Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
University of Minnesota Extension highlights Clay County 4‑H, master gardener outreach to Moorhead families
Summary
Extension staff told the Moorhead City Council that Clay County Extension reached more than 700 youth countywide last year and estimated roughly 250 Moorhead youth and families participate across community clubs, after‑school programs and partnerships; staff asked residents to engage and apply to county committees.
University of Minnesota Extension staff presented Clay County Extension programming to the Moorhead City Council on Nov. 24, outlining 4‑H youth development, horticulture education and volunteer-driven community projects.
"Extension's mission is to be accessible to everybody in the county," said Jill Patry, horticulture educator, describing the Extension program's role in connecting residents to research‑based education and practical resources. Patry and colleagues said Extension provides workshops, home visits for technical assistance, radio segments and written outreach that reach a broad regional audience.
Amelia Lansberg, a 4‑H educator, and Monique Stelzer, a 4‑H youth development educator, said 4‑H programming builds leadership, life skills and community service. Lansberg said Clay County 4‑H provided direct programming to 702 young people last year and led more than 100 workshops and events across the county. The presenters described two Moorhead community clubs with roughly 75 enrolled youth, after‑school partnerships across Moorhead elementary schools, and program partnerships that reach recent‑immigrant and community groups.
Councilmembers asked how many Moorhead residents and students participate; Extension staff said attendance varies by event (examples: Flutter Fest drew about 150 people; some in‑person workshops draw 10–30) and estimated roughly 250 Moorhead youth and families participate across club, after‑school and event pathways, noting duplication when counting participants across multiple program types.
Councilmembers thanked Extension staff for local engagement. Councilmember Hendrickson said he was familiar with Extension work through relatives in Roseau County and praised rising 4‑H participation. Councilmember Niesmeyer asked staff for school‑location details and participation pathways; staff confirmed community clubs and after‑school programs as primary pathways and said program lists and partnership details are available through the Extension office.
The presentation closed with an invitation to residents to apply for Clay County Extension Committee openings and to use the county Extension website to find program schedules and volunteer opportunities.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation; staff encouraged residents to reach out to the Extension office with questions and to attend community events.
