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4‑H thrives because of dedicated volunteers who give their time, skills, and passion to our youth. This year, help us celebrate these incredible individuals by recognizing a volunteer who has made a difference in your club or community. 💚 Share your appreciation in any of these ways: 📸 Submit a 4‑H related photo of the volunteer […]

Congratulations and farewell to our Regional Crops Educator Liz Gartman, who is leaving Extension for a new opportunity. Her last day will be April 1, 2026. Thank you Liz for your commitment to Fond du Lac County!

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains one of the most common and costly health challenges in preweaned dairy calves. While traditional diagnosis relies on visual symptoms, such as coughing, nasal discharge, or elevated temperature, these signs often appear late in the disease process, after damage has already occurred. Even when calves appear healthy, subclinical lung infections […]

End-of-life planning is one of the most significant gifts you can give your loved ones. It is all about thinking ahead for what’s to come and communicating your final wishes with those you leave behind. It involves serious thought about who you want to make decisions on your behalf, who should inherit your possessions, and […]

Family Learning Day is one of those events that really shows what 4‑H is all about—giving young people the chance to try new things, learn by doing, and discover what they enjoy. In Fond du Lac County, this annual event plays an important role in helping youth find their sparks, or the interests that motivate […]

Did you miss out on the Focus on Forage webinar series? All recordings are now available on demand. Select just the speakers you want to hear from, like an update on winterkill in alfalfa, economics of pasture raised dairy heifers, cover crops for high quality forage or research results. Find all the recordings on the […]

Milk Quality from the Udder World is a certification program that builds confident, effective trainers who can lead their teams to implement best practices. Participants learn how to explain the why behind each step of the milking routine, coach teams to work consistently, and develop the skills needed to prevent mastitis and produce high-quality milk. To earn the certification, […]

Show your Wisconsin 4‑H pride and support a great cause! The WI 4‑H Apparel Store is open now through April 15, offering a variety of apparel in both youth and adult sizes. Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the Wisconsin Association of Extension 4‑H Youth Development Professionals (WAE4‑HYDP), helping support the professionals who strengthen 4‑H programs […]

What’s YOUR Spark? Everybody has a skill, talent, interest, or special quality that lights them up — we call these SPARKS! They bring joy, purpose, and direction, and this LEGO challenge is all about celebrating what makes you uniquely you. Youth AND adults are invited to design and build a LEGO creation that represents one of […]

Looking to reduce your grocery bill? Eat healthier? Get more exercise? Grow your own produce at the Fond du Lac Community Gardens! Rental fees for the 2026 season:20’x20′ plot: $30.0020’x40′ plot: $45.0020’x80′ plot: $75.00 Register online at https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/hort/fdlgarden/ or stop by the Extension office inside the Fond du Lac County Government Center at 160 South […]

The Extension Office is closed Monday, March 16 due to weather. Staff may still be reached via email. We will reopen at 8:00 am on Tuesday, March 17.

We’re excited to launch a brand‑new 4‑H club focused on hands‑on gardening experiences through the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program! Youth in grades 3-8 will dig into real gardening skills—planting seeds, exploring hydroponics, caring for indoor and outdoor plants, and tending the garden beds right at the Fond du Lac County Campus. Guided by Master […]

Are you interested in learning more about livestock judging and joining a team? Market Livestock Judging introduces youth to evaluating and ranking animals—such as cattle, sheep, and swine—based on their potential to produce high‑quality meat products. It’s a fun, educational opportunity and a great way to connect with others who are interested in agriculture. Teams […]

1. Login to your 4-H Online account. If you need help resetting the password, email program assistant Sarah Stevenson at sarah.stevenson@wisc.edu 2. Click the blue “View” button next to the member you wish to see. 3. On the left hand side of the screen, click “Projects” 4. If you need to add or drop a […]

Discover nature through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures. Explore animal tracks, identify trees and birds, and learn about Wisconsin wildlife through fun kits from the WCEE program at UW–Stevens Point. Try unique experiences like Pop Can Casting, building Fish Hotels, and examining animal furs. The club will also visit the Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum for […]

