Volunteers - Master Gardener Program€¦ · online ques on and answer sessions using Google Hangouts on Air. Wordpress was used to manage content. Sessions included Urban Forestry

Volunteers in Horticulture

Annual Accomplishment Report of the

University of Wisconsin - ExtensionMaster Gardener Program

2015

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The Wisconsin Master Gardener Program is administered from: The Master Gardener Program Offi ce Department of Hor culture, Room 481 University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706

Program Director — Mike Maddox (608) 265-4536, [email protected] Program Coordinator — Susan Mahr (608) 265-4504, [email protected]

Program Assistant — Amy Freidig, [email protected]

A full copy of this report is available on the WI MG Program website at wimastergardener.org

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Table of ContentsProgram Highlights for 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Wisconsin MG Program Offi ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (WIMGA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Community Impacts in 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Special Report: MGVs Contribute to Wisconsin’s Food Security . . . . . . . 10

Statistical Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

County Narrative Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Marine e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Marque e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Oneida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Outagamie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Ozaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Polk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Portage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Racine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Sauk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Sawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Shawano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Sheboygan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61St. Croix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Vilas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Walworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Washburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Waukesha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Waupaca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Waushara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Winnebago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Ashland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Barron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Bayfi eld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Burne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Calumet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Chippewa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Crawford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Dane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Eau Claire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Florence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Fond du Lac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Jeff erson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Juneau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Kenosha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42La Crosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Program Highlights 2015

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The goal of the Master Gardener program is to train enthusias c volunteers to assist UW-Extension educators. Historically, Master Gardeners served as the front-line to the public by answering home garden related ques ons. MG projects now expand into the community, providing a myriad of services related to gardening and the environment (see Community Impacts 2015 on pages 8-9).

Some of the many educa onal projects and ac vi es MGVs conduct throughout Wisconsin in libraries, schools, and community centers include:

• Assis ng UW-Extension with consumer hor culture ques ons. • Providing valued educa on on numerous topics. • Ba ling invasive species and protec ng na ve plants. • Crea ng and suppor ng community gardens. • Educa ng about compos ng. • Restoring historic gardens. • Therapeu c hor culture projects. • Teaching the public about growing food. • Enhancing public spaces. • Teaching children about plants, gardening and the environment.• Working with the elderly or physically challenged adults.• Improving water quality and promo ng water conserva on.• Beau fying our communi es to enhance poten al economic development.

Master Gardener Volunteers bring a wealth of resources with them, including experience, me, and crea vity. The value of this is diffi cult to capture, but we are making an a empt to calculate the value of their contribu ons using es mated dollar values of volunteer me in Wisconsin over the years from Independent Sector, a na onally recognized source of informa on on volunteerism. UW-Extension is leveraging this contribu on of MGVs to further UW-Extension’s its mission to extend informa on into communi es statewide.

“Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

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Executive SummaryThe Master Gardener (MG) Program is an all-volunteer organiza on sanc oned by Land Grant

ins tu ons in each state and func ons as an extension of the college or university. In Wisconsin, the program is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The MG program originated in Washington State in 1972, and began in Wisconsin in the late 1970’s. Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) are trained volunteers who aid University of Wisconsin-Extension staff by helping people in the community be er understand hor culture and their environment. Local training and volunteer development is hosted by the county UW-Extension offi ce, with support and administra on provided by the State MG Program Offi ce.

The MG Program Offi ce, housed in the Department of Hor culture on the campus of UW-Madison, is the centralized loca on for administra on of the MG program. The MG Program Director, MG Program Coordinator, and MG Program Assistant work closely together to plan, organize and implement various services for county UW-Extension educators and individual MGVs in Wisconsin:• Support UW-Extension county staff and volunteers in training and volunteer development.• Create educa onal materials and host programs rela ng to hor culture and volunteer

development.• Evaluate and report impacts of UW-Extension county staff and volunteers as related to the Master

Gardener Program. • Partner with organiza ons to introduce UW-Extension and/or MG Program to new audiences. • Facilitate communica on through monthly e-newsle ers to UW-Extension county staff , volunteers,

and administra on, and website management.• Par cipate with na onal ini a ves and commi ees rela ng to MG Programs.

Examples of specifi c ac vi es in 2015:• 12 coaching calls to prepare coun es in delivering training.• 4 hands-on workshops, including 3 hor cultural therapy and 1 plant propaga on.• A ended the Na onal Extension Conference on Volunteerism.• 1 na onal presenta on on increasing the diversity of the Wisconsin MG program.• Began complete redesign of MG Program website.• Posted 35 educa onal ar cles on the MG website (a new tle every 10 days). • Delivered presenta ons for PEOPLE program, 4-H Conference, Women in STEM, others.• Produced monthly Coordinator Update and Volunteer Vibe e-newsle ers.• Par cipated in Garden Expo

and Farm Technology Days.• Developed a new Fruits

module for Level 1 training.• Developed 4 presenta ons

for Level 2 training in Flowers and Landscapes.

• Presented at State MG Conference.

The UW-Extension Master Gardener Program

YouTube Channel(all Level 1 and Level 2 training)

2014 . . . . . 2,552 hours watch me . . . = 1.3 FTE

2015 . . . . . 3,264 hours watch me . . . = 1.6 FTE

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• Collaborated with Volunteer Team for con nued development of a uniform UW-Extension Volunteer Policy and Procedure.

• Par cipated in monthly Wisconsin MG Associa on board mee ngs and twice yearly Wisconsin MG Advisory Board mee ngs.

• Evaluated 2014 Level 2 training:

The 2014 Level 2 training, Branching Out, focused on topics in urban forest management, with 277 cer fi ed MGVs registered. The program consisted of 4 pre-recorded lectures followed by online ques on and answer sessions using Google Hangouts on Air. Wordpress was used to manage content. Sessions included Urban Forestry 101, an updated overview of the status of Emerald Ash Borer in Wisconsin, Woody Plant Iden fi ca on, and Tree Plan ng. At the end of the program, par cipants were asked ques ons pertaining to changes in prac ces and how they will apply this informa on through their volunteerism. • 67% of respondents reported change in prac ce

rela ng to species selec on and urban forestry diversity.

• 58% reported change in prac ce rela ng to plan ng procedures.

• 53% have an interest in volunteering to promote species selec on and urban forestry diversity.

• 38% indicated an interest in volunteering to promote economic and environmental benefi ts of trees.

For more details on the evalua on of this Level 2 program, see blogs.ces.uwex.edu/wimastergardener/?p=1550.

“I will promote planting more trees of a greater variety.”

“I think it is crucial to get involved in activities that engage youth in tree planting.”

“I will spend more time in planning what trees and shrubs to plant.”

“This was an eye opener for me. How to translate the worth of a tree beyond its beauty!”

The Wisconsin Master Gardener Associa on (WIMGA) is an independent, statewide organiza on whose mission is to support and provide leadership to individual MGVs and local organiza ons in their mission to assist UW-Extension in community hor cultural programs through volunteerism, educa on and environmental stewardship. The WIMGA supports 53 local MG associa ons and individual MGVs. WIMGA’s Board of Directors is made up of 15 MGVs, with two Directors from each of six districts plus three Members-At-Large. Several

members of the WIMGA Board sit on the WI MG Advisory Commi ee with UW-Extension Hor culture Specialists and Agents to recommend policy for the MG program.

Some of the major accomplishments of WIMGA for 2015 include:• Conducted the 2015 Annual Mee ng at the WIMGA Conference in La Crosse, with approximately

200 MGVs a ending the conference.• Awarded a total of $5,100 in 18 Educa on Grants to local MG associa ons (four $100 grants,

six $250 grants and eight $400 grants). • Contributed $1,000 to the Wisconsin Junior Hor culture Associa on and $1000 to the Na onal

Junior Hor culture Associa on for program expenses and contest sponsorship.• Donated $3,000 to the UW-Extension Master Gardener Founda on Fund.• Provided $5,000 to Wisconsin Public Radio to sponsor Larry Meiller’s Garden Talk program.

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Master Gardener Volunteers Make a Difference

Community Impacts - 2015Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) in the state’s 72 coun es provide a tremendous resource in solving local issues, improving the quality of life in our communi es, and helping educate residents. Their work has an impact on a wide diversity of people and communi es across the state.• Assis ng UW-Extension with Consumer Hor culture Ques ons. Iron County MGVs an annual

“Master Gardener Day” at a local garden center in spring to answer customer’s home gardening ques ons. Barron County MGVs act as Plant Doctors to provide responsible answers to hor culture ques ons during the growing season at the UW-Extension offi ce, online, and at farmers markets. Dane County Plant Health Advisors (PHA), specially trained MGVs, answer gardening ques ons at community events and farmers markets, and responded to 1400 telephone and 500 email ques ons per year at the Dane County offi ce. MGVs in Pierce and St. Croix Coun es serve as a resource at fairs, farmers markets, and other events to answer ques ons from local gardeners to make them more successful. Portage County MGVs staff a booth every Saturday morning at the Farmers Market in Stevens Point to provide informa on on local problems such as late blight.

• Providing Valued Educa on. The Racine and Kenosha County MGV’s 9th annual Spring into Gardening seminar off ered sessions on trendy and tradi onal hor cultural topics for 227 people with presenta ons such as beginning vegetable gardening, backyard compos ng, and garden tool selec on. The MGVs of the North Country MG Associa on (Washburn, Sawyer and Burne Coun es) off ered seminars at the Spooner Teaching and Display Garden to share their experiences and exper se on a variety of subjects tailored to growing in a northern climate. This year’s annual spring seminar Gardening in Tune with Nature, hosted by Waushara County MGVs, off ered presenta ons on crea ng an edible landscape, alternate gardening methods and developing perennial plant communi es. The Ready, Set, Grow garden seminar off ered by Eau Claire County MGVs gave 160 people an opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening.

• Ba ling Invasive Species. Ashland County MGVs helped remove purple loosestrife and buckthorn on the Apostle Islands, educa ng residents about the importance of iden fying and controlling these plants. In Rock County, MGVs assisted the Rock County Parks system in controlling invasive weeds at various loca ons from the Ice Age Trail to the heirloom gardens at Beckman Mill.

• Promo ng Na ve Plants. Marathon County MGVs planned, implemented and maintain the wildfl ower garden at Rib Mountain State Park to inform some of the 300,000 visitors to the park about na ve plants. Brown County MGVs planted a strip of land along the Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier in Voyaguer Park in De Pere with 1,200 na ve plants to provide habitat and show the beauty of na ve plants. Vilas County MGVs assist with the 3000+ 2 Na ve Plant Demonstra on Garden at Northland Pines High School to show that na ve species can be both appealing as garden plants and useful to na ve animals.

• Maintaining Cultural Heritage. Douglas County MGVs and Master Naturalists engaged in a UW-Superior and Peoples Indigenous Task Force research project cul va ng local na ve food plants of the Ojibwa — such as white cedar, sweet fern, wild leeks, and juneberries that grow in the diverse micro climates along Lake Superior — in a controlled environment to be er understand and perserve the cul va on of these foods and cultural iden ty associated with them. Shawano County MGVs co-taught seven gardening workshops during the summer in Menominee County/Na on emphasizing prac cal informa on pertaining to local food produc on. The more than 100 total workshop a endees also learned gardening vocabulary in the Menominee language at the start of each workshop.

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• Enhancing Public Spaces. Bayfi eld County MGVs planted and maintained the gardens surrounding the Town of Namakagon Hall/Community Center to make it more a rac ve. Lincoln County MGVs planned and implemented a landscaping project in the roundabout in Merrill to transform it from a weedy eye-sore to an a rac ve entrance to town. Crawford County MGVs planted 75 trees in the Memorial Gardens on St. Feriole Island, expanded the na ve prairie garden, and planted shrubs and perennials along a new walk and bike trail there. Iron County MGVs maintain the Downtown Pocket Park in Ironwood, MI to provide an invi ng loca on for people to sit and enjoy the fl owers and birds, or even use the site for wedding photos. Dunn County MGVs planted and maintained the fl ower garden at the Veterans Memorial in Menomonie used for various events.

• Educa ng about Seed Saving. Sauk County MGVs off ered fi ve classes at the Baraboo Public Library related to gardening to generate more interest in the Baraboo Seed Saver Library MGVs started last year. MGVs in Western Wisconsin par cipated in a training workshop on seed saving so they will be able to educate others about the proper methods for saving seeds.

• Teaching about Compos ng. Columbia County MGVs taught vermicompos ng and tradi onal compos ng at several loca ons, including at a family library event, where children were able to handle worms and see how a worm-bin is made. The compos ng display created by Dane County MGVs at Dane County Farm Technology Days had a poten al audience of over 45,000. One of the sessions in the very popular Master Gardener Presents series off ered by Outagamie County MGVs at the Appleton Public Library was on compos ng this year.

