U of M Extension Features

Healthy baitfish support Minnesota's $4.8 billion sport fishing industry

2012-05-09T14:25:24Z

Media contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu;

ST. PAUL, Minn. (5/9/2012) —Many of the 1.4 million Minnesotans who hold fishing licenses might not realize how much fishing takes place before the state's May 12, 2012, opener.

All spring, Minnesota's baitfish farmers have been busy raising and harvesting hundreds of thousands of minnows, a popular baitfish used to catch walleyes, northern pike and muskies. Keeping minnows healthy is crucial to the Minnesota's $4.8 billion sport fishing industry, due to their ability to spread diseases. Mounting pressures like disease and aquatic invasive species are threatening and changing the state's aquaculture and baitfish industries.

"Baitfish culture, combined with wild baitfish harvest, has made Minnesota's baitfish industry the second largest in the nation," said Nick Phelps, a University of Minnesota Extension aquaculture specialist who conducts research on Minnesota's baitfish industry—including new production methods and biosecurity plans—to help protect the state's sports fishing and fish farming industries.

"This is important to maintain because all fish used for bait in Minnesota must be raised or harvested in Minnesota," said Phelps. "Importing live fish for use as bait has been prohibited here since the 1960s." Originally the baitfish ban was intended to protect the industry in Minnesota, but it was kept in place to prevent the spread of invasive species and disease.

Phelps works with baitfish and other fish farmers in the state to teach them how to keep their ponds and facilities disease-free. Producers have faced higher standards for training and inspections due to increased threats, but Phelps says they all see the value in ensuring sustainable natural resources. Phelps also reaches out to educate anglers about how they can make sure their actions don't accidentally cause the spread of invasive species and diseases, like viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Early detection would be a key to preventing further spread.

"We're in a better position now than we were five years ago," said Phelps. "Increased cooperation among the university, DNR, and the fishing and fish farming industries have paid off."

There is a lot to celebrate with each fishing opener. Phelps says taking a break to fish his favorite lake helps remind him why his work matters. "The industry is working hard," he said. "Risks exist, but there are safe ways to keep enjoying the sport of fishing as well as the food, tourism and business that fish bring to our state."

For more information on how U of M Extension works to help protect Minnesota's aquaculture, visit www1.extension.umn.edu/food/small-farms/livestock/fish/.

University of Minnesota Extension is a 100-year-old partnership between the university and federal, state and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. Through Extension, the University of Minnesota "extends" its resources to address critical public issues in priority areas, including food and agriculture, communities, environment, youth and families. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu.

Source: Nick Phelps, Aquaculture Specialist, University of Minnesota Extension

Boosting Internet know-how for community success

2012-05-03T20:33:37Z

Through the MIRC partnership, rural and small-town businesses learn Internet skills needed to gain a competitive edge.

Research shows that most businesses and communities don't have websites, don't use social media to their advantage, and can't be found through online and mobile map searches—gaps that put local economies at a disadvantage.

University of Minnesota Extension has gotten a closer look at Internet use by Greater Minnesota businesses since joining the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative.

As part of the MIRC initiative, Extension is teaching 18 communities how to use broadband Internet technology to attract new business, visitors and residents.

"We've diversified our commerce using sites like ebay and Etsy," says arts advocate Lynn Kasma, a recent MIRC participant from New York Mills, Minn.

In Akeley, Minn., 79 percent of local businesses have taken advantage of the program; in Sebeka, Minn., 57 percent. More than 1,500 individuals have participated in the grant-supported workshops, benefiting the vitality of rural Minnesota.

The MIRC project is funded through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to the Blandin Foundation of Grand Rapids.

Visit Extension's MIRC initiative website for more information.

Naturalize your shoreline

2012-04-19T15:53:36Z

Media contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/19/2012) —A natural shoreline is a healthy shoreline, benefiting the water quality of lakes and streams, the surrounding wildlife, and the people who live on or near your lakeshore property.

"If your property hasn't been developed yet, you can plan ahead to leave it in its natural state," says Karen Terry, a water quality educator with University of Minnesota Extension. But what if your property is already developed?