Many commonly used agricultural products such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and fuel additives can be hazardous if not handled or disposed of properly. These materials require special care when it’s time to discard them. The Clean Sweep program is an event specifically designed to help farmers safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted or unused hazardous […]

Agriculture With over 59,000 dairy cows in Fond du Lac county, ensuring high-quality forage production is critical to sustaining milk production and farm profitability. Helping growers meet forage quality goals for their farm means lower outside feed costs, healthier cows and improved sustainability of that farm. Furthermore, given the key role Spanish-speaking workers play, providing […]

BARN DISPLAYS  In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this year, the Fair Board is asking that all barn displays reflect our nation’s milestone anniversary. Please plan to decorate using the theme “Happy 250th Birthday United States of America!”  EDUCATIONAL POINTS  New this year….Maximum number of webinars/virtual meetings permitted = ONE  The only exception is YQCA […]

Pattie Carroll has been hired as the Area 14 Extension Director, serving Fond du Lac, Columbia, Dodge, Ozaukee and Sheboygan counties. She brings a wealth of Extension experience and leadership, supporting colleagues, and working with community organizations to address community needs. Contact Pattie at patricia.carroll@wisc.edu. “I’m truly honored to step into the role of Area […]

Low and moderate income Wisconsin residents can take advantage of a variety of tax credits. These credits can bring thousands of extra dollars to individuals and families, but an estimated 20% of people who are eligible for these tax credits do not claim them every year. These credits include the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit […]

Most graziers value pasturing their livestock because these systems work with ruminants’ natural behaviors and herd instincts, reducing stress for both the handler and the animal. However, there are times when graziers need to work with livestock on the farmers’ terms, pushing the limits of the animals’ comfort zone. Moving animals to an unfamiliar area, […]

Agriculture With over 59,000 dairy cows in Fond du Lac county, ensuring high-quality forage production is critical to sustaining milk production and farm profitability. Helping growers meet forage quality goals for their farm means lower outside feed costs, healthier cows and improved sustainability of that farm. Furthermore, given the key role Spanish-speaking workers play, providing […]

The four Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development work together to ensure that youth work towards a better future for themselves and their world. The four Essential Elements are: Belonging is a huge piece of supporting new families in the 4-H program.  4-H Educator Tracy Keifenheim held a New Family Orientation on January 14.  Families […]

Learning to read is one of those goals that all parents share for their children, and well it should be. Early reading ability is one of the key predictors of how children will succeed in their later schooling and life. And while schools and child care programs can have a big effect on the development […]

Please join us in congratulating Noah as she has accepted an offer to become the next Extension Community Development Educator in Dane County. Her last day in Fond du Lac County is January 24th, but you may still contact her after that date at  noah.reif@wisc.edu. Thank you Noah for your commitment to the Fond du […]

Nonprofits across Wisconsin are doing critical work every day to build communities where everyone can thrive, but fundraising can feel like an obstacle for many organizations and leaders. Join Extension’s educators who work with community nonprofits for a five session series tailored to the needs of new nonprofits, small nonprofits, and people new to nonprofit […]

As high oleic soybeans become more available in Wisconsin, growers are interested in how these soybeans can improve the economics on their farm. Local markets commercially selling these soybeans at a premium price are developing, as much of the interest in high oleic soybeans in Wisconsin is centered around the dairy feed industry.   High oleic […]

The Agriculture Water Quality Program’s webinar series is back for a fourth year, focusing on farming practices that impact ground and surface water quality. This free weekly webinar series will highlight the latest research in conservation practices that will give you new tools and resources to consider for your farm.  Webinars will be every Tuesday, […]

Agriculture With over 59,000 dairy cows in Fond du Lac county, ensuring high-quality forage production is critical to sustaining milk production and farm profitability. Helping growers meet forage quality goals for their farm means lower outside feed costs, healthier cows and improved sustainability of that farm. Furthermore, given the key role Spanish-speaking workers play, providing […]