• Providing Scholarships to Encourage Students in Hor culture. The Glacial Gardeners MG Associa on in Florence County has awarded over $8,300 since 2004 to students studying hor culture-related fi elds. Walworth County MGVs presented two $1,000 scholarships to area high school graduates going on for degrees in hor culture studies. Calumet County MGVs use the proceeds of their plant sale for scholarships.

• Teaching Children About Gardening. Brown County MGVs taught children about pollinators in the West Side YMCA Children’s Garden. Florence County MGVs off er a children’s ac vity at their local expo, where children can plant seeds in small decorated pots to take home and grow. Jeff erson County MGVs bought kid-sized tools to use in their new Kids Garden in Lake Mills for a er school and programs on growing plants. In Lincoln County, MGVs have a wheelbarrow garden project for kids to display ornamental plants in wheelbarrows at the county fair and elsewhere.

• Conserving Threatened Species. MGVs in many coun es have planted bu erfl y gardens to assist various species, and in par cular have planted milkweeds as host plants for the monarch bu erfl y. MGVs have registered gardens in Chippewa, Fond du Lac, and Winnebago Coun es as cer fi ed Monarch WaySta ons. Sauk County MGVs started a Monarch Trail at the Reedsburg Historical Society, plan ng two acres of plants used by monarch bu erfl ies. In Jackson County, MGVs planted large plots in a community garden with 5 species of milkweed to assist monarchs.

• Maintaining Demonstra on Gardens. Waukesha County MGVs maintain Eble Park’s vegetable garden, with all produce donated to the local food pantry, and the garden itself provides an example of a layout for large home gardens. The Garden Door is the Door County MG Associa on’s public demonstra on garden that has become a des na on in Sturgeon Bay, with over 8,000 visitors this summer. In Chippewa County, MGVs focus on pollinators in the demonstra on garden at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair.

• Water Quality and Conserva on. Polk County MGVs fi ed eight 55 gallon barrels as rain barrels to sell to residents to help reduce local runoff pollu on and erosion, as well as conserve water. Clark County MGVs off er rain barrel workshops, while Burne County MGVs helped install a rain garden near a new library addi on in conjunc on with local high school science class.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Beets… Oh MY!MGVs Contribute to Wisconsin’s Food Security

Hunger and food insecurity are real problems for Wisconsin families. Statewide, over 573,800 people live in households that do not have access at all mes to enough food for an ac ve, healthy life. This is a par cular problem among the 13.2% of Wisconsin ci zens that live in poverty and even for those whose incomes are considered above the poverty line. It is es mated that 11% of households in Wisconsin are food insecure, 15% have par cipated in the Supplemental Nutri on Assistance Program (SNAP), and 43 percent of public school students in K–12 were eligible for free or reduced price meals (from Wisconsin Ins tute for Research on Poverty, www.irp.wisc.edu).

University of Wisconsin-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers work in local communi es to raise awareness about food insecurity, to help families gain knowledge and skills to grow some of their own food, and make direct dona ons to food pantries and other organiza ons. Donated vegetables or the ability to grow their own food helps maintain the health of lower income families, seniors, and others experiencing diffi cult economic or personal situa ons.

Produce DonationsIn most coun es there is an exis ng system of food pantries and excess food distribu on systems

that MGVs have linked to. MGVs have donated amazing amounts of fresh produce locally. Milwaukee County MGVs donated more than 3550 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables from a variety of gardens to area food pantries. MGVs in Pierce and St. Croix coun es started the Community Garden in New Richmond in 2000 and donates all produce to food pantries, senior centers, homeless shelters and other places in need. Waushara County MGVs plant and maintain four raised beds at the Hancock Ag Research Sta on, dona ng the harvest to their local food pantry. In La Crosse County, MGVs helped others grow 35,000 pounds of produce for dona on in the Kane Street Community Garden.

Some of this donated food has been produced through Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) or similar programs. Marque e County MGVs have handed out seeds at many community events every spring for many years. Juneau County MGVs help the 5 food pantries in their county by encouraging contribu ons of personal garden surplus as well as giving a $100 dona on from the MG Associa on to each pantry annually. Sheboygan County MGVs partnered with other gardeners to help establish,

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grow and harvest a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for their county’s Meals on Wheels program. Produce grown by Door County MGVs in The Garden Next Door, the community garden adjacent to The Garden Door, is donated to local food pantries, schools and the Boys and Girls Club.

Community GardensAll across the state community gardens encourage individuals to become more self-suffi cient

by producing some of their own food, and numerous MGVs are involved with crea ng, developing and maintaining community gardens. Many of these community gardens are used by lower income families with no access to garden space in their homes.

Clark County MGVs helped establish the Neillsville Community Garden three years ago, followed the next year by new gardens in Abbotsford and Dorchester. Potatoes grown there were donated for the Neillsville Community Thanksgiving Dinner. A community garden started and coordinated by Marine e County MGVs gets families, youth and the en re community involved by including them in the overall process from planning to harvest. Excitement from the children is obvious when they get to taste the fi rst bean of the season or get to take fresh veggies home to share. The food grown in this garden is shared at a harvest picnic for everyone in the community to come together; all other produce not consumed by the growers is donated.The Eau Claire Area MG Associa on has supported their Community Garden Rental Plots by providing funds to build fences and MGVs help harvest produce for dona on to local food pantries. Ozaukee County MGVs support eight community gardens that are intended for garden members to ”grow their own”. In all of the gardens surplus produce is donated and some have plots designated for pantries. Columbia County MGVs are involved in suppor ng three of the fi ve community gardens in the county, off ering pest/disease advice, building fences, maintaining edges and pathways, and answering a variety of ques ons. Chippewa County MGVs were one of several partners that helped establish the Chippewa Falls Community Garden at Marshall Park in 2009. In 2010 another community garden was added in the city of Bloomer. There are 52 available plots that are consistently leased each year, and several community organiza ons reserve plots for their programs.

In Rock County, a MGV leads the Community Sharing Garden located in an urban neighborhood in Beloit. Gardens built on several abandoned home lots have become a valued sharing garden that neighbors and community members can harvest from as needed. The popular fall pumpkin pain ng program brings children from throughout Beloit to enjoy the harvest and vegetables. Wood County MGVs have helped establish 80 community garden plots in 3 loca ons in Marshfi eld and 64 plots in one loca on in Wisconsin Rapids, where they teach gardeners how to grow produce, and harvest and donate excess food to local food pantries. Barron County MGVs contribute to food security by providing Community Grants to organiza ons for community gardens, educa on and youth programs. In 2015, Dane County MGVs and Extension staff worked with The Gardens Network which assumed management of community gardens in Dane County (that had previously been managed by a regional non-profi t) to provide licenses, seeds, access to water, compost and MGV assistance. Monthly learning sessions were held in various community gardens and a Community Garden ‘Match-making’ event linked garden leaders with MGVs who volunteer at community gardens.

Garden of GivingCommunity gardening to provide fresh produce for families in need has been a part of the MGV focus in Racine since 1999. The Garden of Giving has been growing since 2008, and has increased produc on each year despite challenges with late blight, powdery mildew, and other problems that are addressed using organic methods. In 2015 the garden yielded 6,338 pounds of produce which was distributed through the Racine County Food Bank. The Teaching Garden is the companion garden at the Food Bank where 16 free garden classes were held over the summer for the public.

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In many of these community gardens, MGVs not only grow produce, but also assist others to become gardeners by providing materials, informa on, and support. In Washington County, MGVs handed out free vegetable seeds at their two community gardens and helped those who were star ng to grow vegetables for the fi rst me. MGVs in Shawano County hosted a fi ve session gardening series at the Dreams of Green Community Garden in Shawano in 2014 (25 a endees)and a seven session gardening series in Menominee County/Na on in 2015 (100 a endees).

And of course, most of these gardens are mul -purpose, combining educa on with produc on for dona on. Produce from a number of MGV-supported gardens in Burne , Washburn and Sawyer Coun es are used to provide local students with a taste of the gardens and allowing local residents to taste test the varie es. These gardens also provide produce for the local food pantries.

School GardensMany MG groups have established and maintain gardens at schools, alone or in partnership

with the school administra on. Marine e County MGVs are involved, at various levels, with several school gardens. These gardens have been created, children educated, parents get involved, and the surrounding community is invited to take part. Green County MGVs are ac ve in school gardens that contribute food to the school cafeteria for use in lunches. Youth are involved in the plan ng, growing, and harves ng in the garden. Waupaca County MGVs taught high school students about growing fruit and vegetables on 1½ acres owned by the school, and produce grown there is shared in the lunch program at the school, with local food pantries and senior meal sites. MGVs in Green County guided students in plan ng seeds and seeldings in the New Glarus School Garden. Kenosha County MGVs educate students about plant parts, garden tasks, and healthy ea ng in the Cur s Strange Elementary School Garden while Grant County MGVs work with students in the Highland Elementary School.

Helping Others Grow FoodMGVs in Adams and Marque e Coun es have their own annual fruit tree sales that not only

raise funds for scholarships or educa onal programs in their communi es, but encourages people to grow their own food. Combined they distributed over 1,400 fruit trees and more than 2480 small

fruit/asparagus plants to 390 families this year. Dodge County MGVs had a display about the Square Foot Gardening method at the county fair, including educa onal materials, to encourage others to try growing their own produce on a small scale. Dodge County MGVs built rela onships with residents of senior, low-income housing in three diff erent communi es as they visited weekly to teach them about container gardening, plan ng vegetables, and healthy ea ng. The addi on of a 200 2 greenhouse to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry garden has encouraged clients of the pantry to grow their own food, with Oneida County MGVs providing advice on how to plant and grow vegetables.

Grant County MGVs assisted in star ng and teaching a gardening program at the Correc onal Ins tu on in Prairie du Chien. Rock County MGVs

work with inmates in the Rock County Educa on and Criminal Addic ons Program (RECAP) gardens to grow produce that is used for a weekly market, a small-scale CSA, and for dona ons to Rock County food banks. The Winnebago County Parkview Nursing Home Vegetable Garden u lizes accessible

Jail Garden ThrivingThe Dunn County Jail Garden was started in 2010 to allow Huber/Work Release inmates and volunteers to grow produce for dona on to the Stepping Stones Food Pantry. Five seasons later, the garden has expanded to 34,000 2 surrounded by a permanent fence. Over 12,000 lbs. of vegetables (from beets to zucchini) and fruit (from apples to strawberries) have been delivered to the food pantry. Dunn County MGVs have been providing assistance from the beginning, helping with soil sampling, garden layout, and providing educa on to the inmates on plan ng, growing and harves ng the 18 diff erent types of vegetable plants and 4 types of fruit.

13

raised beds and trellises constructed by MGVs to grow a variety of vegetables that can be sampled by residents with mobility issues. On Tuesday a ernoons many residents visit the gardens to sample the produce (and o en share their own gardening or farming experiences) while the MGVs make small bouquets for each resident.

Teaching About Growing FoodGrowing and dona ng produce only fulfi lls an immediate need, and does not off er a long-term

solu on to the problem of hunger, food security and adequate nutri on. The MG Program emphasizes community educa on as an important component of its volunteer mission, and many groups have educa on programs in this area.

Many of these gardening programs are focused on youth. Price County MGVs teach elementary school classes how to grow and harvest vegetables. Eau Claire County MGVs have Youth Gardens in two public parks where they teach children how to care for a garden and use the produce in nutri ous meals and snacks. Vilas County MGVs off er a fun interac ve display at the all-county 6th grade posi ve alterna ve conference each year to introduce youth to gardening, tas ng, and growing their own vegetables with topics including vermicompos ng, micro greens, and green monster smoothies using a bike blender — each kid had the opportunity to ride a bike around the parking lot with an a ached blender.

Columbia County MGVs have taught short classes in growing vegetables in containers at farmers’ markets, at local food pantries and at their spring seminar especially targeted towards people who live in apartments or without space for a tradi onal garden. MGVs from Milwaukee and Waukesha Coun es teach people to grow, cook and understand food’s impact on health/wellness at NuGenesis Farm in Oconomowoc in gardening classes and demonstra ons of various gardening techniques. Jackson County MGVs planned and facilitated two workshops on fruit produc on for over 100 people.

