![RSDP outreach specialists](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/rsdp-outreach-specialists_0.png?h=bd907a81&itok=Leb0aZCl)
In the wake of the new year, five new outreach specialists have joined RSDP. Meet the new staff and find out how they each plan to support RSDP’s community-university work in Greater Minnesota.
![A group of community members attending a presentation](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/community-gathering-2.jpg?h=29e0c643&itok=QafKyuj7)
How do we deepen the impact of community-university partnerships in rural Minnesota? RSDP set out to answer that question with a pilot program focused on supporting community-led projects.
![Budding twigs.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/bitternut-hickory.jpg?h=757e7cd9&itok=R9IXVeM9)
Are trees moved through assisted migration considered invasive species? Climate change has experts rethinking boundaries and definitions.
![Evadne P., Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Evadne-4-H-state-ambassador-2023-2024.jpg?h=8409a671&itok=iOKdDjea)
The state ambassadors invite young leaders to apply to become state ambassadors themselves and to find ways to honor the women in their lives for Women's History Month.
Plants coming out of dormancy too soon can experience cold damage. Learn what Extension educators expect this to mean for gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs.
![Four youth sitting in a line in folding chairs next to a table each holding a baby chick.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/MPRB%20youth%20lead%20chick%20demo%20at%20HC%20Fair%202_resized.jpg?h=4e00a760&itok=X7MW3bOC)
A Helping Hands Award enabled the 4-H programs in Hennepin and Ramsey counties to reach new youth and families through backyard chicken raising.
![Adult, metallic green, emerald ash borer.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/EAB%20adult.jpg?h=3ceaf225&itok=Uv89CNyL)
Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to cause problems for ash trees. As of this past year, it has been found in 48 Minnesota counties.
![Large green heart-shaped leaves with several yellow flowers floating in water.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/yellow-floating-heart.jpeg?h=0deb87a7&itok=p53nB5wM)
Yellow floating heart is an aquatic plant popular in water gardens. But this lovely plant is invasive and harms wild landscapes and bodies of water.
![A person walking into a welcoming service center.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Walking%20into%20welcoming%20service%20center%2072.jpg?h=9d02f5e9&itok=jFhy5lls)
Apply to have a community ripple map done. We'll choose up to 10 communities to story map an accomplishment.
![Student stands, smiling, in front of shelves of food. Her shirt says "CLC Student Senate"](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/emily%20roberts_0.jpeg?h=988eb924&itok=tKzli2F0)
Emily Roberts, a Central Lakes College student in Brainerd, was “in a not great living situation” last year. “I was using the campus food shelf almost every day,” she says.
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