Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Extension 4h topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
University of Minnesota Extension updates county on 4‑H and Master Gardener programs
Summary
Extension staff briefed the Clay County Board on 4‑H youth development, volunteer engagement, after‑school programs and Master Gardener activities, reporting rising membership and volunteer participation and noting several upcoming workshops and internships.
Cecilia Amadou, regional director, and Clay County Extension staff gave the board a program update on March 25 covering 4‑H youth development, Master Gardeners and horticulture outreach.
The presenters said Clay County’s 4‑H program enrolled 344 youth last year, retained 91% of members year to year, and had 145 first‑year members. The county operates 10 community clubs, two project groups (a LEGO League and a shooting‑sports/wildlife group), and a variety of after‑school and summer programs; staff said they had 281 youth in short‑term programs last year and 224 youth exhibited 1,507 fair exhibits at the county fair.
Extension staff said 4‑H relies on volunteers: they reported 234 volunteers countywide and about 155 adults helping at last year’s county fair. The Extension’s 4‑H team emphasized volunteer training, youth leadership opportunities and a new Beyond Ready program to prepare older youth for post‑secondary pathways.
Jillian Patria and Master Gardener coordinator reported Master Gardener activity: six public gardens managed by volunteers, a growing intern class (seven interns this year), garden tour events and outreach at farmers markets and community events. Extension horticulture work included 190 technical assistance contacts (phone, email and site visits), 13 presentations, and a season of community workshops (seed starting, apple pruning, farm‑transition workshops). Staff said a Master Gardener plant sale and other spring workshops were upcoming.
Commissioners thanked Extension staff for outreach and volunteer engagement and asked how residents find club listings; staff said the Clay County Extension website includes general 4‑H membership and club information and that staff can connect callers with specific club leaders without posting private contact information publicly.
Ending: Extension staff will continue recruitment for open regional positions and Master Gardener interns and return with program reports and event notices as programming develops.