We hope you have a warm and cozy holiday season and a safe new year! Our office will be closed on the following days: -and-

Plant Diagnostics: The Step-by-Step Approach to Identifying Plant Problems Feb. 1–April 30, 2026 | 100% Online | Self-Paced Register Now Get ready for next year’s growing season by learning the process of identifying plant problems. Plant Diagnostics: The Step-by-Step Approach to Identifying Plant Problems teaches the basics of the plant diagnostic process in an easy-to-understand […]

UW-Madison Division of Extension has launched Shoebox to Strategy: Organizing Your Farm’s Legacy, a workshop series designed to help farm families organize critical documents and financial information. Organizing important farm records is a task that is easy to put off, but having these documents in order supports the continuity and stability of your business—especially in […]

Oriole Sparks: Fun with Science brought excitement and discovery to local classrooms this fall! Over six weeks, 60 middle and high school students dove into hands-on experiments that made science come alive—building colorful layered drinks to learn about liquid density and exploring real-world applications of scientific concepts. Partnering with Bessie Allen Middle School and Horace […]

Nonprofits throughout Wisconsin rely on volunteers both to expand their offerings and to stretch their resources. Organizations that recognize the unique nature of volunteers and make strategic use of them expand their capacity and multiply their community reach. But working with volunteers is fundamentally different from managing employees and if misunderstood, can do more harm […]

As your organization looks for potential donors, please consider our tracker of available grants to organizations in Fond du Lac County as you research what funding opportunities are right for your organization . Are you looking for learning opportunities to expand you and your organization’s knowledge about applying for grants? Consider taking this free, self-guided […]

Feeling invisible as a family caregiver? Caring for loved ones can be difficult and beautiful. This exhibition amplifies caregiver voices, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscape of family caregiving — and reminding caregivers they are not alone. In Care Of: Postcard-Sized Portrayals of Caregiving in Wisconsin — the popular and moving exhibition from the […]

Organize your nutrient management plan in a simple and practical way with the Wisconsin Nutrient Management Workbook, available now! Designed specifically for Wisconsin farms, the workbook walks through the key information needed to develop or update a nutrient management plan. Use this tool to organize the details that matter most before you meet with your […]

Agriculture With over 59,000 dairy cows in Fond du Lac county, ensuring high-quality forage production is critical to sustaining milk production and farm profitability. Helping growers meet forage quality goals for their farm means lower outside feed costs, healthier cows and improved sustainability of that farm. Furthermore, given the key role Spanish-speaking workers play, providing […]

Diana is learning about best practices when working with young people who have disabilities. Here are some guidelines you may be able to use in your work, family, and volunteering time.  Disabilities can be visible or invisible, related to sensory experiences (ex: autism), mental health (ex: anxiety), physical functioning (ex: blind), or intellectual functioning (ex: […]

Shared from Washington County 4-H On November 5, 2025, thirty-three 4-H members from Washington, Ozaukee, and Fond du Lac Counties traveled to UW–Madison for the annual Tri-County Science Expedition. This hands-on STEM adventure brings youth directly into university research spaces, giving them a chance to explore real science, meet experts, and envision themselves in future […]

Undercooked holiday dishes can carry foodborne risks. Using a thermometer is the safest way to confirm doneness. Turkey, stuffing, and casseroles should reach 165°F throughout. For help with cooking charts or reheating visit go.wisc.edu/answerline or call 1-866-540-4636. UW-Madison Extension has partnered with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s AnswerLine to give Wisconsin residents access to […]

Do you know how to do simple car maintenance, crochet/knit, or sand and paint a piece of wood? Have you ever decorated a cake, grown vegetables, or created scale models of trains/cars? Would you be interested in learning with youth how to build a rocket, how to work with animals, or how to make balloon […]

Inflation, widespread tariffs and the price uncertainty of items seem to be on everyone’s minds lately. Stress levels are high due to the impact that inflation has on groceries, fuel, heating costs and credit card interest rates. This depressing news is making people feel that they have little control of their finances. As we enter […]

