September 2007 Archives

Nearly 15,000 Minnesota children are affected by the military deployment of a loved one. When military parents living in civilian communities are mobilized, their children suddenly have unique needs for special support services.

Minnesota, land of 11,842 lakes and 69,200 miles of rivers and streams, is also home to a not-so-little dirty secret: Each day around the state, thousands of gallons of sewage trickle or seep into lakes and streams from homes and communities that lack adequate wastewater treatment. By helping communities explore treatment options and choose what's best for their circumstances, Extension's Small Community Wastewater Education Program is enhancing Minnesota's water quality and health.

Leading field research shows that young people who experience family disruption are more likely than their peers to have emotional problems and low academic achievement; conceive a child in their teens; and get into trouble with the law. Fortunately, divorce education programs like Parents Forever can help deter these negative consequences

Terry Nennich knew he was onto something as he trekked through the lush flatlands of Normandy, France, in the summer of 1999. The Extension educator from Crookston, had come to study fruit and vegetable practices and stumbled upon horticulture's version of a French revolution. The region's miniature, greenhouse-like huts--known as high tunnels--blanketed the countryside. Inside, the plants were thriving; the cool spring weather wasn't an issue. A light bulb went on for Nennich, comparing everything he saw to his home climate. One might say his French discovery kickstarted the high tunnel phenomenon in Minnesota.