Extension

The mission of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is to extend the knowledge and resources of the University of Wisconsin to people where they live and work. The Extension Ashland County staff and programs contribute to fulfilling this mission through innovative programs and partnerships.

 

We provide educational programs by teaming up with agriculture; meeting community challenges; protecting natural resources; strengthening Wisconsin’s families; and supporting young people through our 6 departments —

Our educational programs are developed and measured against our strategic directives, aiming to build:

  • Stronger communities
  • Food safety, security and health
  • Resilient and productive environments
  • Thriving youth, families and communities

 

 

Mary Pardee is the Area Extension Director for Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron Counties.

 

Lissa Radke is the 80% Community Development Educator.  Lissa conducts educational programs to assist leaders, communities and organizations in building knowledge and taking action in the areas of:

  • Sustainable Communities
  • Renewable Energy
  • Local Government Education
  • Organizational & Leadership Development
  • Climate Change and Community Resilience

 

Heidi Ungrodt is the part time Human Development and Relationships Educator for Ashland County. She provides education that enables people to:

  • Manage family finances and enhance economic security
  • Make healthy choices about diet, activity and food safety
  • Become more effective parents and guardians
  • Strengthen intergenerational relationships

Extension Family Programs provide education to help families thrive in a rapidly changing world. Heidi works with our communities to promote family strengths.

 

Stephanie LaPointe Bakker is the Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties FoodWIse Nutrition Coordinator.  Deb Leonard and Sarah Tarkington are the FoodWIse Nutrition Education Program educators for Ashland, Bayfield & Iron Counties.

The Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties FoodWIse Nutrition Education Program partners with area agencies/programs including schools, WIC, Head Start, aging units, health and human services departments, sheltered/ transitional housing and tribal units to work with income eligible groups/ individuals. Educational programs and information are presented in the following areas:

  • Food Safety and Nutrition
  • Planning Healthy Menus
  • Stretching Food Dollars
  • Balancing Food and Physical Activity
  • Improving Shopping Skills
  • Preparing Fun and Healthy Meals and Snacks
  • Addressing Regional Food Insecurity

 

Kate Wallner is an Extension 4-H and Youth Development Educator and Joy Schelble is the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP) Bad River 4-H Youth Development Coordinator.  They conduct programs and educational "hands-on" opportunities in such projects as: Visual Arts - Communication - Photography - Animal Science - Foods and Nutrition - Textiles - Peer Education - Leadership Development - Citizen and Family Involvement - Community Service and Awareness - Prevention Education for Youth - Career Education - Outdoor Adventure Education - STEM.

WI 4-H Mission

Extension 4-H Youth Development integrates research, education and community-based partnerships, enabling youth to learn and practice skills to be productive citizens. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring and discovering. In 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities.

 

Jason Fischbach and Sarah DeGraff are the Agriculture Educators for Ashland and Bayfield Counties.  They conduct Extension programs and provide information in the following areas:

  • Commercial Horticulture (Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers)
  • Home Horticulture
  • Organic Agriculture
  • Pest & Disease Diagnosis
  • Soil Testing
  • Pesticide Applicator Training
  • Invasive Weed Species

 

As the main support staff for the Extension Ashland County Office, Blake Frost oversees the daily operation of the office and provides valuable clerical support for all program areas.  Brenda Brouder assists the office part time.