Lake County

Montana State University Extension partners with Lake County to provide quality, continued education programs and services by offering our residents everything that’s available at the university through MSU Extension in Ronan. Extension responds to citizens and stakeholders by developing and implementing educational programs that address the needs and issues of our community. Lake County MSU Extension targets goals and objectives that enhance agriculture, natural resource management, community economics, family and consumer science and 4-H youth development. The following statements summarize the program goals of Extension in Lake County. Prepare youth with life skills for the future so they can be productive, positive, and contributing adults. Supply the trainings, experience, and activities that develop youth and adult leaders necessary for a viable and engaged 4-H program. Ensure sustainable agricultural enterprises on multiple levels. Encourage healthier lifestyles and prevention of chronic diseases through promotion of positive health-related behaviors and self-care. Enhance natural resource conservation and management by achieving defined objectives.

Increasing Community Connection through Strong People, a research-based curriculum intended for seniors

Weightlifting has proven beneficial for a wide range of audiences; however, seniors can experience great benefits including increased bone density, improved balance, decreased blood pressure and more. This program was offered for the first time in Lake County in February. The class cost $20.00 and was 12 weeks long, meeting twice a week for one hour. Seven Lake County residents participated, all of which experienced positive trends in their physical abilities when comparing pre and post workout results. In addition to physical benefits, participants expressed increased feelings of community. One participant shared, “It’s hard sometimes to get out, especially in the winter, so to have something like this is great”. Several of the participants have since joined other volunteer opportunities offered through the Extension office, furthering their community connection.

Caption: Weights

Credit: Claudia Andrade

Caring for those who Care for others

The role of caregiver can look different for everyone, however, the physical and emotional investment required to care for another while rewarding can be tiresome. For the past two years, the Lake County Extension office has partnered with the MSU Extension Health Aging team to host a Caregiver Respite Retreat. Here, caregivers of all sorts have come together to share their rewarding yet draining roles and to reflect on what their individual needs are to maintain the care they give. This acknowledgement of self, while not typical for caregivers, is crucial in order to sustainably care for another. While these events have been held annually, the development of a regular caregiver support groups is coming. For information on upcoming events, please reach out to the Lake County Extension Office.

Food Preservation Resources and Hands on Learning Opportunities

The art of food preservation has been perfected over the past century to extend the taste of summer into even the coldest of winter months. In staying updated on the most current, research based best practices, The Lake County Extension Office currently provides services to test pressure canning gauges to ensure this beloved artform can occur safely in the home. Additionally, further assistance regarding recipes, substitutes, and stovetop recommendations can be provided by contacting the office. Furthermore, if water bath canning, pressure canning, or other food preservation methods are of interest but you’re not sure where to start, a variety of food preservation classes are hosted both for the community and 4-H youth throughout the year. Contact the office for the upcoming classes and additional information.

Caption: Pressure Gauge

Credit: Claudia Andrade

4-Her Initiates Change to Expand Agricultural Impact for Those Living in Ronan City Limits

4-H provides an opportunity for youth to discover their spark, for Jaylynn Buxbaum, that’s all things chicken. So, when met with the fact that chickens were prohibited in Ronan city limits, Jaylynn agreed to assist Extension Agent Claudia Andrade in proposing an amendment to the city’s ordinance. The two assembled a presentation highlighting the benefits of chickens from an economic, health, and community-based standpoint. Jaylyn’s expertise and vast understanding of chickens made her invaluable during and after the presentation. Within two months of the presentation, a committee was formed, and an amendment was passed that now allows city residents to raise 6 hens per city lot. 4-H empowers youth to make lasting changes in their community that positively impact the lives of others. This event has opened the door for future 4-Hers passionate about chickens to help plan community workshops supporting Ronan residents in their chicken pursuits.

Caption: Jaylynn Buxbaum discusses the nutritional breakdown of eggs to Ronan City Council members

Credit: Claudia Andrade

STEM Learning Within 4-H Programming

There are a multitude of skills youth can develop through 4-H programming, but did you know that 4-H can be used as an enrichment tool to strengthen youths’ confidence towards STEM topics and increase interest in STEM-based careers? This past spring 18 youth members ages 8-16 participated in a 5-week STEM project club. Concluding these 5 workshops, youth who attended most of the workshops earned an overnight trip for themselves and a guardian to travel to Bozeman, tour the MSU campus, stay the night, and visit the Museum of the Rockies. This opportunity allowed youth to build connections between classroom materials and everyday life. Youth also expressed a deeper understanding of team dynamics, improved problem-solving skills and the importance of effective communication. Through innovative youth programming, youth develop skills that will suit them in and beyond their 4-H experiences setting them up for success in future endeavors.

Caption: Youth members gather around Spirit during Bozeman campus tour

Credit: Claudia Andrade

Overnight Camping Opportunities for youth and their families

With the motto, learn by doing, 4-H camps are a great way for youth to have new experiences and make lifelong friends. In Lake County, 4-H members 9-12 years old can travel to Multi-County Camp at the Darrell Fenner 4-H grounds at Loon Lake near Bigfork. Singing, canoeing, swimming, showing off dance moves, and competing in camp Olympics are just a few of the regular events youth can expect while attending camp. For youth outside of this age range, returning to the Lake County scene is the notorious Cloverbud Camp. This camp offers a unique opportunity for 4-H’s youngest members,5-8 years of age to stay at the same camping facilities overnight with a parent or guardian. Cloverbuds get to experience a similar singing, swimming, and exploring camping experience making a transition to a solo camping experience less intimidating. Finally, the oldest bracket of 4-Hers, 13-18 years old, have the chance to apply as camp counselors to either camp.

Caption: Youth Loading up for a trip around the lake

Credit: Claudia Andrade

Contact

300 3rd Ave NW
Ronan, MT 59864
406-676-4271
https://www.lakemt.gov/205/MSU-4-H-Extension