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announces the release of the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Request for Proposals for 2026. In addition to nitrogen rate trials, this year’s RFP includes new opportunities for first-time applicants to explore nitrogen management on their farm using simplified research approaches. NOPP staff from DATCP and UW […]

Are you new to the world of nonprofit fundraising? Join us and learn the basics at Extension’s free Nonprofit Financial Development Workshop hosted by Extension and CLA on Thursday, November 13. This workshop is designed to help new nonprofits and people new to nonprofits develop the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today’s competitive […]

When can I start to let my child stay home alone? How old should my child be? How long can I leave my child home alone? If you’ve been thinking about these questions since the new school year started, you are not alone. Many parents ask these questions when their child seems too old for […]

National 4-H Week is the first full week in October, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni across the country celebrate everything 4-H. Area 4-H clubs observed National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people and highlighting the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work […]

Are you a nonprofit, business, or government leader in Wisconsin in need of grant writing skills? Sign up for this informative and hands-on virtual training on grant writing. There are two sessions available, click here to go to our Grant Writing Basics sign-up page.  Monday, September 22 from 6PM-8PMTuesday, September 23 from 12PM-2PM Can’t make […]

The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) families went on their annual summer field trip. This year’s trip was to Green Bay to visit Bay Beach’s Wildlife Sanctuary and the Green Bay Botanical Gardens. At Bay Beach’s Wildlife Sanctuary, Naturalists presented on animals native to Wisconsin and the area. JMG families were able to interact with live […]

On July 23, twenty-eight eager Cloverbuds embarked on a day filled with cosmic creativity and hands-on learning during our “Out of This World” themed day camp. Guided by two youth leaders, two adult volunteers, and two staff members, campers explored space-themed STEM activities and interstellar art projects that sparked curiosity, fostered teamwork, and encouraged imaginative […]

Fond du Lac County 4-H’s 2025 Foodie Camp welcomed 11 youth for a three-day culinary journey rooted in experiential learning. The camp, held in June, blended hands-on cooking with lessons in food safety, nutrition, and teamwork—led by a dedicated team of a Youth Leader, Adult Volunteer, 4-H Summer Intern, and 4-H Program Educator. Participants engaged […]

This past school year, the state FoodWIse program partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to improve the school cafeteria environment for elementary school students across the state. They reached out to local Nutrition Educators in Fond du Lac County to partner with specific schools within the Fond du Lac School District.  Melanie […]

Extension’s Financial Wellness at Work program offers a comprehensive suite of free, research-based financial education resources that Fond du Lac County employers can share with their employees. These tools include downloadable flyers, personal finance workbooks, short educational videos, and interactive workshops led by UW-Extension financial educators. Topics range from budgeting and saving to credit management, […]

Nonprofits across Wisconsin are doing critical work every day to build communities where everyone can thrive, but fundraising can feel like an obstacle for many organizations and leaders. Gain the expert insights and tools you need to effectively navigate the intricacies of fundraising in 2025. Join Extension’s expert educators for hands-on training tailored to the […]

It is alarming and surprising to know that many children do not know where their food comes from. If asked, they may answer with “the grocery store.” Farm to ECE (or Early Childcare Education) programs play a vital role in promoting food literacy, supporting local agriculture, and teaching young children and their families to appreciate […]

As the school year winds down, 4-H is gearing up for an exciting summer filled with hands-on learning and personal growth. June brings a variety of enriching opportunities, including the annual Foods Revue, Cloverbud & Foodie Day Camps, dairy judging practices, Area Animal Science Days, and engaging project meetings. Each experience allows youth to develop […]

The Arc of Fond du Lac provides support and resources for individuals with varying physical and cognitive disabilities. They serve all populations, including youth, adults, and caregivers. They have multiple housing units where residents live. They also have a main center with drop-in (respite care) and day and evening program classes. The center is a […]