If you have developed property with little or no natural shoreline, Terry recommends that you follow these steps:

Make a sketch of your property, including buildings, decks or patios, lawn, trees, paths, dock, and swim area. Think of how you use the land now and how you'd like to use it in the future. Would it make sense to relocate your dock or reduce the size of your beach? Draw in the area you'd like to naturalize; aim to naturalize at least one-half of your shoreline frontage.
Identify the three shoreland zones within your proposed naturalization area: the aquatic, which is all under water; the wet meadow, which may be seasonally flooded or near the water table; and the upland zone, which is rarely flooded.
Prepare the site. If you have invasive plants, such as purple loosestrife or reed canarygrass, you may need the advice of a natural resource professional to help you get rid of them. You may also need to move a dock, realign a path, or grade slopes. If you expose or move soil near your shoreline, be sure to secure required permits and take action to prevent erosion and transport of soil to the water.
Finally, get native plants established. There are two ways of doing this:

Do nothing. If you stop mowing, weeding, or raking your shoreland area, many native plants will likely reestablish. If your property has mucky or silty soil along the shoreline, seeds from plants that lived there in the past may still exist in the bottom sediments. Plants such as spike rush, sedges, and arrowhead have grown on some shorelines that were not planted, simply because people stopped cutting and raking.
Plant your shoreline. To speed the process or feature particular plants, plant seedlings. Select appropriate plants, native to your area, for each of your shoreland zones.

More information for lake home owners—including septic system management, rain gardens, woodland and wildlife management, and more—is available on Extension's Shoreland website, and in Extension's Lake Home and Cabin Kit.

Time is ripe for farm to school; new documentary explores benefits, challenges

2012-03-22T16:36:15Z

The timing has never been better for the farm to school movement. One out of three children are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National health care costs continue to rise, fueled in part by more total cases of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

In an effort to improve child health, new federal guidelines for school meals will begin to take effect during the 2012-13 academic year. The revamped standards call for twice as many fruits and vegetables, more whole grains and less sodium for school breakfasts and lunches.

University of Minnesota Extension and many key partners are working to ensure farm to school continues to grow throughout the state.

"Our goal is to provide as many school-age children as possible with the chance to eat and learn about fresh, local foods," says Stephanie Heim, Extension Farm to School educator. "We want to reinforce healthy eating habits at a young age to ensure they are carried into adulthood. At the same time, farm to school keeps more food dollars close to home and helps support farmers."

Farm to school connects schools with nearby farmers so that schools can buy fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods directly from local farmers. Such initiatives have been shown to increase young people's consumption of fresh produce while also boosting local economies.

Extension bolsters statewide efforts by educating students, school food-service staff and farmers--and by building the capacity for farm to school in Minnesota communities. "We work with community members to address unique challenges in their areas," Heim says.

A new documentary by Extension, the Minnesota Department of Health and Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) explores the economic advantages and remaining challenges for farm to school and airs Sunday, March 25 at 8 p.m. on TPT.

Titled, "Farm to School: Growing Our Future," the 30-minute documentary aims to spark conversation about food-system challenges and new approaches to economic development. In addition to the March 25 broadcast, it can be viewed at special regional screenings across Minnesota during April and May.

For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/farm-to-school.

New plant cultivars appeal, but will they perform?

2012-03-15T14:16:26Z

'Northern Lights' hybrid azaleas, developed at the University of Minnesota, are research-trialed cultivars northern gardeners can invest in with confidence.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (3/15/2012) —Paging through plant catalogs in search of exciting new cultivars is a time-honored tradition during Minnesota's long winter. But Kathy Zuzek, a University of Minnesota Extension horticultural educator, advises: "Before investing, find out if the cultivars you desire have been shown to perform well in Minnesota gardens."

Nurseries and catalog retailers should provide customers with the best performing plant selections for the climate and other growing conditions of the customer's location, but the trend in horticulture is to move new plants onto the market in the shortest possible time frame.

"In the blink of an eye, newly introduced cultivars disappear from garden centers and catalogs and new plants take the limelight," says Zuzek.

This creates some problems. Cultivars—plants developed for distinctive traits that set them apart from other plants in the same species—are now introduced to Minnesota gardeners from around the world. When rushed to the market, the plant's performance in Upper Midwest gardens might skip their turn in evaluation trials.

