UW Division of Extension – St. Croix County adapts services in response to COVID-19
In response to the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the educators and researchers of UW-Madison Division of Extension St. Croix County have temporarily overhauled our services. By moving youth development trainings to an online format and preparing easy-to-use roadmaps for financial assistance, we’re providing valuable resources at a confusing and concerning time.
The Governor’s “safer at home” order prompted Extension to cancel or postpone all in-person workshops, trainings, consultations, and visits. This also applied to the volunteer and partner groups affiliated with Extension, such as 4-H, Master Gardener, and more. Recognizing the usual collaborative opportunities aren’t available, Extension staff are engaging with stakeholders and their neighbors in new ways.
“Extension remains focused on sharing trusted resources and strengthening communities as we adapt and learn in response to this emergency situation,” said Karl Martin, Interim Dean & Director of UW-Madison Extension.
Extension staff are transitioning their programming to remote delivery. Individual consultations and group meetings can be held over the phone or over the internet via video-conference. Educational programming is being adapted for online use.
Extension has also created an “Extension Responds” webpage with COVID-19 resources and solutions to everyday issues for Businesses, Families, Agriculture, Health & Wellness, Personal Finances, and Youth. This webpage can be accessed at: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/covid19/
Although our office is temporarily closed, your Extension St. Croix County staff is still available through email and are regularly checking phones. For questions please contact the following Extension staff:
Area Extension Director: Kristen Bruder, 715-204-5043, kristen.bruder@wisc.edu
4-H Youth Development: Heather Vierling, 715-531-1938, heather.vierling@wisc.edu
4-H Youth Development: Eileen VanDyk, 715-531-1936, eileen.vandyk@wisc.edu
Agriculture: Ryan Sterry, 715-531-1950, ryan.sterry@wisc.edu
Horticulture: Diana Alfuth, 715-273-6781, diana.alfuth@wisc.edu
Health and Well-Being: Selena Freimark, 715-531-1947, selena.freimark@wisc.edu
FoodWIse: Katie Bartko, 715-531-1934, katie.bartko@wisc.edu
FoodWIse: Sarah Johnson, 715-531-1932, sarah.b.johnson@wisc.edu
Community Development: Kari Weiss, 715-531-1941, kari.weiss@wisc.edu