Extension’s Rent Smart focuses on the knowledge and skills essential for a successful renting experience. It challenges participants to know and understand their rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as know and understand the rights and responsibilities of their landlord. Emphasis is on forming a strong partnership between the tenant and landlord. Establishing […]

Nonprofits across Fond du Lac County are doing the critical work every day to build communities where everyone can thrive, but they are not immune from economic uncertainties. Like so many of us who live and work here, these organizations are being asked to do so much more with less. As uncertainty about federal funding […]

Welcoming a new baby can be a big adjustment. Want quick tips and tricks grounded in research? Look no further. Just in Time Parenting now offers one-page newsletters for parents and caregivers with newborns to 4-month-old babies. You can read or listen to the audio recordings for each newsletter. The newsletters are available to read […]

Are you looking for ways to get more involved in your community? Do you have a hobby, skill, or career that you would love to share with youth? Fond du Lac County is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join the growing list of 4-H project leaders. A comprehensive project leader training program is being offered to […]

More than a year ago, a Fond du Lac team presented in Madison at Wisconsin’s very first “Community Health Shark Tank”. The community health shark tank, led by the Wisconsin Community Health Empowerment Fund, brought business leaders and public health leaders together to solve local health issues in ways using approaches from both disciplines. The […]

The Arc of Fond du Lac provides support and resources for individuals with varying physical and cognitive disabilities. They serve all populations, including youth, adults, and caregivers. They have multiple housing units where residents live. They also have a main center with drop-in (respite care) and day and evening program classes. The center is a […]

Seven Fond du Lac County youth leaders were part of 40 youth from 8 different counties attending Winter Leadership camp. Over the course of the weekend Extension educators facilitated Leadership Summit- Hike your Leadership Trail from Nebraska Extension. Friday night youth arrived at Camp Spencer Lake in Waupaca. After checking in, youth had the opportunity […]

Life skills are tools people use to deal with daily situations, make important decisions, and enhance their quality of life. Youth gain life skills by doing activities that help them practice these life skills in order to use them later on in other activities. Gaining “concrete skills”, also known as regular skills, is a little […]

Empowering Futures: A Flourishing Partnership with 4-H and Roberts Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac The Boys and Girls Club Roberts location partnership with 4-H was established in January 2024.  Tracy Keifenheim, 4-H Program Educator, worked with Anna Koepsell, Roberts Extension Director, to establish some afterschool club offerings on various topics of interest […]

All of us are members of different communities. When we think of the word community, we probably think of a physical space, such as the place you live or the places you go like a place of worship. However, community can mean so much more than that! Community can also be found from a shared […]

The Berry Drop In Center, a part of Robert E. Berry House, Inc., is a community center designed to provide support and resources for individuals experiencing mental health conditions and/or recovering from substance abuse. The drop-in center has a long history in Fond du Lac County having opened in 2007 under NAMI (National Alliance for […]

Misty Jimenez, 4-H Associate Educator, partnered with the Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club Roberts location to continue a 4-H Art club within the Boys and Girls Club. Jimenez worked with Anna Koepsell, Robert’s Director, to build out the 6-week Art Club for 3rd-5th grade members. The club had 11 youth members. Jimenez started […]

The Executive Director of the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium (SEWISC), a regional nonprofit, contacted Paul requesting resources to strengthen the organization’s board.  The organization’s mission is “working to reduce the impact of invasive species.”   Paul taught a 1.5-hour workshop to 14 board and staff members.  Content included an overview of the non-profit sector in […]

The annual 4-H Cloverbud Pumpkin Contest was held on Saturday, October 21, at UW Oshkosh Fond du Lac Campus. Cloverbud members, 4-H youth grades kindergarten to second, were able to enter a pumpkin in the contest.  The morning of the contest Teen Leaders and volunteers helped weigh, measure, and judge the pumpkins.  While pumpkins were […]

Manuel is the new Regional Dairy Educator for Sheboygan, Fond Du Lac, Dodge, and Ozaukee Counties. He is originally from Duitama, a small city in Colombia, 3 hours north of Bogotá, the capital city. He received his bachelor’s degree on Animal Science at Universidad Nacional de Colombia. In the last semesters he worked for a […]

