Kenosha County Extension staff present 2025 highlights on housing, agriculture and youth programming

Kenosha County Extension educators used the committee meeting to summarize program activity and community outreach for the prior year, highlighting work on housing, small business assistance, agricultural research trials and youth development programs.

Extension staff described a new business life‑cycle resource page for entrepreneurs and partnerships with local libraries and colleges to deliver workshops on marketing and access to capital. Educators reported outreach for housing planning and a regional housing summit, and work with the UW‑Stevens Point specialists on lake aquatic plant management planning (referenced earlier in the meeting by lake petitioners). Agriculture educators described emerging‑crop trials (including honeyberry and blueberry trials) and pesticide applicator trainings; natural‑resources staff noted research on urban tree species and pollinator‑friendly lawn mixes. Youth programming updates covered expanded 4‑H activities, a volunteer summit, and career pathway visits for middle‑ and high‑school students.

Presenters emphasized partnerships and data collection: the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and DNR appeared in materials related to aquatic plant management, and Extension said it coordinates county support and some educator salaries with UW‑Madison Extension. Educators flagged capacity and funding constraints for federally funded programs and noted outreach plans for upcoming workshops (nutrient management planning, financial coaching, and a blueberry festival in July). Committee members praised the work and discussed scheduling and logistics for youth interview panels and volunteer retention.

The Extension presentations were informational; the committee accepted the reports and moved to the next agenda item.