Purchasing inexpensive, fast-maturing, un-trialed cultivars might be worth the risk. You could get lucky and discover a new favorite plant. Zuzek warns that it is much riskier to buy expensive un-trialed shrubs and trees that take years to reach maturity.

If newly introduced cultivars are displaced quickly by even newer cultivars, they might prove to be a good performer in our Minnesota gardens after they have already been removed from nursery catalogs. Alas, you'll never know what could have been.

The emphasis on the new and exciting may also eliminate older cultivars from the nursery trade. What if older cultivars that have proven their long-term landscape value are replaced with un-trialed cultivars that fall short of the mark?

Zuzek suggests that wise gardeners can help solve these problems by asking "What's good?" rather than "What's new?"

Need help finding out "what's good"? Here are some of Zuzek's suggestions:

Look to land grant universities and affiliated Extensions. The University of Minnesota is home to research programs that develop cultivars of turfgrasses, herbaceous perennials, ornamental shrubs and trees, and fruit crops for the Upper Midwest. These cultivars are highlighted on Extension's Minnesota Hardy website. Information on garden plant selection can also be found on Extension's Garden website.

Ask an Extension Master Gardener. County-based Master Gardeners regularly educate in their communities, so don't hesitate to approach them when you see them. You can also ask online and receive an answer within approximately 48 hours.

Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to view plants that grow in Minnesota's hardiness zones. The arboretum is home to thousands of ornamental cultivars of annuals, herbaceous perennials, ornamental shrubs and trees, and vegetables and fruits. Also, check out the Plant Info section on the arboretum website.

Take advantage of the information available from plant evaluation programs. The All-America Selections program and the Chicago Botanic Garden's Plant Evaluation program evaluate and identify garden plants for superior performance. The horticultural garden at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minn. is home to one of the 47 All-America Selections test sites.
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Media Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

Get your green thumb on: Attend a U Horticulture Day

2012-03-01T19:12:52Z

Cold, gray weather got you down? Get a jump on spring by attending a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Horticulture Day workshop near you.

During March and April, nearly 20 Horticulture Day events will take place across the state, each coordinated by the nearest county Master Gardener program. The workshops highlight the latest in gardening and home landscaping research and education from the University of Minnesota.

To find a Horticulture Day near you, visit www.extension.umn.edu/go/1099.

"The education is fantastic—there are topics to suit just about everyone's curiosity," said Julie Weisenhorn, state director for Extension's Master Gardener program. "But the coolest thing about attending Horticulture Days is being a part of the energy and excitement of Minnesota gardeners at the end of a long Midwest winter."

Participants will learn about low-maintenance landscaping and environmentally-friendly practices, how to grow healthy fruits and vegetables using new and time-tested plant varieties, and tips and techniques for growing cold-hardy plants and trees suitable for Minnesota's climate.

Master Gardener volunteers and university horticulturists will also be on site to answer questions about new perennials for 2012, container gardening, effective composting techniques, planting with water quality in mind and many other topics. Beginners and seasoned veterans will find answers to their top gardening questions.

Costs range from free to $30 per person, depending on location.

The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener program is a volunteer program that brings university knowledge and expertise in horticultural science to the public. The program is part of a national system. Educated by university faculty, Master Gardeners teach Minnesotans about consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship. They also assist with research and engage youth through gardening. Master Gardeners are active in all 50 states through the land-grant universities and colleges. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/master-gardener.

New crop of Master Gardeners joins mighty volunteer force

2012-02-02T15:28:39Z

When the course wraps up in mid-February, the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener class of 2012 will be the 35th in the volunteer program's history. This year's cohort includes 178 people from 42 counties plus the Fond du Lac tribal nation.

This class will join a force of more than 2,200 Minnesotans who volunteer 131,000-plus hours and give $2.8 million worth of their time per year to benefit schools, community gardens, youth programs, the environment and more through a broad array of horticulture education activities.

Most stay in the program for at least 10 years, but at least three "charter members" from the first class in 1977 remain active. Julie Weisenhorn, state director for Extension's Master Gardener program and a retired Master Gardener, knows first-hand why they do it.

"Master Gardeners want to give back to their community and they are interested in horticulture," she says. "They also value lifelong learning and want to have a meaningful connection to the University of Minnesota."