Demonstration GardensPeople are not always able to a end programs, but o en will visit gardens to get ideas. Many

MG groups maintain demonstra on gardens to show what is successful in their area, and highlight proper techniques. The focus of the Kenosha County Center Demonstra on Garden has always been displaying edible ornamentals, so adding na onally recognized AAS winning vegetables (and fl owers) complemented the original garden area. This garden not only displays how to grow edibles, it also produces vegetables for use in programming by nutri on educators and for dona ng to local food pantries. At Harmony Arboretum in Marine e, MGVs have educa onal sessions that focus on various vegetable trials and demonstra ons showing diff erent techniques such as ming of plan ng, plan ng depth and diff erent management prac ces. All food that is harvested is donated locally. The Learning Garden at the Outagamie County UW-Extension grounds, started by MGVs in 2013, demonstrates what can be done in a small space that would fi t into the normal urban landscape. Teams of MGVs design and maintain the 4 plots, and this year they partnered with Goodwill Industries to establish a series of 6 public classes on vegetable gardening.

These are just a few examples of the many ways MGVs throughout Wisconsin are working to help reduce the issues of hunger and food insecurity in our communi es. Read more stories about the success of MGVs working with people in their communi es on the following pages.

Can I Please Have More Kale?For the past 3 years Portage County MGVs have teamed up with the local YMCA to maintain 26 raised beds of vegetables. Twice per week, an average of 50 preschool and young school age students are taught about vegetable growing, as well as nutri on. Success is measured by kids consuming fi s uls of green beans, peas, broccoli, kohlrabi and cucumbers. Teachers express disbelief when students are asking for more vegetables when at lunch they turned up their nose at the same thing!

14

Statistical Report: 2015 MG Volunteer, Continuing Education and Certifi cation Records

This informa on represents 3,114 records submi ed by 68 coun es. All hours are listed as whole numbers. Any frac ons were rounded down to the nearest whole number. The Cer fi ed MGVs column represent those MGVs who completed the minimum volunteer and con nuing educa on hours and other requirements for cer fi ca on or recer fi ca on for 2016. The totals by county are also depicted on page 16.

Sta s cal Informa on for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2015 (as of November 20, 2015)

County

WIMGAMembersin 2015

YouthEducation

Hours

CommunityEducation

Hours

SupportServices

Hours

TotalVolunteer

Hours

ContinuingEducation

Hours

Certifi edfor

2016

Adams 14 66 35 726 827 296 15

Ashland 13 36 108 686 831 252 13

Barron 57 153 343 1509 2006 1024 37

Bayfi eld 19 36 108 686 831 252 13

Brown 88 207 310 3767 4284 1308 69

Burnett 10 12 3 659 674 163 9

Calumet 32 147 670 1070 1887 492 28

Chippewa 48 49 183 904 1136 341 21

Clark 16 24 62 669 756 323 13

Columbia 35 85 347 1214 1647 529 34

Crawford 16 42 94 1722 1858 308 13

Dane 312 579 2026 14159 16764 3959 217

Dodge 36 240 722 2241 3203 859 40

Door 130 136 373 8202 8711 2281 111

Douglas 29 5 128 829 962 577 18

Dunn 25 33 127 493 653 218 16

Eau Claire 48 73 349 2290 2712 1327 46

Florence 22 94 539 2348 2981 638 23

Fond du Lac 94 443 467 5165 6075 1883 64

Forest 2 15 265 59 339 102 2

Grant 24 77 374 3416 3868 477 24

Green 42 70 185 1601 1856 558 36

Green Lake 2 0 0 58 58 23 2

Iowa 14 25 60 339 424 204 9

Iron 18 35 29 388 452 199 9

Jackson 10 23 770 358 1151 125 8

Jefferson 29 704 732 1481 2917 851 39

Juneau 37 85 61 792 938 493 19

Kenosha 53 612 1194 3112 4919 1944 46

Kewaunee 19 16 69 475 560 213 11

La Crosse 92 366 224 3876 4466 1235 60

Lafayette 8 2 160 192 355 122 6

Langlade 4 62 54 179 296 187 5

Lincoln 0 23 40 122 185 55 4

Manitowoc 31 15 207 1667 1890 713 29

— table con nued on page 15 —

15

County

WIMGAMembersin 2015

YouthEducation

Hours

CommunityEducation

Hours

SupportServices

Hours

TotalVolunteer

Hours

ContinuingEducation

Hours

Certifi edfor

2016

Marathon 67 69 676 3494 4239 1076 58

Marinette 53 100 314 4400 4814 654 38

Marquette 25 10 35 710 755 273 12

Milwaukee 359 2175 7704 4507 14398 3964 239

Monroe 1 12 38 486 536 104 5

Oconto 0 2 0 18 20 10 0

Oneida 29 66 88 1569 1723 567 26

Outagamie 142 190 826 9708 10717 2641 107

Ozaukee 160 144 650 6079 6873 2137 105

Pierce 65 178 444 2882 3505 1247 44

Polk 27 30 138 488 657 273 19

Portage 64 423 1412 1518 3353 829 60

Price 1 167 133 960 1261 228 10

Racine 130 612 1194 3112 4919 1944 117

Richland 1 2 7 81 90 27 2

Rock 72 378 302 2041 2722 957 47

Rusk 12 3 76 267 346 107 7

Sauk 80 64 371 2323 2758 792 31

Sawyer 5 3 86 87 176 65 2

Shawano 21 55 328 1305 1688 494 17

Sheboygan 105 69 468 3952 4489 1320 70

St. Croix 138 178 444 2882 3505 1247 95

Taylor 9 0 7 166 173 86 3

Trempealeau 0 6 28 39 73 13 1

Vernon 2 21 26 37 85 24 2

Vilas 21 116 119 614 849 441 13

Walworth 64 342 479 3910 4731 1424 74

Washburn 27 121 55 779 955 293 13

Washington 55 142 274 2050 2466 869 36

Waukesha 294 2175 7704 4507 14398 3964 234

Waupaca 45 351 255 2125 2732 662 35

Waushara 55 30 307 2697 3034 942 37

Winnebago 144 170 966 6554 7690 2185 104

Wood 131 185 282 6926 7393 1792 75

TOTALS 3833 13190 37668 150741 201615 58200 2844

Note: The columns do not add up exactly to the same as the totals, as any frac ons were rounded down to the nearest whole number in the columns, but those frac ons were included when calcula ng the totals.

Sta s cal Informa on for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2015 (as of November 20) — cont.

16

962 831

831

452

849

674 955 176

1261 1723 339

2981

4814657 2006 346

173

4239

296

3505

3505

1136

2712 7561688

—— 8711

5601071727323353

73934284

1890188776903034827

938

1151

5364466

85

901858

3868

2758 1647

75558 6075 4489

3203 —— 6873

——1439814398291716764

424

355 1856 2722 47314919

4919

2466

Total Volunteer Hours for Coun es par cipa ng in the Wisconsin MG Program, 2015(as of November 20, 2015)

County Narrative ReportsOn the following pages are reports for 54 of the 68 coun es that submi ed hours. These reports include sta s cal informa on, including the value of MGV service; three success stories; and a list of places where MGVs are ac ve in the county. These are intended to provide a brief snapshot of some of the most signifi cant ac vi es of MGVs in their county, and relay more about local ac vi es than what is included in the execu ve summary and short list of community impacts. The monetary value of MGV contribu ons locally is also included both for 2015 and cumula vely since 2000 (or the year the program started in that county if a er 2000). These calcula ons were made using es mated dollar values of volunteer me in Wisconsin over the years from Independent Sector, a na onally recognized source of informa on on volunteerism.

653

20

185

73

17

University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA.

The Master Gardener Program in

Adams County

Adams County UWEX Offi ce569 North Cedar Street, Suite 3Adams, WI 53910adams.uwex.edu

Volunteer Service in 2015Youth Ed 66 hoursAdult Ed 35 hoursSupport 726 hoursTotal 827 hoursValue* $18,404

Since 2000: 18,949 hours at a value of over $334,795

* using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.24 per hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates.

Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Adams Co.

• Public Library/Community Center • Semi-annual fruit tree sale• Adams County Fair Booth• Adams County Hospital fl ower pots• Community Center fl agpole landscaping• County fair grounds garden• Annual Brat Fry• Highway trash pickup

The Master Gardener Program in Adams County started in 1997. Over 170 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 15 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Ken Cleveland.Elementary School Learning Garden MGVs provided seeds and training to help educate local elementary school students on proper garden prepara on and seed plan ng in their seasonal garden. Vegetables included cherry tomatoes, carrots, squash and pumpkins. Once harvested, the vegetables were displayed in the principal’s offi ce to show the success of the garden. A erwards, the students could pick and take home their favorite vegetables to enjoy with their families. 40 students gained be er access to healthy food and learned how to grow their own plants.Tree and Fruit Sale Educates ConsumersOur fruit and tree sale, with pricing that makes these plants aff ordable to a wide range of people, raises funds for our student scholarship program and encourages people to grow their own food. Over 250 families purchased more than 300 fruit trees and over 1,980 asparagus, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry and grape plants. Many families with children par cipated and MGVs answered ques ons about the plants so each family would have a be er chance to reap the benefi ts of a frui ul garden. Adams Co. Fair BoothThe focus of the fair booth was all about fl owering plants. Parents and children were allowed to pick out small annual plants and pots, and then MGVs showed them how to properly plant them. These ac vi es were was supported and paid for by our local partner Ace Hardware. More than 500 plants were po ed and given away along with 100’s of free seed packets. It was a huge success and we hope to con nue this as an annual event to reach and excite more people and children about hor culture.

18



Ashland County

Ashland County UWEX Offi ce201 Main Street WestAshland, WI, 54806ashland.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Ashland Co.

• Madeline Island na ve areas• Farm and Garden Show in Ashland• Elementary school gardens• Menard Park, Ashland• H. Pearson Park, Ashland• Ashland County Fair

The Master Gardener Program in Ashland County started in 1992. Over 160 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 13 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Ma Cogger.City Park Plan ngs RejuvenatedMGVs worked to restore and improve a central park area in Ashland overlooking Lake Superior where residents and tourists frequently walk or ride bicycles. They planted many perennials and shrubs to provide year round color and interest. Funding for the plants and shrubs was provided by the City, the Ashland-Bayfi eld MG Associa on, and dona ons from local ci zens. Na ve shrubs, grasses and perennials were added to a ract bu erfl ies, birds and pollinators as well as educate the public on na ve plants. Plant markers have been added. Many favorable comments have been made on the beauty of the park and how it has become the “heart of the City” again since it was constructed 6 years ago.Invasive Species Control Improves Environment A MGV cut and sprayed purple loosestrife along roadways, and at the marina and marsh on Madeline Island, as well as educated ci zens on how to iden fy purple loosestrife, the importance of cu ng back blossoms (bagging and burning) and providing some control through spraying. The MGV also worked on a project to iden fy and control buckthorn on the Island, again educa ng about iden fying and controlling buckthorn. Many said they did not realize how out of control the buckthorn was.Tri-Fold Display Educates About MG ProgramMGVs purchased a tri-fold display board, and planned and designed the display. Through photos, word and ar s c expression, they highlighted the purpose, details of experiences, ac ons and ac vi es of the MG group. The display was unveiled at the Farm & Garden Show and Dairy Breakfast this past March to inform the public about the MG program.

19



Barron County

Barron County UWEX Offi ce335 E Monroe Avenue, Room 2206Barron, WI 54812barron.uwex.edu

Volunteer Service in 2015Youth Ed 153 hoursAdult Ed 343 hoursSupport 1,509 hoursTotal 2,006 hoursValue* $44,613



Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Barron Co.

• Barron County Fair Grounds• Pioneer Village Museum• Benjamin’s House, Rice Lake• Barron Community Garden Park• Rice Lake Farmer’s Market• Spring Garden Expo• Barron Co. MGA Plant Sale

The Master Gardener Program in Barron County started in 1994. Over 205 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 37 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Ag/Hort/Natural Resources Agent Tim Jergenson.Spring Expo Promotes Hor culture MGVs host the annual Spring Expo to encourage, foster, support and promote hor culture for all residents of Barron County. Topics featured in 2015 included designing container gardens, vegetable varie es for northwest Wisconsin, iden fying diseases in vegetables and herbaceous plants, and growing green sustainable gardens. MGVs encouraged the record a endance of 168 people to use the informa on to enhance the gardens in their yards and throughout their communi es. Plant Doctors Answer Ques onsIn its second year, MGVs again worked with UWEX to answer ques ons at the Rice Lake Farmers Market. MGVs were available with resource materials to answer ques ons on plant problems and diseases. Displays included a sampling of herbs for touch and smell and examples of common diseases. A log book was kept to track concerns in the area. This year a hot spot was available so we had internet access to help answer ques ons. Many market patrons, knowing the booth was open every Saturday, brought in pictures and samples for easier iden fi ca on.Pioneer Village Museum Garden EducatesMGVs annually plant a vegetable garden with a historical theme at the Pioneer Village Museum to teach the thousands of visitors to the museum about their local food heritage and culture. This year’s theme was a World War II Victory Garden—gardens created to produce as much food as possible and to give those at home a chance to do their part for the war eff ort. In addi on, a 1000 2 rain garden was created with na ve prairie plants and donated boulders.

