locations: Family Pathways North Branch, Family Pathways Chisago City Food Shelf
- In collaboration with the Initiative Foundation, the Climate Adaptation Partnership enabled the creation of a new staff position focused on community preparedness and resiliency across the central Minnesota region.
Chisago County office
Extension has 14 regional offices supporting all 87 counties in Minnesota.
Chisago County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. More about Extension in our county.
About the Minnesota 87 project
Spend time in any Minnesota county, and you will almost certainly encounter University of Minnesota Extension. Our faculty and staff, volunteers, participants, alumni and partners are woven into the fabric of rural, urban and suburban Minnesota life. This project showcases Extension in action through photos, stories and a sampling of the many ways Extension has touched the lives of people in every county.