Carlton County Extension Connection
March 2026
Are you thinking about raising poultry for the first time? Learn about the basic requirements for poultry production with Extension educator Mercedes Moffett. Join us for a brief introduction to different breeds, nutrition, housing, light needs, disease detection and prevention, and biosecurity.
This class will focus on layer production, but will briefly touch on broilers and ornamental species.
Local educator Mercedes Moffett has been raising poultry most of her life and studied poultry production and health at NDSU. She will share some of her first-hand experiences and her passion for animal health and production. She has a bachelor's in animal science production and management, and is a Certified Veterinary Technician.
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m.
Carlton County Transportation Building, 1630 County Rd. 61, Carlton, MN
$5 cash or check at the door. Participants will have a chance to win a free
chick feeder!
To register, contact Mandi: email haglu119@umn.edu or call 218-384-8680.
The University of Minnesota Extension is offering a course to learn about the fundamentals of pruning grapevines. This workshop will cover key pruning principles, technique and decision-making considerations, and best practices for tool care.
Participants are welcome to bring their own tools (pruning shears, loppers, and hand saws) to the workshop. We recommend dressing for the weather and to be prepared for a session of active learning. All attendees will receive the UMN Extension guide to pruning grapevines. (Option to pay/register at the door. Workshop registration fee: $20. Please contact wimm0035@umn.edu if you want financial assistance.)
Date/time: Blackhoof Winery (March 14th 1-3pm) 3231 Pioneer Rd Barnum, MN 55707
Registration is required. Click here to register.
The Minnesota State Cattlemens Assoc. Quarterly meeting will be held at the 40 Club in Aitkin on Friday, March 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch provided. Opportunity to meet your directors from around the State.
Following the meeting from 3-4 p.m. they will hold a IN PERSON Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training Certification (qualifies as new or refresher course).This certification needs to be renewed every three years.
March 13-14, 2026 | St. John’s University, Collegeville
Join fellow woodland stewards for two days of connection, inspiration, and hands-
on learning at the 2026 Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference hosted by UMN Extension. This event is designed to help participants of all levels of woodland stewardship experience build knowledge, confidence, and resilience in the woods.
Start your weekend with a guided field tour highlighting forest management in
action, and reconnect over dinner at our Friday night banquet, featuring keynote
speaker Ethan Tapper, author of How to Love a Forest. On Saturday, hear from
expert panels and concurrent sessions focused on woodland management best
practices, wildlife habitat, forest health and resilience, cost-share and financial
resources, and more!
Learn more and register here: mfwc.umn.edu
Get an early start on the gardening season by joining us for a day of education and fun. The Great Northern Gardener, Gardening for the Body, Mind and Spirit; Hardy and Happy Spring Gardening Extravaganza, March 21st , 9 am-4 pm, at the Depot in Duluth.
All classes will be taught by University of Minnesota Educators, Extension Master Gardeners and local horticultural professionals.
Cost of the program is $38 and includes classes, catered noon meal,
refreshments and resource materials developed specifically for these programs.
For more information and to register online visit z.umn.edu/SLCgarden or call 218-733-2870, Duluth for SGE or 218-749-7120, Virginia for SGS.
St. Louis County Extension Educator Troy Salzer will discuss how
cover crops can be utilized to improve the health of your home or community
garden! Troy will share how cover crops can be used to address issues like soil
health, weed control, disease reduction, mixtures strategies, and increasing soil
organic matter. Troy’s presentation will be followed by a question and answer
portion so you can get all of your cover crop questions answered! Presented in
collaboration with Arrowhead Public Library, Arrowhead Community Garden,
University of Minnesota Extension and St. Louis County. This event is for adults only and will be held on Monday, March 23 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Blue Room at the Mount Royal branch of the Duluth Public Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle.
The University of Minnesota Extension is excited for another year of the Wildlife
Webinar Series this spring! This year’s series will explore birds of Minnesota and habitat
considerations.
Birds play a critical role in their environment, but bird populations are declining across the
globe. What are these critical roles they play, and how can you support their habitat needs here in
Minnesota, specifically the northeastern part of the state?
Learn how to manage your land for bird habitat in this three part webinar series. Sessions will
start with an introduction to conservation terminology and research on Northeastern Minnesota
bird populations from the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI). Then we will highlight
the Forestry for Minnesota Birds Guidebook, which can help you reach your forest habitat goals
and bird habitat needs. Lastly, learn how to assess your site, create conservation plans for
promoting bird habitat, and discover steps you can take on your property, regardless of its size.
These sessions will take place over the lunch hour, from 12-1 pm, on Wednesdays in April. This
event is free, but preregistration is required. To register, go to z.umn.edu/WildlifeSeriesBirds.
Register once to attend one or all sessions as you wish!
● April 1: Defining Habitat & Researching Birds
● April 8: Bird Ecological Importance & Habitat Use
● April 15: Your Land as Bird Habitat
If you need help registering for one or more of these events, please reach out to the office at 218-384-8680.