Elsie Wood

Polk County 4-H Volunteer

In Memoriam

Elsie began her 4-H career in Polk County as a member of the Clear Lake Livewires in 1930. Throughout her life she lived and breathed 4-H. She co-founded the Knotty Pine 4-H Club in 1962 and was active for over 44 years of service. Elsie and her husband often served as chaperones for interstate 4-H exchanges and state conference trips. She enjoyed working with Cloverbuds, teaching them manners and good etiquette.

Elsie was also active in conservation and was the first woman in Wisconsin to serve on the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, a position she held for 10 years. This interest led her family to invest in the development of the Polk County 4-H Forest, sustaining this resource through annual forest workdays. The money raised through timber sales has been invested in the Polk County 4-H Leaders Federation Scholarship program to benefit youth. Through this forward-thinking investment, her legacy lives on.