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Extension updates: Master Gardener volunteers, 4‑H clubs and outreach plans highlighted at county meeting
Summary
Todd County extension staff told commissioners July 1 that the local Master Gardener volunteers contributed 769 hours last year and that 4‑H operates seven traditional clubs plus additional project clubs and school program agreements serving roughly 130 traditional members.
At the July 1 Todd County Board meeting, county extension staff updated commissioners on Master Gardener and 4‑H activities, volunteer contributions and upcoming events.
Kristen, an administrative specialist supporting University of Minnesota Extension activities in Todd County, described the Master Gardener program: the local “Tigami Master Gardeners” group has 17 active members and staged a May 31 plant sale that brought over 400 plants for fundraising and outreach. The group is endorsed by University of Minnesota Extension, requires 40 hours of core coursework for certification, and requires new Master Gardeners to complete 50 volunteer hours in their first year and 25 hours annually thereafter. Kristen said Master Gardeners volunteered 769 hours across the group during the last year and run community garden events and fair booths answering gardening questions.
Tony Hansen, regional director for extension, praised Kristen’s administrative support and explained that volunteer‑led Master Gardener programming is a key local resource for residents seeking gardening advice.
Heidi Igoe, Todd County 4‑H youth development educator, reported program details: the county has seven traditional 4‑H clubs (in Staples, Eagle Bend, Browerville, Long Prairie area, West Union and other communities) and additional independent members and project clubs (Cloverbud for kindergarten–second grade). Staff reported roughly 130 full‑time traditional 4‑H enrollments and about 30 program‑agreement participants to date; the program is still receiving class registration data. Igoe said 4‑H volunteers ran events including a project fun day and that the county is pursuing additional youth engagement strategies, including exploring junior clubs (grades 3–5), collaborating with SNAP‑Ed and integrating master gardener programming for shared outreach. Igoe also noted that several current youth development educators across Minnesota began their careers in Todd County 4‑H.
The board’s discussion asked for clarification of terms (staff explained “PA” referred to program agreements with local schools, such as Long Prairie Public Schools) and affirmed the value of the volunteer programs for community education and fair programming.
