The Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Educator is your local connection to improving your agriculture operation. Whether that is crop or livestock production, business management and planning, range management or other needs. This position is also your local connection to the University of Wyoming’s researchers and specialists.
The Horticulture Program is a free consultation service provided to all Park County residents. This service connects residents with the professional knowledge and education of the University of Wyoming to provide research based information to inform property owner’s decisions on their gardening, landscaping, and land ownership endeavors.
Wyoming’s SNAP-Ed and EFNEP Programs. We are a cooking and nutrition program that serves families and individuals in Wyoming. Our CNP educator teaches free classes about healthy lifestyles (and cooking!). We also work with community partners on projects at gardens, food pantries, and schools.
4-H is a National Youth Development Program that has been in existence for over 100 years. The primary goal of 4-H is to assist youth in developing life skills that help them live productive and satisfying lives.
Be a bridge– Connect Park County with research and resources.
Be responsive– Build relationships and connect with our community and each other.
Act with integrity– Honest, transparent and committed to doing what’s best for our community.
Develop our people– Continually investing time for personal development and professional growth of our staff.
Continuously improve– Asking often how we can operate more effectively and better serve Park County.
The Cent$ible Nutrition Program will be experiencing significant changes in the coming months due to recent federal legislation, which eliminated funding for Wyoming’s SNAP-Ed program. Per the One Big, Beautiful Bill, changes will go into effect September 30, 2025.
SNAP-Ed, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education, is a federally funded and state-administered program through the Department of Family Services (DFS). Nationally and in Wyoming, SNAP-Ed empowers people with limited resources, helping to develop skills that improve health, stretch food dollars, and increase food security. In Wyoming, SNAP-Ed is provided by the University of Wyoming Extension’s Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP).
Without SNAP-Ed funding, CNP will have to shutter programming in much of Wyoming.
“We will continue in a limited capacity through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grant, focusing on nutrition education classes,” said CNP director, Mindy Meuli.
Currently, CNP provides programming in every county in Wyoming and on the Wind River Reservation. With the loss of SNAP-Ed funds, CNP will have to end local programming, including its community engagement efforts, in most of the state. EFNEP funding will allow CNP to continue on, but with reduced capacity and a more limited coverage of the state.
“For over 30 years, it has been our honor to serve the people and communities of Wyoming. We are thankful for the thousands of people we had in classes, for the stories they shared, and the successes they gained. From exploring the basics of nutrition, to understanding food packages, to cooking delicious recipes together, we have valued each and every relationship we have made,” said Meuli.
SNAP-Ed programming began in Wyoming in 1997. At the start, SNAP-Ed operated in 11 counties and over the last 30+ years, grew to all counties plus the Wind River Reservation. In 2014, SNAP-Ed expanded to include multi-level approaches to programming, leading to meaningful community partnerships and interventions. SNAP-Ed funding empowered CNP to connect with individuals in classes, as well as through hundreds of inter-agency partnerships, aiming to create healthier communities for everyone.
In the next few weeks, CNP will begin winding down programming in most counties.
“Many CNP educators will be leaving their positions by September 30. This is not a reflection of them nor of the program, and is solely due to the loss of funding. We are so proud of all our team has done and for the powerful impacts they have had through classes and partnerships,” said Meuli.
We are very saddened that our county CNP Educator, Debbie Kelly, will be leaving us September 30 due to this funding change.
We regret to inform you that due to recent budget cuts from reductions in property tax revenue, our horticulturist position has been reduced to 1/4 time.
This was not a decision made by our office, and we share in your disappointment. We know how much our horticulture programming means to the residents we serve — from lawn, garden, pest, and small acreage support and education to the care of shared green spaces — and we wish we could continue offering the same level of service.
Despite this setback, we remain dedicated to providing meaningful resources and support to our community. We appreciate your understanding and continued patience as we navigate these changes together.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Cody Office
Park County Complex
1501 Stampede Ave, Ste 2080
Cody, WY 82414
(307) 527-8560
Mailing Address:
1501 Stampede Ave, Unit 9023
Cody, WY 82414
Powell Office
Park County Fairgrounds
655 East Fifth St.
Powell, WY 82435
(307) 754-8836
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