20



Bayfi eld County

Bayfi eld County UWEX Offi ce117 E 5th StreetWashburn, WI 54891bayfi eld.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Bayfi eld Co.

• Bayfi eld County Fair• Booth at Bayfi eld in Bloom• Namakagon Community Center garden• Forest Lodge• Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center• Washburn School Gardens and High

Tunnel

The Master Gardener Program in Bayfi eld County started in 1996. Over 95 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 13 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Ma Cogger.County Fair Booth Promotes Birds and Insects The focus of the blue ribbon-winning MGV booth at the County Fair was A rac ng Bu erfl ies and Hummingbirds. It included 30 diff erent shrubs, perennials, annuals and vines that would a ract bu erfl ies and hummingbirds. Also included were hummingbird feeders, a bu erfl y house, a puddling area for bu erfl ies and a miniature bird bath. Brochures on bu erfl y gardens, hummingbird gardens, and a recipe card for hummingbird feeding were provided. Many viewers said they plan to grow areas to a ract bu erfl ies and hummingbirds now. Community Center Gardens Beau fi edMGVs purchased and planted annuals, perennials and bulbs for gardens surrounding the Town of Namakagon Hall/Community Center. They also raised a variety of annuals such as zinnias, nastur um and cleome to add to the plan ng. They maintained these gardens throughout the summer by watering, weeding, deadheading, and maintaining the water system. Favorable comments were received regarding the added beauty provided by the gardens.Reinvigora ng the Forest Lodge Facility GroundsMGVs worked with other volunteers at Forest Lodge, an 870 acre estate on the south shore of Lake Namakagon. The complex was gi ed to the American people to preserve and enjoy and was added to the Na onal Register of Historic Places in 2002. The grounds had been neglected for a number of years, so volunteers weeded and worked some plots. MGVs also provided valuable advice for other partners on renova ng the landscaping.

21



Brown County

Brown County UWEX Offi ce1150 Bellevue StreetGreen Bay, WI 54302brown.uwex.edu


Since 2000: 66,328 hours at a value of over $1,167,534


Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Brown Co.

• GB Bot. Garden Small Space Garden• Brown County Extension Grounds • YMCA-Howard Children’s Garden• De Pere Riverwalk & Wildlife Viewing

Pier’s Na ve Garden• St. Philip Church Square Foot Garden• St. Mark’s Church Community Garden• Central Library Children’s Garden

The Master Gardener Program in Brown County started in 1979. Over 300 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 69 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Vijai Pandian.Na ve Plants on the Riverwalk MGVs planted over 1,200 na ve plants on the Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier in Voyageur Park along the Fox River in De Pere. About half of a narrow strip of land 180 feet long just south of the lock tenders’ house has been planted with a cover crop that will be lled under next spring and more na ve plants will fi nish off the strip. Two 11x40 foot vegetated mats placed next to the lock tenders’ house pa o are fi lled with hundreds of pre-planted na ve fl ora that will enhance the area and provide wildlife habitat.YMCA Children’s Garden ReconstructedDue to city construc on, the Howard YMCA Children’s Garden had to be moved and reconstructed. The new garden has ten raised beds, two arbors, and two long perennial planters (one insulated and one not insulated as a test for overwintering the perennials), and a “worksta on” to assist with teaching the children. The theme was pollina on, so MGVs planted fl owers, both perennials and annuals, to bring in pollinators.Unity Hospice Garden RevampedMGVs redid the weedy and overgrown bu erfl y garden at Unity Hospice and Pallia ve Care Center this summer. Cup plants were dug out with some replanted in a swampy edge. Bu erfl y weeds, smooth aster, Mexican hyssop, and echinacea were planted to serve as larval host and adult food plants for monarchs. Plants came from MGVs’ home gardens and from a dona on by an MGV in her mother’s name. We are in the process of registering this garden as an offi cial Monarch Waysta on.

22



Burnett County

Burnett County UWEX Offi ce7410 County Road K, #107Siren, WI 54872burnett.wisc.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Burnett Co.

• Forts Folle Avione Historic Park• Grantsburg Library• Webster Elementary School Garden• Webster Library• Lake Lutheran Church• Burne County Farmers Market• Olsen Drive, Grantsburg• Burne Garden Club

The Master Gardener Program in Burne County started in 1999. Over 47 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 9 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Kevin Schoessow.Gardens Around Historic Site Provide Educa on MGVs maintain several gardens at Fort Folle Avoine Historic Park, a County-owned facility located near Webster, that feature na ve plants, heirloom vegetables, herbs, perennials, and cut fl owers. These gardens and other perennial landscape plan ngs around the historic buildings provide a wonderful educa onal experience for local and out-of-town visitors.Introducing Kids to Growing and Ea ng VeggiesMGVs guided students at the Webster Elementary School Garden in lessons on gardening to last a life me. Last spring K-4 classes took turns plan ng

seeds and cu ng up potatoes to plant. During summer school some of the early vegetables were used for lunches. This fall potatoes were dug up—it was like a scavenger hunt. Then the nutri onist baked them for the whole school to try. Students have been introduced to vegetables that they’ve never tried before and have been inspired to start gardens at home. Farmer’s Market Educates ConsumersBurne County Farmers’ Markets (BCFM)—a community organiza on of local farmers that provides access to fresh, locally grown produce—began at Siren in 2007. Since that me MGVs have been invited to serve 4 addi onal market loca ons. Samples are provided at the Siren market to pique customer interest and to provide new ideas for seasonal foods. Since BCFM is a licensed WIC organiza on and authorized vendors accept WIC vouchers, many lower-income residents are ge ng useful informa on on how to prepare more nutri ous foods for their families.

23



Calumet County

Calumet County UWEX Offi ceCourthouse, 206 Court StreetChilton, WI 53014calumet.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Calumet Co.

• CMC Community Garden• Chilton Flower Bed• Calumet County Fairgrounds• Chilton Public Library• Brillion Public Library • New Holstein Public Library • Chilton Op mist River Walk• Calumet County Court House

The Master Gardener Program in Calumet County started in 1991. Over 92 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 28 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Ag Agent Eric Ronk.Workshops Off ered at Community Garden This year MGVs started off ering educa onal workshops at the community garden that was established last year in partnership with the Calumet Medical Center (CMC) and MGVs. Individuals and groups are invited to plant vegetables and fl owers in 15 x 20 plots near the CMC. Workshop topics included planning your garden, choosing your garden transplants and hardening them off , preserving your herbs and produce, and pu ng your garden to bed for the winter.Plant Sale Profi t Used for ScholarshipsOur 22nd annual plant sale was held in mid-May at the Calumet County Fairgrounds, off ering numerous annuals, vegetable and herb plants, geraniums, accent plants, hanging baskets, and perennials. Funds raised at the sale are used for opera ng expenses and educa onal opportuni es for MGVs, as well as to off er scholarships to local students con nuing their educa on in a hor cultural fi eld.FFA Show JudgedCalumet Co. Ag Agent Eric Ronk, Family Living Educator Paula Hella, and MGV Byron Hacker were judges for the annual New Holstein FFA/FFA Alumni Crop/Garden and Food Show. There were 39 exhibitors, which entered 250 entries in 39 diff erent categories. A er the entries were judged, over 50 par cipants stayed to learn about the jus fi ca on of the placings, with MGVs off ering expanded explana ons of diff erent growing techniques, iden fying some of the more unusual vegetables, and answering many other ques ons about the entries and hor culture in general.

24



Chippewa County

Chippewa County UWEX Offi ce711 North Bridge StreetChippewa Falls, WI 54729chippewa.uwex.edu

Volunteer Service in 2015Youth Ed 49 hoursAdult Ed 183 hoursSupport 904 hoursTotal 1,136 hoursValue* $25,276



Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Chippewa Co.

• Annual Think Spring garden seminar • Junior Gardeners Community Garden• Northern Wisconsin State Fair• Community Garden, Marhall Park• Comm. Garden, Mayo Health System• Pollinator Garden, Bateman English

Lutheran Church• Bluebird nest boxes on 2 bike trails

The Master Gardener Program in Chippewa County started in 1999. Over 210 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 21 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Jerry Clark.Demonstra on Pollinator Garden CreatedMGVs completed the 2015 phase of the Northern WI State Fair Pollinator Demonstra on Garden In August. The Monarch Waysta on bu erfl y garden was planted, bloomed, and hosted its fi rst painted lady caterpillar. A songbird shrub garden is also doing well, and a 308 2 plot is covered with newspaper, mulched, and ready to be planted in the spring. Since the fairgrounds are used throughout the summer, the garden will have high visibility and poten al to educate the public about pollinators.Junior Gardeners Learn at the Bloomer LibraryAs part of a healthy living campaign, Mayo Clinic teamed with the Bloomer Public Library and MGVs to provide a Junior Gardening Program at the library this summer. Children met weekly for a brief lesson to learn gardening ps from MGVs; planted and tended plants in the Bloomer Community Gardens; and refl ected on their experience at the garden. Journal entries were recorded on the weather condi ons and the growth of the plants. Junior Gardeners ended their last session with a Garden Party at an assisted living facility where they shared their produce with the residents.Community Gardens BoothMGVs, in collabora on with other partners, provided community gardening opportuni es for residents in Bloomer and Chippewa Falls with 52 garden plots and 6 raised beds. MGVs provided leadership and organiza onal components for the program that included 41 individuals and eleven organiza ons this year. The community gardens are a sustainable addi on to the city park system that is a des na on for city residents and visitors.

25



Clark County

Clark Co. UW-Extension Offi ce517 Court St. Room 104Neillsville, WI 54456www.co.clark.wi.us




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Clark Co.

• The Highground• Neillsville Community Garden• Abbotsford Community Garden• Dorchester Community Garden• Clark County Courthouse• Clark County Fairgrounds• Clark County Humane Society• Neillsville Public Library

The Master Gardener Program in Clark Co. started in 1997. Over 115 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 13 cer fi ed Master

Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Crops/Soils Agent Richard Halopka.MGVs Share Research and Informa on Whether the topic was square foot or straw bale gardening, compos ng, or rain barrels, MGVs shared research and informa on with community members. Structured presenta ons were held in May and October while informal gatherings provided answers to ques ons and detailed informa on on compos ng and rain barrel construc on and benefi ts. A booth at the Clark County Fair showcased individual plants and containers, as well as rain and compos ng barrels. Using email for the Ask the Master Gardener program allowed frustrated gardeners to get answers much more quickly to their ques ons on plant ID, diseases, pests, and more.Enhancing the Clark Co. CourthouseTwo enormous planters greet people as they enter the Clark County Courthouse. The planters were replanted with sweet potato vine, Wave® petunias, geraniums, salvia, and millet. Because of regular watering, fer lizing, and deadheading, the colorful gardens looked great all summer, making the entrance more welcoming to visitors and employees alike. Numerous courthouse employees expressed apprecia on for the a rac ve display. Library Garden ImprovedSince all visitors to the Neillsville Library pass a perennial garden between it and the city parking lot, MGVs decided to renovate this neglected area. In early April plants were li ed, sorted, divided, and replanted in more appropriate loca ons a er the soil was tested and amended. The result was a lovely garden fi lled with labeled, healthy plants that thrive in Zone 4. Library patrons now enjoy perusing the garden and fi nding inspira on for their own gardens.

26



Columbia County

Columbia County UWEX Offi ce120 E Conant Street, Suite 201Portage, WI 53901columbia.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Columbia Co.

