The Itasca County Extension Office is the first point of contact for the public to obtain University of Minnesota research based information, resources and educational services in partnership with Itasca County.
EXTENSION FORESTRY EDUCATION:
Itasca County’s two million acres of forestland with a patchwork ownership of county, federal, state, tribal, industrial and private lands creates an opportunity for Extension’s unique role in forestry education to connect local needs with University resources. Extension Forestry programming includes continued development and implementation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP); Itasca County Wildfire Protection Plan Implementation Team; Landowner Education Workshops; Minnesota Women’s Woodland Network; invasive species; and non-timber forest products education in cooperation with a host of partners from local, state and federal forestry programs and agencies. Itasca County invests funds for an Extension Forestry Educator position through a contract for service agreement in partnership with University of Minnesota Extension and the Itasca County Land Department.
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:
The Itasca County 4-H Youth Development Program currently serves traditional 4-H Clubs— ten clubs throughout the county which comprise the County’s 4-H Federation, and an ever-expanding non-traditional youth audience, including 4-H Afterschool Programs at Keewatin Elementary School and Deer River Elementary youth in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, a new club format at Steps of Success group foster home. The mission of 4-H is to engage youth, in partnership with adults, in quality learning opportunities that enable them to shape and reach their full potential as active citizens in a global community. Itasca County invests funds for a 4-H Program Coordinator through a contract for service agreement in partnership with University of Minnesota Extension.
VOLUNTEER MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM:
The Itasca County Master Gardener Program is comprised of local, trained volunteers in horticulture to provide the public with University of Minnesota research based information on consumer horticulture best practices. Itasca County Master Gardener volunteers participate in intensive training from University of Minnesota and Extension. Master Gardener volunteers teach a variety of consumer horticulture classes and respond to horticulture questions.
NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM:
The Itasca County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP Ed) contributes to stronger, healthier communities, individuals and families. The Community Nutrition Educator provides classes throughout Itasca County to help participants with limited incomes discover how to make healthy food choices while stretching their food dollars. This program is funded by the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
