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Clay County Extension highlights 4‑H growth, new STEM offerings and Flutter Fest
Summary
Clay County Extension staff told commissioners the 4‑H program reaches about 300 youth, outlined three locally driven goals for 2026 (grow volunteers, increase retention, add STEM), and announced the second FM Flutter Fest on June 23 and a public talk by entomologist Doug Tallamy on June 25.
Clay County Extension staff presented their annual update to the Clay County Board of Commissioners on March 24, outlining program reach, new goals for 2026 and community events.
The presentation emphasized youth development through 4‑H: Monique Stelzer, 4‑H youth development extension educator, said Clay County 4‑H currently reaches about 300 youth in 13 community clubs and more than 200 youth in after‑school programming. Monica Wilson, a ninth‑grade 4‑H member, described eight years in 4‑H and said the program helped build leadership skills through showing livestock and serving as club president and federation secretary.
Extension staff said their 2026 priorities are to grow the volunteer base, raise retention among community club members and introduce STEM learning opportunities countywide. To support those goals they plan a Project Activity Day offering multiple STEM sessions (DNA extraction, balloon‑car engineering, micro‑green seed starting and other projects) designed to both engage youth and recruit instructors who may become volunteers. Staff said private Glendon Farms funding has been broadened to support STEM programming beyond after‑school sites.
The agriculture and natural resources educator described partnerships with the city of Moorhead, Lake Agassiz Regional Libraries, MSUM and other local groups that help deliver research‑based education and technical assistance on pollinator health, sustainable landscaping and gardening. Master Gardener volunteers will support public plant clinics, a native plant sale fundraiser and an annual garden tour in Moorhead, Dilworth and surrounding communities.
Staff announced the second FM Flutter Fest is scheduled for June 23, 2026, 5–8 p.m. at MB Johnson Park, a free family event; partners named at the meeting include United Prairie Foundation and Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Extension office also plans a public presentation by Dr. Doug Tallamy on June 25 at Langseth Hall (MSUM campus).
Commissioners thanked staff and youth presenters for the report and for weekly Extension columns in the FM Extra. The board did not take formal action on the update; staff asked for continued board support for county Extension programming.