• Pauque e Park in Portage• Portage Post Offi ce• Tivoli Nursing Home in Portage• Columbus Library• 4-H Planter Night at Link’s Greenhouse• Plant Sale at Tractor Supply Co in Portage• Poyne e Farmers’ Market• The Museum at the Portage

The Master Gardener Program in Columbia County started in 1999. Over 215 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 34 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent George Koepp.Micro-farmers Eat VegetablesTwo hundred and six elementary students at three schools grew salad greens in their classrooms for six weeks this year in the Micro-farm Project. MGVs helped them learn what plants need to grow and showed them how to plant the seeds for fast-growing greens. Learning that carrot and radish leaves are edible is always a surprise, and when they occasionally fi nd a small radish to add to the salad, there is excitement! Almost all students are willing to try the salad they have grown, and express interest in growing vegetables at home a er this project.Worms Eat Our GarbageVermicompos ng and tradi onal compos ng was taught by MGVs at several loca ons this year. At a family library event, children were able to handle worms and see how a worm-bin can turn food scraps and into valuable plant food. They also learned how an outdoor compost bin is diff erent. They tore newspaper into strips for bedding, and decided which kitchen items should or should not be added to both worm bins and compost bins. At the county fair and our spring event, the public was able to see several examples of compost and worm bins in use.Feeding Spring FeverBy mid-March people are red of winter and anxious to think about gardening. That sets the tone for our annual event, Let’s Get Green and Growing, which brought 175 gardeners together on a Saturday in March. MGVs organized and taught at the event. Hands-on workshops, interes ng vendors, an inexpensive admission fee and lunch, as well as a wide variety of speakers make this a valued event with a endance increasing each year.

27



Crawford County

Crawford County UWEX Offi ce225 N Beaumont Rd, Suite 240Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821crawford.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Crawford Co.

• Memorial Gardens, St. Feriole Island• Oktober Fest• Veteran’s Memorial• Crawford County Fair Booth • Buckets of Bloom, Gays Mills• Prairie Masion Nursing Home Gardens• Two days of Q & A at Tractor Supply• Fort Fun/Aqua c Park Gardens

The Master Gardener Program in Crawford County started in 2000. Over 85 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 13 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX staff member facilita ng the MG Program is Karen Snitker.The Importance of Pollinators MGVs gave a presenta on for about 200 Bluff View Middle School students in Prairie du Chien. With the use of a story board, they especially focused on bu erfl ies and how the students can encourage or help them. Each student was given a bag of items (sand, rocks, etc.) to construct a puddler. The story board was also displayed at the Crawford County Fair and at the 2015 Oktober Fest. Area MGVs were also had a half hour discussion about pollinators at a regular MG Associa on mee ng. Free Family Friendly EventThe Crawford County MG Associa on helped put on the family-friendly Oktober Fest at St. Feriole Island, Prairie di Chien, totally free to par cipants. MGVs provided make-and-take projects of dried fl owers and weeds, a bird feeder made of peanut bu er and bird seeds and raffl es baskets to give away and a straw maze was created for the children. The MGVs sponsored a scarecrow contest. Scarecrows made by MGVs, community organiza ons and individuals were displayed throughout the Memorial Gardens. Over 3,000 people a ended this year’s Oktober Fest.Memorial Gardens ExpandedMGVs con nue to expand the Memorial Gardens at St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien. This includes a na ve prairie garden (maintained by community members) and 75 new trees, including one planted by 1st grade area students to celebrate Arbor Day. New concrete sidewalks were laid on the perimeter of the garden. Eagle Trail, a new walk and bike trail, has been created at the back of the gardens, next to the slough. Shrubs and perennials have been planted to help iden fy the path.

28



Dane County

Dane County UWEX Offi ce5201 Fen Oak CourtMadison, WI 53718dane.uwex.edu

Volunteer Service in 2015Youth Ed 579 hoursAdult Ed 2,026 hoursSupport 14,159 hoursTotal 16,764 hoursValue* $372,831



Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Dane Co.

• Dane County UWEX Teaching Garden• Allen Centennial Garden• West Madison Ag Research Sta on• UW-Arboretum• Olbrich Botanical Garden• Westside Police Sta on, Madison• Frank Allis Elementary School• McFarland School Garden

The Master Gardener Program in Dane County started in 1981. Over 1,715 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 217 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Lisa Johnson.Educa ng With Farm Tech Days Displays Our big event of the year was the Dane County Farm Technology Days. MGVs impressed over 45,000 a endees with a large variety of educa onal displays including heirloom tomatoes, permaculture, straw bale garden, rain garden, compos ng display, an herb spiral, ornamental grass display and pollinator garden. All were ed thema cally to indoor tabletop displays with more informa on and handouts. Plant Health Advisors staff ed the booth and helped explain table displays. Many visitors asked gardening ques ons, viewed the indoor and outdoor displays and went home with great ideas for their gardens. Making Connec ons in Youth GardeningA Youth Garden Symposium was held in September, designed to bring MGVs together with managers and representa ves of school gardens, community gardens with a focus on children, and youth gardens. Since youth gardens are a priority for the Dane County Extension offi ce, the Symposium’s goal was to increase MGV par cipa on in youth gardens by giving them more informa on about local venues and working with youth. A panel of experts discussed their work in youth gardens, their challenges and successes, along with small group discussions. Plant Health Advisors Answer Gardening Ques onsThe Plant Health Advisor (PHA) program in Dane County annually trains MGVs to assist Extension in its educa onal mission by answering gardening ques ons from county residents in the UWEX offi ce and at community events and 5 farmers markets. PHAs answer approximately 1400 telephone and 500 email ques ons per year. Over 570 contacts were made over the season at the farmers markets.

29



Dodge County

Dodge County UWEX Offi ce127 E Oak StreetJuneau, WI 53039dodge.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Dodge Co.

• Administra on Bldg Educa onal Garden• Annual Bus Trip• Annual Plant Sale• Ask a Master Gardener Help Line• Beaver Dam Food Pantry Garden• Dodge County Fair Booth• Gardening for Gold Fall Symposium• Old Time Gathering

The Master Gardener Program in Dodge County started in 2004. Over 165 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 40 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Community Development agent Jeff Hoff man.Gardening for Gold Fall SymposiumWe hosted the fi rst Gardening for Gold Fall Symposium on November 1st. The day-long event was held at the Horicon Marsh Educa on Center and was a ended by gardening enthusiasts from all over Wisconsin. There were three speakers: Rob Zimmer – A Garden for the Senses, Liz Herzmann – Birds, Wildlife and the Na ve Garden, and Beth Hanna – Enjoying Edible Landscapes. Guests had an opportunity to bid on over fi y silent auc on items.Youth Master Gardener Associa onWe started two chapters of Youth Master Gardener Associa ons in the county this summer. They began with MGVs working in summer school at two elementary schools with the teachers and 20-30 students. A er summer school was over, classes con nued at the gardens with 6-8 students in a endance. Once the growing season was over, the program shi ed to an a er-school event. The program is designed for students to become “cer fi ed” just as their adult counterparts though service and learning ac vi es.Senior Expo BoothsIn May and September MGVs gave gardening presenta ons and staff ed a booth at Senior Expo. In May, a MGV presented Container Gardening and in September she spoke on Pu ng your Garden to Bed in the Fall. In each case, display materials in the booth followed the same theme as the talk. Par cipants listened to the presenta ons and visited the booth to ask follow-up ques ons. They could also spin the “Wheel of Wisdom” and answer a gardening-related ques on to win a prize..

30



Door County

Door County UWEX Offi ce421 Nebraska StreetSturgeon Bay, WI 54235door.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Door Co.

• Crossroads Heritage Garden• John Miles Fair Park• Peninsula Astronomy Center Garden• Write On Door County Garden• Learning in Re rement Classes• Noble House Gardens• WDOR Radio• Brussels Town Park Garden

The Master Gardener Program in Door County started in 1995. Over 260 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 111 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Ag Agent Annie Deutsch.Garden Door Showcases Plants for the Area The Garden Door, our public demonstra on garden at the Peninsular Ag Research Sta on had over 8000 visitors this summer. Nearly 200 a ended our 11th annual Open House at The Garden Door. Par cipants had the opportunity to a end short educa onal programs presented by MGVs or visit educa onal sta ons around the garden that informally shared gardening informa on. Over 300 people a ended our annual Taste of the Garden Door & Pesto Festo in September. Par cipants can taste food prepared by MGVs using produce from the garden. Pesto crea ons are evaluated by a three-judge panel, then tasted by the public who can vote on their favorite. Winning pestos are awarded prizes. Recipes are made available on our website a er the event.Off -Season Programs Educate PublicDuring the winter and early spring months we off ered a series of nine educa on programs, free to the public. Topics included na ve pollinators, organic gardening, cranberry produc on, invasive plants, container gardening and using prairie plants in the garden. Speakers included Door County MGVs as well as experts from throughout the state. A endance averaged over 80 for each program. 21st Annual Plant SaleBeginning in early spring, MGVs start growing annuals and vegetables in a greenhouse on the grounds of the Peninsular Ag Research Sta on. These plants, along with donated perennials, are sold at our plant sale the last Saturday of May. “Ask Me” MGVs were available to answer ques ons from the nearly 600 individuals who a ended, and cultural sheets provide growing informa on.

31



Douglas County

Douglas County UWEX Offi ce1313 Belknap St, Rm 107Superior, WI 54880douglas.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Douglas Co.

• Broadway Community Gardens• Town of Parkland Community Gardens• Fairlawn Historic Gardens• Douglas Co. Historical Society Gardens• Cooper School Garden• Lake Nebagamon Community Center• Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center• Solid Rock Supplemental Food Garden

The Master Gardener Program in Douglas started in 1998. Over 275 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 18 cer fi ed Master

Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Jane Anklam.Community Gardeners...Tell Us What You Need! Trudy Fredericks serves as the on-site MGV at the Catlin Green Community Garden, u lized by residents of the Superior Housing Authority (SHA). To learn about the garden needs and demographics, Fredericks surveyed both current resident gardeners and those who do not par cipate. Results indicated the desire among residents to use gardens to build community, share knowledge, resources, eff orts and FOOD! Noted barriers to SHA community gardening were access to tools, mulch and compost, pest management and physical plot accessibility. In response, 3 pest management work days and compost /mulch onsite “building” have begun. Next year promises new research based collabora ons with new “inclusive” fencing and compost bins.How to Raise a Bed: Workshop Builds ExperienceMGVs developed a workshop for community members to take part in building replacement raised beds for the Solid Rock Supplemental Food Garden. Prior to the workshop a raised bed design class was off ered at a Lake Superior MGA mee ng. MGVs harvested this year’s bounty to help supply the Northwest Community Service Agency with food.Library Invites Patrons with Welcoming StreetscapeMGVs put their knowledge of plants and design into prac ce via a partnership of Lake Nebagamon Garden Club and MGVs as they designed a “faceli ” for the overgrown and out of balance Imogene McGrath Memorial Library in Lake Nebagamon. A large planter was added as a focal point and over grown perennials were removed and replaced with ornamental grasses and low maintenance shrubs and perennials. The landscape now fi ts with the open and invi ng presence associated with a library.

32



Dunn County

Dunn County UWEX Offi ce3001 US Highway 12 East, Suite 102Menomonie, WI 54751dunn.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Dunn Co.

• Dunn County Jail Garden• Menomonie Community Garden• Wakanda Elementary School Garden• Wilson Place and Park gardens• Assist with MGV Training• Dunn Co. Vets Memorial Flower Garden• UWEX Family Night at local schools• Annual Spring Begins! seminar

The Master Gardener Program in Dunn County started in 2010. Over 75 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 16 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Ag Agent Ka e Wantoch.Wakanda Elementary School Garden School Art Specialist and MGV Sally Johnson worked with UW-Stout Farm to School Outreach Members and PTO members to build garden boxes for each grade level. 3rd grade planted le uce in the spring and provided some for the salad bar on the last week of school. During spring and summer each grade level planted vegetables (tomatoes, beans, corn, kale, kohlrabi, miniature pumpkins, and sunfl owers). We were able to donate a substan al amount of produce to the Stepping Stones Food Pantry. In the fall, 3rd grade made salsa from produce grown from the school garden for our PTO Kick-Off Mee ng.Flower Garden at the Dunn Co. Veterans MemorialThis is the second year MGVs have planted the Flower Garden and maintained it for Main Street of Menomonie. We have done our best to meet their request for red, white and blue fl owers (harder than it sounds because there aren’t many truly blue fl owers). The fl owers are labeled for those interested in viewing them. Dunn County Jail GardenThe garden was started in 2010 with the inten on of allowing Huber/Work Release inmates and volunteers to grow produce that would be donated to the Stepping Stones Food Pantry. Five seasons later, the garden has expanded to 34,000 2

surrounded by a permanent fence. Over 12,000 lbs. of vegetables (from beets to zucchini) and fruit (from apples to strawberries) have been delivered to the food pantry. MGVs have been providing assistance from the beginning, including soil sampling, garden layout, and providing educa on to the inmates on plan ng, growing and harves ng the produce.

33



Eau Claire County

Eau Claire UWEX Offi ce227 1st Street WestAltoona, WI 54720eauclaire.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Eau Claire Co.

