Beavers are masters of construction, and quite clever creatures! Their vital role in the ecosystem of lakes and rivers makes them superstars of the water, but some might see them differently. Discover what makes these busy buddies so crucial and how we may have almost lost them forever! Interested in learning more? Or in need of wildlife hours for Shooting Sports and Wildlife? If so, then join the fun! Locate 4-H wildlife volunteer Sara Peters to sign-in for 4-H.

When: Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Where: Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul; Meet at Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. Expect an additional 10 minute drive once you get to the park.

Who: Youth Kindergarten and up

Cost: $7 for vehicle entry (one-day State Park vehicle pass) payable upon entrance to park.

Questions: Contact Kris Vatter kvatter@umn.edu

Registration: Due Feb. 23 in 4-HOnline

Workshop topics include sheep nutrition, medication, supplies, and care of a ewe before and after lambing.

Where: Sachs Farm, 3185 200th St E, Farmington

When: Sunday, Feb. 26; 2:30-3:30 p.m.; project bowl practice 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Who: 4-H members grade 3+

Bring: Wear boots and a coat that can get dirty. We will be touring the barn as part of the workshop.

Register: Register by emailing torg0016@umn.edu by February 24.

Free! (Registration required)

9 - 11am

• April 22 - Location- Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington, Registration Deadline April 14

• May 20 - Location TBD, Registration Deadline May 12

Join the fun at the Cloverbud and Sprouts workshops! The University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud (K-2) and Sprouts (3-5) Programs are designed specifically for youth in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants must be enrolled in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of September 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends to workshops!

All participants must be enrolled in 4-H Online before attending, for liability purposes.

Questions can be directed to Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.

We will be holding twice a month sessions throughout the winter and spring months. This program, led by youth leaders involved with the Horseless Horse and Horse projects, will allow youth to work with horses in a variety of ways while on the ground. Youth will be required to wear horse riding helmets when in proximity to the horses for in-person events (4-H does supply the helmets for youth to use during the practices if needed). Dress appropriately for the weather, the barn can be chilly. Each session will include an education piece and hands on activities with horses.

Youth need to enroll in 4-H Online prior to participating in HLH activities. Once enrolled in 4-H Online, sign-up to attend the bi-weekly sessions. Horseless Horse: Horseless Horse Meeting SignUp (signupgenius.com)

Waiver: Lucky U Stables waiver; please complete prior to attending.

What: Horseless Horse Project Meetings

Who: Youth 3rd grade and up

Where: Lucky U Stables, 11050 Manning Ave. South, Hastings

When: Mar. 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2, 16, June 6, 20, July 18

Time: 7-8 p.m.

Registration: Horseless Horse program registration closes May 15. For assistance with registration, please refer to the 4-H Online event registration guide . If you are new to 4-H please select the ‘Virtual 4-H’ or ‘In Person Camp/Event’ club. In the projects field choose ‘horse and and horseless horse’ and any other project areas you have an interest in.

Cost: $25 per participant; checks payable to Dakota County 4-H, please mail or drop off to: Dakota County 4-H, 4100 220th Street West, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024 with 'HLH' noted in the memo line of your check.

Contact Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu if you have questions or for more information.

Interested in horses? Want to learn more about the 4-H Horse, Horseless Horse and Horse Training projects? If so, then you don't want to miss Horse Boot Camp workshop that incudes a special appearance by Ladybug, the mini horse. Both 4-H'ers and friends are invited to this fun interactive event.

Youth and adult members of the Horse Project Development Committee (PDC) are hosting an evening with information, food, prizes, making horse treats, and miniature horses. There will be tables to learn about the various classes (Pleasure, Games, Western Heritage, etc.), tack/equipment, and care along with 4-H specific info on Animal ID, county fair information, animal leasing, and enrollment.

Who: 4-H'ers and friends - grade 3+, volunteers, parents

When: Tuesday, March 21; 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. W. in Farmington

Ladybug, the mini horse, will be available from 6 to7 p.m. for petting and photo-ops. Prize drawings for all youth in attendance!

*Horseless Horse members please note that this event is in place of the HLH session at Lucky U Stables.

Every year, we recognize a group of exceptional youth leaders that have contributed many hours of service to our program. The Key Award recognizes your contributions to your club and the community and encourages you to grow as an outstanding citizen. For young women, the award is a gold key mounted on an attractive necklace. For young men, the gold key is on a tie tack.

In order to apply for this award, you must meet the requirements that are detailed in the application. Applications are due to Dakota County Extension Office by April 1 to the Dakota County Extension Office in Farmington.

Get your food passports ready as we travel to a different country, learn about their culture and create some of their favorite meals or desserts! Our destination will be a mystery until you get your ingredient list. More details will be emailed upon registration. Tasty Tuesdays is held virtually on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Feb. 28, March 14, 28, April 4, 11

Audience: Youth in grades K-13.

Cost: Free

Registration: Register through 4-H Online.

The next Choose Your 4-H Outdoor Adventure Speaker event is March 13 at 7 p.m. Sign up to receive link to join. Registration required. Additional speaker dates include: Apr. 10, May 8.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers loans for individual young people to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection to their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. Projects financed with an FSA youth loan need to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills. For more information on loan purposes and project requirements, visit the FSA website or contact your local FSA office.

The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are excited to announce that the 2023 YELLO leadership conference will beheld June 13-16 at Bemidji State University.

Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7+ that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors. Registration for YELLO opens in April. More details to come!