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   U of MN Extension—When Laura Moraczewski, an Extension Master Gardener volunteer, responded to an article in the local newspaper seeking people to help revitalize the Remer Community Garden, she helped make it a “giving garden.”

   Moraczewski devoured horticultural information from Extension and put it to use in the garden. As the Remer Community Garden’s manager she helped its gardeners produce 9,600 pounds of produce in the past four years, donating to the adjacent food shelf. Local businesses donated funds for materials and apple trees.

   More than 100 students from the Northland School District gathered in the garden’s high tunnel, planting carrots and potatoes in grow bags. Students also learned from a pumpkin-planting project in which they started seeds indoors at school and later planted the seedlings in the garden. “Children do get excited about seeing a seedling pop up in a tray or pulling a fresh Yukon gold potato out of a grow bag,” Moraczewski said.

   The local effort is one example of the broader impact University of Minnesota Extension programs continue to have across Cass County.

   In Walker, a food shelf is increasing financial resilience through a partnership with the Initiative Foundation of Central Minnesota and the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP), focusing on energy efficiency, electric energy access and renewable energy.

   The Haehnel family was recognized as the University of Minnesota’s Farm Family of the Year for their contributions to agriculture and their community.

   Cass County 4-H Cloverbuds are also learning through hands-on activities, recently making pollinator pizzas, Lego cable cars and “I Spy” bottles, along with creating cards for local military veterans.

   Environmental efforts are underway at Thunder Lake, where Extension Aquatic Invasive Species Detectors have been active. The lake will also host a Zebra Mussel Safari.

   Local conservation leaders Dana Gutzman and Ken LaPorte recently completed Class 15 of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Leadership Institute, building skills in communication, teamwork and leadership to support conservation work.

   Several area food shelves—including those in Walker, Longville, Pine River and Remer—have adopted the SuperShelf model to increase access to nutritious foods.

   Additionally, the Climate Adaptation Partnership has introduced new resources on future groundwater and soil moisture conditions in Cass County, helping communities plan for irrigation needs and drinking water availability amid changing precipitation patterns.

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