• Beaver Creek Reserve Na ve Plant Sale• Schlegelmilch Historic House Gardens• Lakeshore Elementary School Garden• UWEX Demonstra on Gardens• North River Front Park & McDonough

Park Youth Gardens• Ask a MGV Booth at the Downtown Eau

Claire Farmers’ Market• Eau Claire MGV Garden Seminar

The Master Gardener Program in Eau Claire Co. started in 1984. Over 520 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 46 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Erin LaFaive.Ready, Set, Grow Garden Seminar in Eau Claire160 people had an opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening at the February seminar. There is also a greater awareness of the MG Associa on and UW-Extension and what services are off ered. With 20 plus vendors present there is also a posi ve economic impact to gardening related businesses in the Chippewa Valley. Many par cipants report that they learn something new and appreciate a garden seminar in the winter months.Ask a Master Gardener BoothThe public had access to 2-4 MGVs on a weekly basis at the Eau Claire Farmer’s Market to ask gardening ques ons. The booth provides both educa on and exposure to the MG Program to the public. 104 ques ons were recorded and 14 volunteers assisted throughout season.Lakeshore Elementary School GardenMGVs work with a fi rst grade class to plant seeds and take care of seedlings in a lesson that corresponds with their science studies. In early June the students plant the seedlings in the school garden and learn about perennial plants in the fl ower beds. In the fall they come back and see what has happened with the garden and sample the produce. The par cipa ng families have an assigned week to care for the garden and harvest available produce to take home. The MGVs meet with the families and train them to care for the school garden. A schedule is set for when each family cares for the garden and harvests produce during the weeks assigned. 16 students are in the class and 8 families par cipate in the summer school garden.

34



Florence County

Florence County UWEX Offi ce5628 Forestry DriveFlorence, WI 54121fl orence.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Florence Co.

• Resource Center Gardens• Community Center Garden• Fischer Lake Garden• County Fairground Welcome Signs• County Fair Display• Spring and Fall Plant Sales

The Master Gardener Program in Florence County started in 1999. Over 100 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 23 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX staff member facilita ng the MG Program is Kathy Bednarski.MGVs Teach Youth at Garden Show For the past several years Glacial Gardeners has par cipated in mid-April in the Spring Cra & Garden Show at the Windsor Center in Iron River, Michigan. MGVs have a childrens’ ac vity, usually decora ng small fl ower pots, fi lling them with po ng soil and plan ng seeds to take home. We have many repeat children who come in anxious to plant their seeds for the year and eager to share their stories of what happened to last years’ seeds. We make sure they have the materials needed to package up their newly planted pots to get them home intact. We have a lot of foot traffi c during this show so we come in contact with a lot of local people who bring their ques ons and comments, eager for a new year of gardening. Plant Sale Funds ScholarshipsSince 2004, Glacial Gardeners has awarded $8,300 in scholarships to students entering a qualifi ed fi eld. This year an addi onal $3,500 was added to that amount. That money is raised by plant sales, o en with plants acquired from homeowners who cannot care for the plants in their yards. MGVs dig the plants and transport them elsewhere to pot up for sale.Wreath Workshop Generates Pantry Dona onsAn annual wreath workshop is held for 35 people each November. MGVs collect boughs and natural adornments for our customers to use in making wreaths or hanging baskets. Reduced registra on is off ered if canned goods are donated, and those are passed on to food pantries in Florence and Marine e Coun es in Wisconsin and Iron and Dickinson Coun es in Michigan. Proceeds from this event are used for annual scholarships.

35



Fond du Lac County

Fond du Lac County UWEX Offi ce400 University Drive, Room 227Fond du Lac, WI, 54935fonddulac.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Fond du Lac Co.

• Rosenow School, Fond du Lac• Pier School, Fond du Lac• Free Spirit Riders Sensory Garden• Lamar ne Veterans Memorial Garden• Waupun Community Gardens• UW-FdL Campus Gardens• Sisson’s Peony Gardens, Rosendale• Second Ward Memorial Bed

The Master Gardener Program in Fond du Lac County started in 1992. Over 400 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 64 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. Community Resource Development Educator Diana Tscheschlok facilitates the MG Program.Museum Grounds TransformedIn 2013, the Fond du Lac Children’s Museum expanded to a new building with an outdoor play space. MGVs have made that space into a fun, educa onal area for visi ng children. MGVs started and cared for 7 raised beds last year, and this year added a 25-plant bu erfl y garden, which is now a cer fi ed Monarch WaySta on. Children can start fruit, herb, and vegetable seeds indoors at the museum and plant them outdoors in the spring. Museum staff report that children are learning an increasing connec on with the natural world.Kids Engaged in Elementary School GardensAt Riverside School MGVs educated students on seed star ng and observing germina on, plan ng seeds, and transplan ng plants which were started from seed in the classrooms. At Parkside School MGVs planted seeds with each class for over 350 children. Each class planted diff erent seeds, and we taught cool crops and germina on with games. We spent two days plan ng in the garden with every child and also taught them about bees and pollina on, as well as compos ng.Junior Master Gardeners Learn to Eat VeggiesFrom the beginning of April through the middle of October, MGVs made 162 educa onal contacts with children, including some members of the Boys and Girls Club, and their parents as they learned to garden. For the fi nal celebra on, children cooked a meal and created centerpiece bouquets for their parents and guardians. Par cipants also delivered extra produce to the local food pantries and their families. 88% of the youth sampled new fruits and vegetables during the program.

36



Grant County

Grant County UWEX Offi ce916 E Elm Street, Suite ALancaster, WI, 53813grant.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Grant Co.

• Ka e’s Garden at Pla eville• Orchard Manor at Lancaster• Marsden Park at Fennimore• Sugar & Spice, Fennimore• Lancaster Library• Grant County Extension at Lancaster• Mitchell Co age at Pla eville• Farmer’s Market at Pla eville

The Master Gardener Program in Grant County started in 2002. Over 105 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 24 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Crops/Farm Management Agent Ted Bay.Promo ng Square Foot GardeningMGVs sponsored a program on Square Foot Gardening in Hazel Green in March. The hands-on demo gave about 35 a endees the ps they needed to start their own garden using this method. Most were already gardeners, but wanted to learn something new and diff erent or wanted to downsize their in-ground gardens. A MGV videotaped most of the presenta on and published it on YouTube so other can learn how to create a produc ve garden plot with limited space and work.New Library Gets LandscapedStar ng over a decade ago, a MGV designed and maintained the landscaping around the Lancaster Library building, but last year the building was torn down for a new and be er facility. MGVs removed the plants and held them un l the new building was completed this year. MGVs developed a new landscape plan and engaged the Lancaster Garden Club to install the held plants and other donated or purchased plants in me for the grand opening. The Garden Club will maintain the plan ngs. Expert Advice Off ered to Nursery Customers The Sugar & Spice Nursery in Fennimore had asked MGVs to be present to answer ques ons one Saturday in May, but the day was so successful MGVs returned for the rest of the Saturdays that month. MGVs off ered educa onal handouts on spring plan ng and pest management, promo onal material about the MG program, plus one-on-one expert advice to customers. The owners felt that happy customers resulted in increased sales. Everyone liked that ques ons were answered by MGVs who were only off ering informa on, not selling anything.

37



Green County

Green County UWEX Offi ce2841 6th StreetMonroe, WI 53566green.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Green Co.

• Pleasant View Nursing Home Gardens• Green County Jus ce Center Garden• GCMGA Plant Sale• GCMGA Symposium• New Glarus Flower Clock Village Gardens• Lake Montesian Gardens• Albany Community Garden• UWEX Plant Helpline

The Master Gardener Program in Green County started in 2004. Over 125 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 36 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Ag Agent Mark Mayer.Asquarium Green County MGVs, Monroe Main Street, and UWEX collaborated together on a unique summer gardening theme of “Asquarium” on the historic Monroe, WI square. Flowers grown in the shape of a starfi sh, and other plants created a colorful coral reef for an “under the sea” appearance. Several raised fl ower beds were designed as Aquariums, compete with fi sh & bubbles for highlights that hundreds of visitors enjoyed throughout the summer. MGVs were instrumental in the design and plant selec on, while FFA & 4H members assisted with the plan ng.New Glarus Schools Square Foot GardensOn May 14th the school sponsored an educa on/work day in the New Glarus School Garden. The NGGS Garden Commi ee, which included four MGVs and three teachers, guided classes 1st through 4th in plan ng seeds and seedlings in the raised beds and other growing plots in the garden area. This process was done on a rota ng basis while one of the classes surrounded a MGV by a compost bin who explained the benefi ts and some principles of compos ng.Annual Symposium Educates GardenersThe 8th Annual Gardening Symposium—Gardening Inspira ons for All Seasons—Gardening With a Purpose was held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 in Monroe. Over 85 garden enthusiasts who want easier gardening techniques and vegetable plants that deliver more produce per plant a ended to hear about Ornamental Edibles; A rac ng Pollinators to your garden; Sustainable Gardening with Nature; and Healthy Soils & Balanced Nutrients from invited guest speakers. The hands-on presenta ons make garden learning fun to par cipate in.

38



Iron County

UWEX offi ce300 Taconite Street, Suite 118Hurley, WI 54534iron.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Iron Co.

• Silver Street Flower Barrels• Montreal Memorial Plan ngs• Iron County Farmers Market• Hurley School Garden• Iron County Community Garden • Ironwood, MI Pocket Park• Norrie Park Community Garden• Range Garden Talk of WJMS Radio

The Master Gardener Program in Iron County started in 1999. Over 75 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 9 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Assistant Darrin Kimbler.Promo ng the Benefi ts of Nature In September MGVs sponsored a Building Healthy Communi es through Nature program led by Hor cultural Therapist Esther Gieschen, from the University of Wisconsin - Superior, Con nuing Educa on, who explained the benefi cial connec ons between humans and nature, as well as some of the scien fi c research that has been done in the past half-century verifying the observed benefi ts. Thirty members of the public par cipated in a hands-on workshop with lively discussion.Teaching Kids about Container GardeningMGVs instructed Hurley School 3rd graders in container gardening. During this program, co-sponsored with the Hurley K-12 School, the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce, and UW-Extension, local students were guided in plan ng 64 fl ower barrels which were placed along Silver Street, Hurley’s main thoroughfare. This provided posi ve interac ons between the kids and local offi cials, such as the Mayor, Hurley Chief of Police and Sheriff , who volunteered to assist the children.Downtown Park Enhances CommunityMGVs maintain the Downtown Pocket Park in Ironwood, MI. The park provides an invi ng downtown loca on for people to use on their lunch breaks or red shoppers to have a place to sit and enjoy the fl owers and birds. Many wedding par es use the park for photographic sessions. Volunteers plant, weed and feed the varied plan ngs that make for a full season of blooms.

39



Jackson County

Jackson County UWEX Offi ce227 S 11th StreetBlack River Falls, WI 54615jackson.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Jackson Co.

• Community Gardens• Boys and Girls Club• Adult daycare facility• Food pantries• Jackson County Fair• Dairy Breakfast• Green Life Expo• Bolton Refuge House Garden

The Master Gardener Program in Jackson County started in 2000. Over 100 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 8 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Trisha Wagner.Milkweeds for Monarchs MGVs developed a monarch bu erfl y habitat demonstra on plot at the Spaulding Road Community Garden in partnership with the city of Black River Falls and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Five species of milkweed were planted in 2015 to grow plants for monarch caterpillars and other pollinators and to eventually provide seed for to distribute to others in the area to grow milkweed to help monarch bu erfl ies. MGVs harvested 50 grams of seed from one of the plots in the fall. The plot has been used as a demonstra on for workshops and learning ac vi es with the Jackson County Boys & Girls Club. A display on monarch bu erfl ies and the Spaulding Road Community Garden Milkweed Project was at the library for the month of August and was used at the County Fair and Green Life Expo.Helping Older Adults GardenMGVs worked with clients at the adult daycare facility to off er assisted gardening opportuni es. They arranged for vegetable and fl ower plant dona ons, built and repaired garden tables, and planted the beds with the par cipants. MGVs taught par cipants (and their caregivers) how to care for the table gardens. The facility’s clients enjoyed a number of meals using the vegetables from the table gardens, learning to care for their plants.Designing a Memorial Garden The Bolton Refuge House is a safe haven for ba ered women. MGVs created a memorial garden for one of their long me supporters, who had recently passed away. They designed the garden, educated the staff on how to choose plants and care for the garden.

40



Jefferson County

Jefferson County UWEX Offi ce864 Collins RoadJefferson, WI 53549http://jefferson.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Jefferson Co.