October is all about recognizing the importance of local producers and farms. The month is designated “National Farm to School Month” as communities, schools, early care and education sites, organizations, and farms come together to celebrate food education, school gardens, and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients. For more information on National Farm to […]

Are you a Fond du Lac County nonprofit looking for funders? Please consider using this table of available grants to organizations in Fond du Lac County. If your organization offers grants or has applied for local or state grants not listed here, please let us know. We will add them to the list. If you […]

Fond du Lac County recently held its very first food summit on Wednesday, September 18th. The event was open to any community members and community organizations. It was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral as a half-day event from 8:30 am -1:00 pm. Nearly 50 participants joined to network and learn, with representation from most of […]

Planning AHEAD is a course from UW-Madison Division of Extension that takes a comprehensive approach to end-of-life planning. The course guides participants through examining health care wishes, handling financial changes, legal requirements and documentation, distribution of personal property, end-of-life decisions, dealing with grief, and the emotional ramifications of all of the above. Fond du Lac […]

National 4-H Week is the first full week in October, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni across the country celebrate everything 4-H. Area 4-H clubs observe National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people and highlighting the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work […]

Sign-up today for our next offering from our Wisconsin Nonprofit Connect to Learn Team: Evaluating Outcomes. This four-week mini-course will equip nonprofit leaders with the skills to assess and communicate the effectiveness of their programs and services. Participants will identify what outcomes they want their programs and services to achieve, develop a plan to evaluate […]

Fond du Lac County 4-H wrapped up the summer finishing off with four summer day camps in August.  Art Camp, Cloverbud Day Camp: Teddy Bear Adventure, Cardboard Camp: Zoology, and LEGO camps were the last of the 4-H Summer Camps. The camps were well attended and the youth all shared things that they learned from […]

According to the USDA, 11% of U.S. farmers don’t have health insurance coverage. For dairy farmers, the number is even higher—a staggering 41%. Recognizing how complex and confusing the health insurance system can be—and how crucial health coverage is to people’s well-being—Covering Wisconsin helps Wisconsin residents navigate the system. A program of UW-Extension and a […]

The ‘FDL Fresh 5’ is a food donation program that connects farmers’ market vendors with local food pantries. Amanda Miller worked with local sellers, Bill and Lynda Zeleske, to create and implement the program many years ago. All are members of the Fond du Lac Farmers Market Steering Committee.  The program is designed to be […]

Youth leaders, volunteers, 4-H Summer Intern and the 4-H Educator helped plan out the camp. The youth leaders led activities with the groups all day under the supervision of the volunteer leaders. The youth started the morning off by learning everyone’s names with a couple of games. The participants were able to collect bugs and […]

UW-Extension recommends that well owners sample their well at least once per year, at a different time of the year. You can test your water through the Fond du Lac County Health Department, the UW-Extension lab in Stevens Point, the State Lab of Hygiene or other private laboratories in the area. Below are descriptions of […]

As we plan our outreach and engagement efforts, we must be intentional with centering the community members we hope to reach. We must create authentic, sustainable relationships with community members to implement our programming successfully. Whether you are part of local government, a public department, or a nonprofit, the tools included in our Community Engagement […]

FoodWIse has a long standing partnership with a low income senior housing site in Fond du Lac, Riverview Senior Apartments. FoodWIse works with the residents through a 6 week summer nutrition series and has recently added a strength training program for older adults, Strong Bodies, to the offerings. The residents form strong relationships with the […]

Consumers can help stop scammers and strengthen their own financial future by checking their credit report. By law, everybody can obtain three free credit reports each year at AnnualCreditReport.com. It is important to check your report regularly to make sure it is accurate and up to date. Scammers often desire to open credit in your name. […]