The core course is required for these aspiring Master Gardeners—and it's also intense. In addition to background on Extension and the program, they learn about the most up-to-date University research in 14 topics ranging from soils and botany to lawn care, and from plant diseases to insects.

The classes are taught by Extension educators, scientists and University professors. They are offered both face-to-face and online, and many people choose to take them as a hybrid of the two models.

After completing the core course, volunteers spend one year and at least 50 hours as Master Gardener interns. After the internship year, they must contribute a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer work each year. There is also an annual continuing education requirement for volunteers.

Some choose to help children plant school gardens, teach neighbors how to grow healthy foods or assist with U research. "Master Gardeners will always involve others in the community with the decision-making, and strive to educate others through the experience," says Weisenhorn. "That impact is so important."

What else should the graduating Master Gardener class of 2012 expect from its first years in the program? Volunteers should expect to work hard. "Even in a community garden, somebody is going to have to shovel the compost," says Weisenhorn.

But Master Gardeners aren't bothered by a little work. "They can teach people about the benefits and practices of composting at the same time they are shoveling it," she says. "The passion to dig in and make a difference--that's what keeps them going."

For more information on Extension's Master Gardener program, including how to become a Master Gardener volunteer, visit www.extension.umn.edu/master-gardener.

Media Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

Pining for the perfect Christmas tree? Choose one of these

2011-12-01T21:35:43Z

The beauty of a green, fresh-cut tree is one of the highlights of the holiday season. If you're among the millions of Americans who still treasure a fresh-cut Christmas tree, a trip to your local tree lot or Christmas tree farm is probably on your calendar.

As you choose among pine, spruce and fir, consider price, tree color and fragrance, branch stiffness, needle softness and length, and how well the tree holds on to its needles.

According to Kathy Zuzek, University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist, here's how some of the commonly available trees stack up:

R.A. Howard, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Scots pine

Scots pine was introduced into the United States, probably in colonial times, from Europe. It's typically the least expensive of Christmas tree species. Its needles are 2-3 inches, and its stiff branches will support heavy ornaments. Pines have the best needle retention followed by the firs and then the spruces.

Robert H. Mohlenbrock, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Eastern white pine

Eastern White pine is a bluish green tree native to Minnesota. White pine is very fragrant. If it's pain-free decorating you're after, choose a white pine (or one of the firs) as they are known for the softness of their needles, which are 3-4 inches long. White pine is best decorated with lightweight ornaments, bows, and ribbons because of its soft flexible branches. Red pine, also known as Norway pine, is another good option among Minnesota's native pines.

J.S. Peterson, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

White spruce

White spruce, another Minnesota native, often starts to bud out even as a cut tree and the resulting light green shoots add contrast, color and interest. White spruce have the shortest (about ½ inch) needles. When the needles of white spruce are crushed, the scent is unpleasant to many people.

Colorado spruce needles are about 1 inch long and their color ranges from green to blue. If you decorate with heavy ornaments, a Colorado spruce is a good choice, although it is one of the most expensive species. Like white spruce, the needles may give off an unpleasant scent. Blue-green forms of Colorado spruce will provide a beautiful backdrop for your ornaments.

Robert H. Mohlenbrock, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Balsam fir tree

Balsam, Fraser, and Canaan firs are three closely related firs, with soft 1-inch needles, and are among the most popular Christmas trees. These firs, especially Fraser firs, have a beautiful silvery cast. Balsam firs are possibly the most fragrant of Christmas trees, followed closely by the other firs. Canaan firs have become popular Christmas trees because they combine the silvery beauty of a Fraser fir with the appealing scent of a balsam fir. Fraser fir has the sturdiest branches of the firs, and it's also one of the most expensive Christmas trees on the lot.

Caring for your tree

No one likes a tree that drops its needles before Christmas. Zuzek suggests checking the freshness of the tree before leaving the tree lot by shaking it or running your hand gently over a branch and watching for the amount of needle drop.

"Few needles should drop from the outer edges of the tree branches," Zuzek says. "Make sure needles and branch ends feel flexible rather than dry and brittle."

If you have a long drive home, transport your tree inside the vehicle or wrapped in a tarp on top to prevent drying from the wind.