• Plant Health Advisors at UWEX Offi ce• Rotary Park in Jeff erson• Hoard Historical Museum, Fort Atkinson• Jeff erson West Elementary• St. Joseph 5th grade Aquaponics Class• Several local Farmers Markets• Seven local church gardens• Fort Atkinson Police Department

The Master Gardener Program in Jeff erson County started in 1995. Over 220 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 39 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Lavern Georgson.Students Learn in the Kids Garden As a new and developing a er school and community center garden, the Kids Garden in Lake Mills benefi ted greatly from the addi on of tools that were right-sized for them. Under the guidance of MGVs, students started seeds with donated grow lights, experimented with straw bale gardening for a variety of vegetables and learned the benefi ts of spreading compost in their garden. They harvested a great red and purple potato crop. Sunfl owers and Mexican sunfl owers were planted to encourage bees and support pollina on educa on. Programs Off ered at MuseumIn addi on to leading a group of volunteers caring for the grounds, MGV presented a slate of educa onal programs, free to the public, in and around the Hoard Historical Museum. The highlight of the year was a half day seminar on the herb lavender – its origins, historical uses, modern culinary and household uses, varie es, and care. Other programs included presenta ons about tools, propaga on, and a look at invasive species and their impact. WE GROW Con nues to GrowThis past spring, 60 kindergarten students helped plant pumpkins, a Three Sisters garden and a pizza garden. As fi rst graders in the fall, they harvested their pumpkins and shared them with neighbors around the school. The produce from the gardens was harvested to be cooked and sampled, as well as shared with the student’s families and others. During the summer MGVs completed the handicap accessible por on of the garden. A wheelchair friendly surface and two raised garden tables enable students with special needs to par cipate.

41



Juneau County

Juneau County UWEX Offi ce211 Hickory StreetMauston, WI 53948juneau.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Juneau Co.

• Buckhorn State Park• Mauston Court House • New Lisbon City Planters• Carl W. Nelson Animal Shelter Planters• Mauston Food Pantry Flower Beds• Necedah Wildlife Refuge• Adopt-A-Highway Project• Boorman House

The Master Gardener Program in Juneau Co. started in 2005. Over 140 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 19 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Craig Saxe.Free Li le LibraryThanks to MGV’s, a free li le ‘Gardening’ library was recently constructed near our Community Garden this spring. MGV’s shared many of their gardening books and magazines with these less experienced gardeners. We loaned/gave out books and magazines while focusing on educa ng the gardeners on new ps and techniques to enhance their gardening experience.Juneau County FairsJuneau County has two fairs each summer, a June fair in Elroy and an August fair in Mauston. MGVs assist the judges at our fairs, serve as judges to other county fairs, support the cost of ribbons, and serve as building superintendents (answering gardening ques ons). MGVs also provide guidance and educa on to the youth as they set up their vegetable and plant/fl ower entries. MGVs sold plants, answered the public’s ques ons and gave gardening advice during the spring fair. At the fall fair the MGVs’ booth on container gardens (with free educa onal handouts) received a fi rst place. Boorman House GardensWe con nue to keep the many gardens at the County Historical Museum known as the Boorman House in Mauston beau ful. We also decorate a room in the historical house for their annual Christmas Open House. The Boorman House, located very visibly on a main street, draws a steady fl ow of people, both locals and tourists. This creates a lot of awareness for the MGV program and provides an economic impact for Juneau County. Because of the MGV’s eff orts, the Juneau County Historical Society has granted them with an honorary membership.

42



Kenosha County

Kenosha County UWEX Offi ce19600 75th Street, Suite 2Bristol, WI 53104kenosha.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Kenosha Co.

• Kenosha Harbor Market• Kenosha County Fair• “Spring into Gardening” Event • Yard & Garden Helpline• Hospice Medita on Garden• Kenosha Achievement Center Garden• Boys & Girls Club A erschool Program• Elementary School Gardens

The Master Gardener Program in Kenosha County started in 1994. Over 335 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 46 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Barb Larson.Display Garden Showcases Edible OrnamentalsThe focus of the Kenosha Co. Center Demonstra on Garden has always been edible ornamentals, so adding na onally award-winning vegetables (and fl owers) in an All-America Selec ons (AAS) Display Garden complemented the original garden area. MGVs planted the AAS Display Garden according to the theme, “Geometry in the Kitchen Garden” and won third place in the 2015 AAS Landscape Design Garden Contest in Category 1 (0-10,000 visitors). This garden not only shows how to grow edibles; the produce is used in programming by nutri on educators and donated to local food pantries. Elementary School Garden GrowsThe school garden at Cur s Strange Elementary School con nues to grow, with 4 raised bed planters added this season, where MGVs educate students about plant parts, garden tasks, and healthy ea ng. Students documented their experiences in scrapbooks and on posters, and some took on the responsibility of assis ng with summer garden chores. Harvested produce was given to students to share with their families and to a local food pantry.Hospice Medita on Garden Off ers ComfortA faithful group of MGVs planted and maintained a por on of the landscape at a local hospice. This therapeu c garden is a con nuing MGV project. Their eff orts were recognized by Kenosha News in a March 2015 ar cle about community gardens and in the Fall 2015 Hospice Alliance newsle er. Area garden clubs awarded annual grants to assist them in achieving their goal of providing a garden that off ers peace and comfort to hospice residents and staff .

43



La Crosse County

La Crosse County UWEX Offi ce400 4th Street North, Room 3140La Crosse, WI 54601lacrosse.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in La Crosse Co.

• Riverside Interna onal Friendship Garden• Myrick Park• Kane Street Gardens• Spring into Gardening annual seminar• YWCA Adap ve Garden• Evergreen Garden Club, Holmen• Earth Fair, Myrick Park• Onalaska Public Library

The Master Gardener Program in La Crosse County started in 1995. Over 340 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 60 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX staff member facilita ng the MG Program is Vicky Kast.Riverside Interna onal Friendship Garden Riverside Interna onal Friendship Garden, started by MGVs 10 years ago, has been developed with the assistance of many community partners to become a major tourist a rac on in Riverside Park along the banks of the Mississippi River in La Crosse. Six diff erent garden areas each represent the garden styles, plants and culture of La Crosse’s sister city in the respec ve country. The latest addi on is the Irish Garden, featuring a water wheel and amphitheater.Kane Street Gardens ProducesHundreds of gardeners work in this community garden in La Crosse to produce thousands of pounds of produce that is distributed to people needing food assistance. MGVs manage the project; are a resource of informa on, skills, and basic garden knowledge; and provide educa on through demonstra ons of growing techniques such as permaculture blocks, a lasagna garden featuring a simulated family growing space, a children’s garden, and a rain garden. A hoophouse helps extend the growing season for an increased harvest. This year over 35,000 pounds of food was shared with local food pantries.Welcoming MGVs for Statewide ConferenceThe Bluff Country MG Associa on hosted the 2015 Wisconsin MG Associa on Annual Conference in La Crosse this summer. La Crosse County MGVs organized the event to provide quality hor culture educa on—through two keynote addresses and three breakout sessions—and showcase the natural beauty of the 7 Rivers Region in off -site workshops, including some taught by MGVs, and tours for over 200 par cipants. They also painted rain barrels for a raffl e and silent auc on.

44



Lincoln County

UWEX offi ce801 N Sales StreetMerrill, WI 54452lincoln.uwex.edu


Since 2014: 316 hours at a value of over $7,028


Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Lincoln Co.

• Cub Scouts• Park City Gardeners• Good Samaritan Hospital• Pinecrest Nursing Home Memory

Garden• Pine River School for Young Learners

The Master Gardener Program in Lincoln County just started in 2014. Six people have been trained since last year, and there are currently 4 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Ag Development Educator Dan Marzu.Free Plant Clinics Off er Advice to ResidentsIn 2015, Lincoln County MGVs started off ering plant clinics at the TB Sco Free Library in Merrill. These biweekly clinics were held on Saturday mornings star ng in June and ending in August. In this ini al year, six residents took advantage of the clinics. In addi on, the MGVs did two site visits and did an ornamental garden plan outlining invasive plants to remove, pruning for trees and shrubs, and lawn care. In total the MGVs spent around 50 hours working at the clinics and in follow up work.Merrill Roundabout Appearance ImprovedIn 2014, Lincoln County MGVs met with the Merrill City Council to propose to landscape the roundabout that was overgrown with weeds. Once they received permission they developed plans, raised funds, and purchased plants and compost for the landscaping project. In 2015, they con nued this project, pu ng in around 60 hours planning, plan ng, and maintaining the roundabout landscape to create an a rac ve area on this main thoroughfare through town to make the area more selcoming to visitors.Wheelbarrow Garden Project Teaches KidsThe Lincoln County Fair held a Wheelbarrow Garden Project for the second year. The Wheelbarrows are displayed throughout the fair and then are displayed in the community a er the Fair. A Lincoln County MGV taught 29 students par cipa ng in the Prairie River Middle School in Merrill A er the Bell program how to choose ornamental plants that will work well and last in the wheelbarrows. The MGV also assisted four addi onal a er school programs with designing their wheelbarrows.

45



Marathon County

Marathon County UWEX Offi ce212 River DriveWausau, WI 54403marathon.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Marathon Co.

• Garden Clinic at the UW Extension• Garden Line, phone service• Garden Visions Conference• Rib Mtn State Park Wildfl ower Project• Neighbor to Neighbor Comm. Garden• Garden of Giving• Hatley School Garden• Yawkey House Museum

The Master Gardener Program in Marathon County started in 1995. Over 345 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 58 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Dairy Agent, MGV Advisor and Home Hor culture Advisor Heather Schlesser.Garden Educates Visitors on Na ve Plants MGVs planned a wildfl ower garden, did the original plan ng, and con nue to maintain the garden at Rib Mountain State Park. The garden features Wisconsin wildfl owers with each plant having an iden fi ca on label and QR code. As fl owers change through the growing season, parents have mul ple opportuni es to show their children what is na ve to Wisconsin. Over 300,000 park visitors see the highly visible wildfl ower garden as they enter the park. Teaching Square Foot GardeningSpacing seeds and plants in a square foot vegetable garden an be a challenge for kids, but if they use a template and shake organic fl our over the template each plan ng space will be marked with a white dot. Using a template made of plas c helps posi oning seeds accurately. Flour in a pint water bo le gives kids easy hands on marking system that can be fun. The template worked great for the special needs children. Templates are cut out of a 4’x8’ sheet of white plas c paneling with appropriately spaced quarter inch holes. Pictures of the vegetables suited for each of the four diff erent square foot spacing pa erns are taped to the appropriate template.Residents Get Answers to Gardening Ques onsMarathon County residents fi nd answers to their home hor culture ques ons by asking a MGV at the Garden Clinic or Garden Line. Hundreds of problems are resolved every year. Many ques ons deal with the trees in the homeowners yard. This year the lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii, that only eats true lilies and fri llaries), was of great concern and many ques ons were answered about this new invasive pest.

46



Marinette County

Marinette County UWEX Offi ce1926 Hall AvenueMarinette, WI 54143marinette.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Marinette Co.

• Harmony Arboretum• Field of Faith Community Garden• Harvest of Hope Community Garden• Annual Garden Walk• Spring Garden Conference• Linda’s Garden at Spies Library• Isaac Stephenson Memorial Statue• West Shore Fishing Museum

The Master Gardener Program in Marque e County started in 1991. Over 250 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 38 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture and Hor culture Agent Sco Reuss.Post Acute Care Center Garden Renovated MGVs assisted in renova ng the courtyard of a local care center to beau fy the area for the residents and visi ng families. A phased design for the area was created to allow for instant color followed by future plans for other plant material. The MGV-supervised installa on was thoroughly enjoyed by all, including several residents. Staff was le with resources and educated on how to maintain the garden. This project planted seeds of knowledge, plants and blossomed new friendships.Spring Conference Educates GardenersThe annual Spring Garden Conference has educated and piqued interests of home gardeners for 21 years. Reaching more than 250 a endees in 2015, this conference is proving to be the spring highlight of our gardening community. Bringing like-minded individuals together to learn and grow from the informa on presented and each other, a stronger local network of hor culturalists from novice to professional has been created.Program for Families with Children with Disabili esBirth to Three parents, children and social workers visited Harmony Arboretum for a program by MGVs focused on gardening and the inclusion of children with disabili es into community se ngs. Par cipants enjoyed a garden tour, scavenger hunt, nature related cra s, and the plan ng of fl owers to take home. Simple garden books were available for reference and healthy vegetable snacks were served. Parents appreciated the opportunity to socialize with other parents and to enjoy their children par cipa ng in a community event outside of the home.

47



Marquette County

Marquette County UWEX Offi ce480 Underwood AvenueMontello, WI 53949marquette.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Marquette Co.