Fond du Lac County 4-H hosted a three-day Foodie Theme reaching 15 youth in June. The youth expressed an interest in learning and exploring culinary skills and the food and nutrition project. A Youth leader, Adult Volunteer, 4-H Summer Intern, and 4-H Program Educator led different cooking activities teaching basic cooking skills such as measuring, […]

Nonprofit organizations continue to take an increasingly critical role in providing needed services and programs within our community. As our local nonprofits take on critical roles, addressing key concerns of these community organizations becomes more important. According to a nationwide survey data of nonprofits published by Statista in April 2024, the two greatest challenges identified […]

According to the 2021 Fond du Lac County health assessment, 52% of adults and 35% of students consume at least two servings of fruit on a day and 23% of adults and 17% of students consume at least three servings of vegetables in a day. The goal is to increase the fruit and vegetable intake […]

The majority of people, 98%, wish to arrange their affairs to live well in their later years, and ensure that their end-of-life plans follow their wishes. Still, it is something that many people find challenging.  Only 23% follow through with documenting and sharing those plans with their loved ones to carry out those wishes.  However, […]

On May 4, 2024, youth involved in the Lemonade Day program finally set up their lemonade stands all across Fond du Lac County. The Lemonade Day program is about more than just a Lemonade Day stand. In the Fond du Lac Area it is a community tradition that has taken place for the past eight […]

Tracy Keifenheim, 4-H Educator, partnered with the Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club Roberts location to continue a 4-H club within the Boys and Girls Club. Keifenheim worked with Anna Koepsell, Roberts Extension Director, to build out the 6-week Art Club for 1st and 2nd-grade members. The club had 9 youth members. Over 6 […]

Designed to empower organizations of all sizes, this mini-course will equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today’s philanthropic landscape. Hosted over five sessions, this course dives deep into the essential pillars of successful fund development and donor relations. Nonprofits of all sizes and focus areas are encouraged to attend! This […]

Reaching out to your UW Extension Regional Crops or Dairy Educator is a great way to get your agriculture questions answered – but if you are not sure who to contact, use the new UW Madison Division of Extension Ask Your Ag Question form.  Connect with Extension experts from Wisconsin and receive research-based responses and […]

Countless research has shown that gardening with children has numerous benefits, including social, emotional, physical, and mental. Gardening has shown to improve nutrition, reduce obesity rates, increase physical activity, impact mental health, and even improve academic scores. The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program kicked off the new series on April 11th with a newly renovated […]

Carol Bralich has joined the Fond du Lac Extension team as our new Human Development and Relationships Educator. Carol Bralich, Associate Professor, has been an educator in the Human Development & Relationships Institute for UW-Madison, Division of Extension for over 14 years. Carol’s teaching, research and outreach have included a focus on building financial capability […]

Nearly a year ago, the White House hosted the first conference on hunger, nutrition, and health in 50 years. As a result, they came up with a big goal – to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030, so that fewer Americans experience diet-related chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. […]

The Online Youth-Adult Partnership (Y-AP) Training emerges as a beacon for youth empowerment. This self-guided program, tailored for both individuals and groups, offers a comprehensive roadmap for volunteers and professionals eager to nurture collaborative relationships between youth and adults. Comprising eight sessions, each segment of Y-AP Training integrates brief readings with illuminating videos featuring individuals […]

Every three years the health department and community partners collaboratively engage to conduct a Community Health Assessment (CHA) in Fond du Lac County. The main purpose of a CHA is to complete a comprehensive collection and analysis of data to identify health issues of primary concern. From the CHA, a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) […]

Tracy Keifenheim, 4-H Educator, partnered with the Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club Roberts location to start a 4-H club within the Boys and Girls Club. Keifenheim worked with Anna Koepsell, Roberts Extension Director, to build out the 6-week LEGO Club. The club had 16 youth members averaging about 10 participants each week. Over […]

Regional Ag News and Updates Serving Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington Counties

Wisconsin will receive nearly $1.1 Billion from the federal government from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program to finance deployment of broadband internet services to underserved areas of the state. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension cooperative and local government specialists will describe how cooperatives are created, how broadband services might be successfully deployed by […]

