Visitor’s day scheduled at University of Minnesota North Central Research and Outreach Center July 23

GRAND RAPIDS — The University of Minnesota North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) will host its annual Visitor’s Day July 23 from 2-6 p.m.

Tours, activities, informational booths and vendors will be featured throughout the event.

Visitors will be able to take wagon tours to NCROC’s apple orchard, bog, and through various research areas. Two presentations featuring Helga the Hereford, a full-size cow model designed to simulate dystocia events (difficult calvings) will be held.

University of Minnesota specialists, Extension educators, Itasca County Master Gardeners and the 8th District Garden Club will be available to explain research programs and answer questions. Information booths will be in the Administration and Equipment buildings.

Activities for children will include a scavenger hunt, a Bell Museum interactive booth, potato digging, and more.

The Horticulture program has planned several activities, including blueberry plant health and annual flower trials. Staff from the University of Minnesota mums, potatoes and organics programs will be onsite. The Itasca County Master Gardeners will conduct plant diagnostics and answer your questions about water quality and food preservation, and host planting for kids and compost demonstrations.

Itasca Waters returns this year with two displays — one indoor and the other outdoor. For updated information, visit the following online platforms:

• NCROC’s website: https://ncroc.cfans.umn.edu/

• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NCROC

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ncroc_uofm

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncroc_uofm/

NCROC was established in 1896. It is part of a statewide network of research and outreach centers whose collective charter and vision is to conduct broad based, research and education programs in natural resources and agricultural systems that have direct impact on stakeholders and citizens of the region, state, nation, and world. Research programs at the NCROC include Agronomy, Beef Systems Management, Horticulture and Wild Rice.

Learn how University of Minnesota research impacts your life! Come early to enjoy the tours and see the wide range of activities happening at NCROC! All ages are welcome to attend this fun and educational event.

NCROC is located at 1861 East US Highway 169. For more information, contact NCROC at (218) 327-4490, ext. 2001, or visit the above online platforms.