Carlton County Extension Connection
December 2025
Can you believe we have already hit December?! Where did this year go? The Carlton County Extension team wants to extend a reminder to slow down and catch up with friends and family as the holidays unfold. Remember to cherish your time together. Happy Holidays! ⛄
Best, Katie, Mandi, Mercedes, and Ann
Mark your calendars for January 22nd! Join the Extension office for a special session with local gardening celebrity Bob Olen, who will share his expertise on successfully growing blueberries in our unique northern Minnesota soils. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to learn practical tips and connect with others interested in fruit production. More details to come!
From December 14 to January 5, tens of thousands of birders brave winter weather to take part in the CBC, now organized by the Audubon Society. The data collected during the event offers essential insights into bird population trends and informs conservation efforts across the Americas.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome to join, whether surveying assigned areas or counting birds at feeders from home. This community effort fosters a deeper connection with nature while supporting critical scientific research.
Sign up to receive information and results about all of Audubon's community science programs through American Birds, our newsletter by email.
Click here for a map view of the circles expected to be included in the 126th CBC.
Follow these steps to participate in Audubon's Christmas Bird Count:
Step 1
Read these details to become familiar with Audubon's Christmas Bird Count.
Step 2
Check out the CBC circle map to find a count near you. Green and yellow circles are open for new participants, and red circles are full.
Step 3
To arrange participation contact compilers by email in advance of count day by using the information from the circle pop-ups on the map.
Step 4
Sign up for American Birds so you can hear about the results of the Christmas Bird Count and other Audubon community science programs!
Step 5
Already signed up for a count? Then head over to our CBC Live tracker to see photos posted from others who are scouting for or participating in the Christmas Bird Count, and upload your own photos!
Happy Birding!
The Minnesota Beef Council, in conjunction with the Central Cattlemen's group, will be holding an in-person Beef Checkoff Referendum meeting on Thursday, December 11th at 6:00 PM at the Fireside Inn, (415 Meadow Dr, McGregor, MN 55760).
The Beef Checkoff Program was created by the U.S. Congress through the Beef Promotion and Research Act, passed as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. In 1988, producers voted to make the program mandatory, with 79 percent in favor. The program was built on these guiding tenets:
- All producers and importers currently pay the equivalent of $1 per head each time a beef animal is sold throughout its lifetime.
- One-half of the money collected by state beef councils (50 cents of every dollar) is invested through the beef council in each state.
- All national checkoff-funded programs are budgeted and evaluated by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, a stand-alone organization of producer volunteers who pay into the checkoff.
- Producer members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board are nominated by organizations in their states and appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Looking ahead to 2026, Minnesota beef producers will vote on a proposed refundable increase to the state’s current beef checkoff. This increase would help fund additional beef production research, promotion, and consumer outreach activities in Minnesota.
This meeting is a local in person event designed to give producers the opportunity to learn more about the proposal. It is an important event for anyone who sells beef cattle, as the decisions made will directly impact the future of beef promotion and research in our state.
Winter in Minnesota is an ideal time to begin planning next year’s garden. Extension’s “Plant Elements of Design” tool can help you select plants that fit your landscape’s needs and match the aesthetic you envision.
By choosing plants whose growing requirements align with your site conditions, you can create a healthy, long-lasting yard and garden.
Join the Carlton SWCD on December 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tamarack Sno-Flyers (195 N Main St, Tamarack MN 55787) for a free workshop on protecting your property, your neighbors, and the environment through proper septic system care.
Learn how septic systems work, signs of system failure, maintenance tips, and available financial and technical resources for repairs or replacement. A local septic professional will also be on hand for Q&A. Bonus: Enjoy a free burger bar from Village Pump Saloon when you register!
Register at carltonswcd.org/events or call 218-384-3891 ext. 6 with questions.
Did you know? The 2024 Carlton County plat books are still available. The on going plat book fund raiser for the Carlton County 4-H federation benefits the local 4-H kids. These include not only land descriptions but aerial photos as well. Please stop in the office to pick one up today. Cost is $40 cash or check.
You can donate gently used children's books during office hours or put them directly in the "Little Library" in front of the office.