Congratulations and farewell to our Regional Dairy Educator Tina Kohlman, who took a new position on February 1 in the private sector as a Training and Ag Business Development Manager for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pumps and pump systems for building services, water management, and groundwater application, in Cedarburg, WI. Tina has […]

The summer of 2023 taught us numerous lessons as our wet spring turned to a droughty summer across Wisconsin. While well-timed rains boosted yields for row crops and alfalfa fields, the same can’t be said for many of the pastures across the state, especially those under continuously grazed management. Many livestock producers found themselves sourcing […]

FoodWIse and Community Works are partnering to offer an 8-part cooking class series for teens as a part of their after school respite program. During the cooking class series, Community Works will join at the Extension office’s kitchen where Grace Gallagher, FoodWIse Nutrition Educator, is teaching Around the Table. Around the Table is designed to […]

Desiree Torres understands the value of being part of a supportive environment that encourages young people to be involved in their communities, something she witnessed firsthand with Youth Advocates for Community Health (YACH), a program of UW–Madison Extension. Christa Van Treeck, associate professor and youth development educator in Marquette County, is working with a group […]

The four Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development work together to ensure that youth work towards a better future for themselves and their world. The four Essential Elements are: Belonging was a huge piece of supporting new families in the 4-H program.  Keifenheim held a New Family Orientation in early December.  Families registered to learn […]

Raising replacement heifers in managed grazing systems provide economic savings and ecological improvements at the farm and watershed level, along with improved animal performance as they enter the milking herd. While there are many dairy farms that have successfully implemented dairy heifer grazing to their operation, many dairy farms have not. The session will feature […]

This event is open to the public. 4-H and community youth are invited to attend Family Learning Day at UWO Fond du Lac Campus. Learn a new skill or gain fresh ideas. It will be a fun, informative day. Parents are encouraged to spend the day with their child and help them find their sessions. […]

The FoodWIse program just completed a 10-week strength training class offered to Riverview Apartment residents.  The StrongBodies program is an evidence-based exercise program for midlife and older adults developed by Tufts University. The program includes progressive strength training, balance training, and flexibility exercises.  Grace Gallagher, FoodWIse Nutrition Educator, is a certified StrongBodies trainer and taught […]

On December 2 Club officers attended the countywide training. Youth got to know each other by participating in a few icebreakers and games. Special thanks to Teen Leaders for helping lead icebreakers and games. This year’s officer training featured a guest speaker Kelsey Beine, Campbellsport 4-H Alumni, who presented during the general main session of […]

The Stephenson Scholarship Fund was established nearly 50 years ago in 1974 by the will of the late Hazel L. Stephenson of Fond du Lac. The purpose of the fund is to assist students of Fond du Lac County in attaining or completing an education at any one of the University of Wisconsin campuses. All […]

***BEFORE TAKING THESE STEPS, it is important to think about whether incorporating as a nonprofit is the best choice in your group’s situation. For example, there are times when working with another fiscal agent, collaborating with an existing organization, or remaining an informal group are better options. Extension staff can talk with you and work […]

Hello! My name is Tracy Keifenheim, and I am the new Extension 4-H Coordinator for Fond du Lac County. I was previously the School Age Director for the Kettle Moraine YMCA. I live in West Bend with my husband, and two Black Labs Raven and Phoenix. When I am not at work you can find […]

Educational Materials for Non-profit Boards Available as free PDF downloads from BoardSource Board Dynamics and Processes – FAQs Board Meetings – FAQs Board Leadership Board Action Calendar (legal documents that need to be filed and other recommended annual processes) Fiduciary Responsibilities of board members Board Orientation Common Board Shortcomings (top 10 list of mistakes boards […]

Intentionally preparing for the departure of executive directors, board members, and staff is a key way to maintain stability in organizations of any size. As high quality personnel and volunteers rotate through terms, quit, or retire, organizations with succession plans are able to maintain high levels of performance and continuity. In this workshop for non-profits […]