20 | Thursday, May 7, 2026 Monticello Times
ALL ABOUT KIDS
Refuge Rangers 4-H tackle pet rescue, spring projects
LAUREN FLAUM Monticello Times
The Refuge Rangers 4-H club continues its mix of learning and service this spring, with members hearing from a local animal rescue leader and preparing for upcoming community projects, according to 11-year-old member Asha Kanable.
At the club’ s April meeting, members welcomed Jordyn O’ Gara-Worthington, volunteer and education manager with Ruff Start Rescue. She shared how the organization’ s foster-based rescue and adoption program works, along with its growing reach— helping more than 3,700 animals so far in 2026.
Based in Princeton, Ruff Start Rescue has seen a sharp rise in demand in recent years. Since 2019, the organization’ s annual intake has increased 47 %, growing from 2,547 animals served to 3,737 in 2025. An average of 13
COURTESY OF REFUGE RANGERS 4H CLUB
Members of the Refuge Rangers 4-H club pose for a photo with guest speaker Jordyn O’ Gara-Worthington( black T-shirt, just right of center), volunteer and education manager with Ruff Start Rescue, during the group’ s April 12 meeting.
animals now arrive in its care each day, and since its founding, Ruff Start has helped more than 32,000 animals find safety, healing and new homes.
The organization is currently undergoing a $ 750,000 expansion of its headquarters to increase veterinary capacity, improve animal care spaces and expand community education efforts. Following the presentation, Refuge Rangers members put their creativity to work, making handmade cat toys to donate to Ruff Start Rescue. Using felt, dowels, string and colorful decorations, the group crafted a variety of toys designed to keep cats active and engaged.
The hands-on project not only gave members a chance to apply what they learned, but also ensured the rescue would have enrichment items ready for cats in foster care and at its
Princeton facility.
Looking ahead, the group is planning its annual Refuge Road Clean Up, collecting trash from ditches around the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge as part of a service project.
Members will also take part in the Backpack Buddies program, assembling food bags for students in the Big Lake School District whose families may need extra support, Asha said. The Refuge Rangers, a Sherburne County-based 4-H club open to youth from kindergarten through high school, meet monthly on the first Sunday at 4:15 p. m. at Orrock Township Hall. New members are welcome to join throughout the year.
For more information on local 4-H programs in Sherburne County, visit https:// shorturl. at / BqUeM. For Wright County programs, visit https:// extension. umn. edu / local / wright.
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