Area Extension Director outlines Extension services, reports local 4‑H and outreach numbers

Adam, the Area Extension Director for Area 13, told the Richland County Natural Resources Committee that Extension’s role is outreach and education in partnership with county government and the University of Wisconsin. "Just over 13,000 educational contacts within Richland County," he said, describing that figure as educational contacts (not necessarily unique individuals).

He explained how Extension is organized regionally and locally, reviewed staffing in the Richland County office and described program areas including agriculture and natural resources, youth and family services, and community development. He said Extension relies on partner agreements with counties for office space and partial local support while many staff are university employees.

The presentation included details about 4‑H: Adam said the county has 18 chartered 4‑H clubs (11 community clubs, seven project clubs), "we have 7 16 youth in 4 H," and that 72 adult volunteers support local programming. He described efforts to increase school partnerships and after‑school programming as reasons for recent enrollment gains.

Committee members asked follow‑up questions about staff locations, program delivery and how the tree/nursery sale and other outreach are publicized. Adam said many educators are locally based and that Extension will rotate educator presentations to the committee to keep members informed about local priorities and program impact.

The committee did not take formal action on Extension items; members requested links and handouts and asked staff to add routine educator updates to future agendas.