Community Development
The Extension Institute of Community Development provides educational programming to assist leaders, communities, and organizations realize their fullest potential. We work with communities to build the vitality that enhances their quality of life and enriches the lives of their residents. We educate in leadership development, organizational development, food systems, community economic development, local government education and much more. In short, the Community Development Institute plants and cultivates the seeds for thriving communities and organizations.
Backed by University of Wisconsin research, Community Development educators work in partnership with people in county, state, federal, and tribal governments; community organizations; volunteers; business; and industry. With faculty in every county and on UW-campuses, Extension gives Wisconsin citizens access to University research and knowledge.
Lissa Radke serves Ashland County as the Community Development Educator.
As your Community Development educator, Lissa designs and delivers educational programs and technical assistance to help Ashland County communities deal with their own unique challenges. Backed by University of Wisconsin research, she works with local government, civic organizations, businesses and community leaders to enhance local decision-making and help communities respond to new challenges and opportunities. Together they work to:
- Establish ongoing programs that educate the public and elected officials about current issues
- Strengthen local government
- Develop local leadership capacity
- Protect natural resources for future generations
Here are some Ashland County Community Development Updates:
Cleansweep Thursday, June 11!
Save the date for this year’s Cleansweep Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection! Ashland County residents can dispose of household hazardous waste both for free and with a small fee during this event! All Cleansweeps residents, farms, businesses, and communities are welcome to attend any event in any of the 9 participating counties as often as […]
Summer 2026 Farm Tours
The Chequamegon Bay Food Producers group presents the Summer 2026 Farm Tours! Check out Ashland County Grows! Questions? Contact Lissa Radke at 715-682-7017 or Brian Clements at northcroftfarm@gmail.com Summer 2026 Tours! Silver Sage Farm and Flowers Sunday, May 17, 1-3PM 81995 Arney Road, Port Wing Mary Pearson grows a wide variety of potted plants, flowers, […]
Rhubarb: It’s Not Just Your Grandma’s Favorite Plant! -free webinar
Rhubarb: It’s Not Just Your Grandma’s Favorite Plant! Join UW Madison Horticulture specialist Ann Kowenstrot, Diversified Vegetable Educator, as we explore all things rhubarb! Learn its history, production, and management. We will cover what growers and gardeners need to know for successful rhubarb production and care. This session will provide practical, research based information for […]
Calling all Rhubarb Lovers!
Grow Free: The Giving Garden Project will give 1-10 FREE rhubarb plants to Chequamegon Bay Community members interested in helping feed their community! View information in the poster below and check out the link for the Grow Free webpage to sign up! Thank you for your interest in Grow Free: The Giving Garden Project! Check […]
HAVE A QUESTION?
Lissa Radke serves Ashland County as the Community Development Educator. To learn more about Community Development Programming and the role of Extension in Ashland County, send an email to lissa.radke@wisc.edu or call the Ashland County office at 715-682-7017.