When you arrive home, cut one inch off of the bottom of your tree immediately. Put it in the tree stand and add water right away. Check the water level two to three times per day for the first few days and daily after that, always keeping the water level above the base of the tree.

Fresh trees use up to one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter daily. Zuzek recommends a tree stand that holds enough water for a 24-hour period. If the stand goes dry, water uptake will stop and your tree will dry up rapidly.

Where should you place your tree? Zuzek says the best spot (to prevent needles from dropping) is away from direct sunlight, heaters, furnace vents and fireplaces.

Happy decorating!

For more yard and garden information, subscribe to University of Minnesota Extension's Yard and Garden News.

Source: Kathy Zuzek, University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist
Media Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

Q & A: Maki Kawase, Urban 4-H Extension educator

2011-11-14T15:14:47Z

Maki Kawase helps young people ages 5 to 19 succeed by creating spaces for critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration. Kawase took a moment out from her work with Minnesota 4-H youth development in Hennepin and Ramsey counties to answer some questions about how and why she does it.

What was your best moment as a 4-H educator?
Every time I see young people building self-esteem and confidence by learning through their own projects, I experience yet another one of my "best moments."

What do you mean by "projects"? Is that a 4-H thing?
4-H participants have the opportunity for deep learning in multiple areas, from gardening to the sciences to photography. Some of their projects last all year, so they can really master something that excites them.

For instance, some youth in South Minneapolis chose a 4-H film-making project and learned about and experienced every aspect of film making: brainstorming, scripting, shooting, directing, acting, editing and organizing a showing. At the showing, they took questions from the audience. Because they crafted and carried out their project, they gained experience, skills, leadership and knowledge. And the show was bright with energy!

You also spend time coordinating programming with youth in North Minneapolis...
I spend a few days a week at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) in North Minneapolis. The UROC has opened doors for the University to come together with the urban community there and have a positive impact through Urban 4-H and other programs.

One example is that 4-H youth at North Community High School in North Minneapolis participated together in a youth entrepreneurship project to start up a school-spirit store. They planned for and purchased the merchandise, marketed to students and staff, and ran the store. As they graduate, newer students will come in and learn too.

4-H is a program of University of Minnesota Extension. Why?
A system of academic support is one way to ensure success for programs. I'm from Japan. There is nothing like Extension in Japan. For example, there is no youth development program like 4-H that systematically supports out-of-school learning with University research.

The University has a responsibility to do research that makes a positive impact on society through positive youth development. The research informs educational design, so we are able to develop a curriculum that works with the 4-H learn-by-doing model in collaboration with youth, adults and communities.

What kind of education or expertise did you have that led to you getting the job?
Before I went on to get my Ph.D. in the Work, Community, and Family Education program, I worked as a stock analyst for a couple of years! But that was not for me.

I wrote my dissertation on the experiences foreign-born young women have with not fitting in. "Not fitting in" isn't only a theme of stories told by foreign-born people. When you are new to a group, no matter who you are, it can be scary, for adults as well as for kids and young people.

What advice do you give young people who might want to work in youth development?
Seek out collaborative spirits. Positive youth development work is done together with youth, community partners, families, schools and communities. Give voice to your own values, but be open to new perspectives. Cultivate curiosity, be accessible and practice patience.

Youth development research and practice can transform the lives of young people. Working with youth is fun and challenging—keep a sense of humor!

Current, former 4-Her's share their stories

2011-10-12T19:14:00Z

Youth take part in Minnesota Historical Society 'Sharing Community Stories' intergenerational project

How does being a member of 4-H, University of Minnesota Extension's youth development program, impact the state's youth? Just ask the 4-H'ers.

4-H participants captured some of the ways the program makes a difference in their lives in June 2011, when they interviewed alumni from around the state and created short audio pieces to share with future generations.

The community of Minnesota 4-H has more than 100 years' worth of stories recounting lessons learned, moments of accomplishment, and tales about what actually happens behind the scenes at fairs.

Working in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, 4-H youth learned how to collect oral histories, interviewing each other and alumni about their experiences, then recording and editing the interviews into audio podcasts.

Listen to some of their stories below.

Today, more than 131,000 Minnesota youth are active in Extension 4-H, accounting for nearly 12 percent of all youth in the state aged 5-19. Visit the Minnesota 4-H website for more information on how to get involved.