Krause Named New Fruit Project Manager at CREC

Elizabeth Krause brings research expertise and passion for plants to her new role overseeing the center's orchard.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:00am

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Elizabeth Krause has been named the new Fruit Project Manager at the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC), taking over for the recently retired Kathy Wiederholt. Krause, a Moorhead, Minnesota native, brings a love of research and natural curiosity about the plant kingdom to the position, where she will oversee the center's orchard focused on studying hardy fruit-bearing plants that can thrive in the region's harsh northern climate.

Why it matters

The CREC's Northern Hardy Fruit Project, led by Wiederholt for nearly two decades, has become a regional treasure for backyard gardeners and commercial growers alike, showcasing the diversity of fruits that can be successfully grown in North Dakota. Krause's appointment ensures the continuation of this important work, helping to educate the public on the fruit-growing potential of the state.

The details

In her new role, Krause will oversee the CREC's orchard, which is devoted to the study of hardy fruit-bearing plants and how they produce in the region's harsh northern climates. She will work to demonstrate to visitors that there are many types of fruits that can be propagated and harvested in North Dakota, even if they are not commonly found in grocery stores, such as the blue honeysuckle berry known as haskap.

  • Krause was hired as the new Fruit Project Manager in March 2026, following the retirement of Kathy Wiederholt from the position in November 2024.
  • Krause attended the CREC's Field Day last July, which sparked her interest in applying for the role.

The players

Elizabeth Krause

The new Fruit Project Manager at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, who brings a love of research and natural curiosity about the plant kingdom to the role.

Kathy Wiederholt

The previous Fruit Project Manager at the CREC, who retired from the position in November 2024 after nearly 18 years of leading the center's Northern Hardy Fruit Project.

Mike Ostlie

The Director of the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, who is excited to welcome Krause to the team and help continue the journey of the horticulture program.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, I always knew that I liked plants and gardening. We always had one as a family.”

— Elizabeth Krause

“We can grow so many kinds of fruits, but not the ones you commonly see in the grocery store. And, we can even grow grapes here.”

— Elizabeth Krause

“Kathy started the CREC Northern Hardy Fruit Project as we know it with little but dedication and sweat equity. For about 18 years she nurtured the project and watched it grow, just like the plants in it, into a regional treasure for backyard gardeners and commercial growers alike.”

— Mike Ostlie, CREC Director

“We are excited to welcome Elizabeth to the team and to help continue the journey of our horticulture program. She has great ideas for working directly with growers and has good plans to add more research elements to our program. We look forward to seeing the 'fruits' of that labor.”

— Mike Ostlie, CREC Director

What’s next

Krause will be working closely with CREC Director Mike Ostlie to develop new research initiatives and strengthen connections with local growers as she settles into her new role.

The takeaway

The appointment of Elizabeth Krause as the new Fruit Project Manager at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center ensures the continuation of the center's important work in showcasing the diverse array of hardy fruits that can be successfully grown in North Dakota's challenging climate, furthering the center's mission of supporting local agriculture and educating the public.