• Spring Educa onal Outreach• Fall Educa onal Outreach• Garden Walk• Fruit Tree & Small Fruits Sale• Hor culture-Related Bus Trips• Monthly Meet in the Garden Mee ngs• Marque e County Fair• Marque e Co. Historical Soc. Gardens

The Master Gardener Program in Marque e County started in 1998. Over 130 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 12 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Ag Educator Lyssa Seefeldt.Local Farmer Featured in Spring Program Our spring educa onal program featured local farmer and chocola er Lisa Nelson from Roots Chocolates in Wisconsin Dells. Lisa gave an hour presenta on tled Bean to Farm: Growing a Fine Chocolate. Over 20 community a endees enjoyed Lisa’s presenta on that highlighted her job, farming prac ces and her travel to Nicaragua. A ques on and answer session followed the slide show. Lisa brought a sampling of her chocolates made with ingredients she grew on her farm combined with Nicaraguan chocolate. Fruit Tree Sale Educates ConsumersOur fruit tree sale raises funds for educa onal programs for our community and encourages people to grow their own food, as our pricing makes these plants aff ordable to a wide range of people. Over 140 families purchased more than 1100 fruit trees and over 5000 asparagus, raspberry, grape and strawberry plants were sold. Many young families with children and enthusias c gardeners of all ages par cipated, while MGVs answered their ques ons. We know that people are trying new plants in our county because of this program.Chicago Botanic Gardens Bus Trip InspiresOur annual bus trips are educa onal experiences and a recrui ng and reten on tool, as we always give an introduc on to the MG program and UWEX on these trips. This was our fi rst 2 day trip, with two guided tours and a greenhouse stop. 36 gardeners explored part of the 300 acre Chicago Botanical gardens one day, and the extensive display gardens at Northwind Perennial Farms the second day.

48



Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County UWEX Offi ce9501 West Watertown Plank RoadWauwatosa, WI 53226milwaukee.uwex.edu

Volunteer Service in 2015Youth Ed 2,175 hoursAdult Ed 7,704 hoursSupport 4,507 hoursTotal 14,398 hoursValue* $320,217



Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Milwaukee Co.

• Model Backyard at WI State Fair park• Booth at Realtors Home & Garden Show• 10 youth garden sites • UWEX Hort Center, Hort Assistants, and

Bloom Team, Boerner Botanical Gardens • A speakers bureau of 20 MGVs• Milwaukee Co. Zoo’s Heritage and

Bu erfl y Habitat Garden

The Master Gardener Program in Milwaukee County started in 1982. Over 1,025 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 239cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. UWEX Consumer Hor culture Agent Sharon Morrisey facilitates the Program.Garden Supports Families The Secret Garden at Milwaukee’s Ronald McDonald House, supported by MGVs, provides a peaceful green space full of trees, shrubs, fl owers, na ve Wisconsin plants, and an organic vegetable garden. Families are encouraged to pick the fresh vegetables for use in their cooking. Plants are labeled for iden fi ca on. Updated sprinkler and ligh ng systems enable reliable crop produc on in raised beds. Gardening educa on programs provide interac on with visi ng families. Helping People Garden Throughout Their LivesAlthough the Southeast Wisconsin MG Lifelong Gardening Commi ee doesn’t plant and harvest fresh produce, their work enables produce produc on across Milwaukee and Waukesha Coun es and beyond. About 20 MGVs deliver 10-12 demonstra ons/programs annually using their extensive inventory of tools that help gardeners protect their joints, with a goal of helping people garden throughout their lives. Many tools are lightweight, telescoping tools that eliminate the need for bending and stooping. Over 3550 Pounds of Fresh Produce DonatedThe purpose of the Harvest for the Hungry Garden is to plant, raise, harvest, clean and deliver fresh produce to either the Wauwatosa Food Pantry or Hunger Task Force. This year MGVs donated 1,287 pounds of 14 diff erent types of vegetables. During the 18 years this garden has been in existence it has donated more than 12,785 pounds (6 tons) of fresh vegetables. Between this garden and several others, over 3550 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetable were donated to area food pantries in 2015.

49



Oneida County

Oneida County UWEX Offi ce3375 Airport Road #10Rhinelander, WI 54501oneida.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Oneida Co.

• Rhinelander Area Community Garden on Thayer St.

• Old School Arts & Learning Center• Pelican School Vegetable Garden• Courthouse Garden• City hall Garden• Stevens Point Square Garden• Downtown Rhinelander Baskets

The Master Gardener Program in Oneida County started in 1999. Over 300 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 26 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX staff member facilita ng the MG Program is Anne Williams.Food Plants Distributed to Food Pantry Clients MGVs grew and distributed 2000 vegetable plants to clients of the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. Plants were grown in 200 square foot greenhouse constructed in coopera on with the food pantry and the local Kiwanis Club. Plants grown were tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, and squash. MGVs provided advice to clients of the food pantry on how to care for and grow the vegetables. Our eff orts helped families develop food security by growing their own food. Community Garden ProducesThe Rhinelander Area Community Garden ’s mission is to grow fresh produce for the local food pantry; to educate the community about growing food; and to promote sustainable gardening prac ces. This year over 3000 pounds of fresh produce grown in the garden was distributed to clients through the food pantry. MGVs and community volunteers planted and maintained the food producing plots throughout the year. MGvs also off ered advice to help educate others about growing their own food.Teaching Children about VegetablesMGVs con nue to work on a school vegetable garden with Old School Arts & Learning Care center in Rhinelander. MGVs provided seeds and vegetable plants and worked with children and teachers to plant and maintain the garden. This year included an expanded container garden. Nutri on educa on and taste tes ng is a signifi cant component of this project — children have the opportunity to try new vegetables and learn about the importance of ea ng a variety of vegetables.

50



Outagamie County

Outagamie County UWEX Offi ce3365 W Brewster StreetAppleton, WI 54914outagamie.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Outagamie Co.

• OCMGA Garden Walk• Einstein Middle School Asia Garden• Columbus School Teaching Garden• Neighborhood Partners• Organic Life Seed Tes ng • Conserva on Field Days• Goodwill Grows• Appleton Memorial Park Gardens

The Master Gardener Program in Outagamie County started in 1999. Over 490 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 107 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Crops, Soils and Hor culture Agent Kevin Jarek.MGVs Educate at Fair Booth Over the past 16 years MGVs have provided educa on at the annual Outagamie County Fair. This year, the Outagamie County MGA (OCMGA) booth was redesigned to be more open and invi ng, with a laptop showcasing the wide variety of MG ac vi es. Homeowners seek out the OCMGA booth because they know they can get research-based answers to their ques ons. MGVs also had a fun plant iden fi ca on game for kids, who a er par cipa ng, selected a fl ower or vegetable to take home with them. This ac vity increased children’s knowledge of plant iden fi ca on, and resulted in more than 700 fl owers and vegetables fi nding a new home.Including All in Marigold MileKnown as the “Marigold Mile”, a stretch of South Oneida St in Appleton has a special place in the hearts of Outagamie residents with 8,000 marigolds within a 12-inch strip extending about one mile. It is not the fl owers that make the site special however; it is the many disabled adults and volunteers who step up to plant and maintain it each year. MGVs assist individuals with a variety of condi ons, such as muscular dystrophy. Items like water wands are adapted to par cipant’s needs to ensure everyone is involved and feels a sense of accomplishment.Presenta ons Extend KnowledgeThe OCMGA began “Master Gardener Presents” in 2009 to increase homeowner’s knowledge in areas such as organic gardening, compos ng, pruning, and more. These weekend courses, taught by MGVs at the Appleton Public Library, have been a ended by more than 1,500 residents. Saturdays are now one of the busiest days of the week at the library.

51



Ozaukee County

Ozaukee County UWEX Offi ce121 W Main StreetPort Washington, WI 53074ozaukee.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Ozaukee Co.

• Ozaukee County Fair-Cedarburg• Port Triangle Garden-Port Washington• Webster Middle School-Cedarburg• Lasata Care Center-Cedarburg• Kuhefuss House Museum-Cedarburg• Pioneer Village-Saukville• Wash. Co. Comm. Garden-West Bend• Tendick Park-Saukville

The Master Gardener Program in Ozaukee County started in 2000. Over 500 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 105 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. For informa on about the MG Program contact Ozaukee Co. UWEX Department Head Kate Pawasarat.Community Gardens Deliver Food Security The 8 year old Washington County Community Garden (WCCG) provides an opportunity for 150 people to garden on 78 rental plots, harves ng thousands of pounds of food every year. It has become a model and resource for others to begin community gardens. Seven community garden programs have been established using elements of the WCCG as a guide. All of the gardens donate surplus produce and some have plots designated for pantries. In 2015, 15-20,000 pounds of food were harvested in the 8 gardens, for an es mated $40,000 worth of locally grown food. In addi on, many of gardens have a volunteer requirement, for a value of about $11,000 in labor.Students Learn About Growing FoodMGVs, as part of the Green Team program, have helped students at Webster Middle School learn how to garden, where their food comes from, and the value of sharing their harvest with area food pantries. They have learned about hydroponics, seed basics, germina on and taken fi eld trips to places such as Growing Power and the D.C. Smith Greenhouses in Madison among other places. Nursing Home Residents Benefi t From GardensMGVs work with staff and residents at Lasata Care Center, a skilled nursing facility in Cedarburg on projects including raised beds for accessible gardening, a greenhouse for star ng and over-wintering plants, perennial beds, a bu erfl y garden, a rose garden, and vegetable and herb gardens. Residents and their visitors enjoy the visual beauty of the gardens and also benefi t from the healing and therapu c advantages which gardening provides.

52



Pierce County

Pierce County UWEX Offi ce412 West Kinne StreetEllsworth, WI 54011pierce.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Pierce Co.

• River Falls Farmers Market• Pierce County Fair• UWEX Demo and Learning Garden• Elmwood Community Garden• Ellsworth School Garden• River Falls Grow to Share Garden• Plum City Schools• SCVMGA Monthly Educa onal Sessions

The Master Gardener Program in Pierce County started in 1997. Over 145 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 44 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Diana Alfuth.Demo and Learning Garden Produces This was the fourth year that MGVs planned, planted, maintained and assisted in harves ng the UWEX Demonstra on and Learning Garden. This year’s plan ngs included a variety of types of cherry tomatoes, an edible fl ower garden and a Hispanic theme garden. Over 300 pounds of produce from the garden was provided to Grow to Share hunger preven on eff orts and a variety of other community organiza ons. The garden is the site for Junior Garden U and various other gardening workshops held through UWEX. Beginning and experienced gardeners learn from classes and demonstra ons located at the garden.Kids learn at Junior Garden UThis was the third year that MGVs provided a half-day educa onal program to children between the ages of 5 to 12. The 20 children learned about insects, soils/compos ng and plants/propaga on. An unexpected guest was a small garter snake that slithered out during the soil/compost hands-on ac vity. MGVs developed the format of the three training sessions and the hands-on ac vi es that accompanied each session.Local Gardening Projects Enhanced Through Community Grant ProgramEach year, Pierce and St. Croix County MGVs award grants of up to $250 each to assist a variety of individuals and organiza ons in their work in civic and community gardens, area food projects, beau fi ca on, environmental stewardship and educa on. Funds from the annual plant sale are used to fund the grants. This year $4,225 was provided to 19 separate projects.

53



Polk County

Polk County UWEX Offi ce100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 190Balsam Lake, WI 54810polk.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Polk Co.

• Polk County Fair Grounds, St. Croix Falls• Luck Campground• Unity School, Balsam Lake• Open Cupboard, Osceola• Osceola Wellness Fair• Polk Co. MGA Mother’s Day Plant Sale• Garfi eld Park

The Master Gardener Program in Polk County started in 2001. Over 150 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 19 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX staff member facilita ng the MG Program is Wendy Linke.Growing Vegetables at the Local Food Pantry Open Cupboard is a food shelf opportunity for people in the Osceola area. Two years ago a MGV contacted the manager of the Open Cupboard about star ng a straw bale garden. MGVs brought in 12 bales and condi oned them for plan ng. A er the bales were condi oned, they were planted with vegetables and fl owers. The idea was members of the Open Cupboard would then go out and reap the harvest for the food shelf. A local resident, who lived nearby, was very excited about this endeavor and volunteered to keep it watered. Rain Barrels Help Conserve WaterThis year we purchased eight 55 gallon food grade barrels and added fi ng to turn them into rain barrels to sell to community members for use at their homes. Increasing the number of rain barrels in our communi es helps preserve the environment by reducing runoff pollu on and erosion, as well as helping to conserve water. We provided informa on on the use and benefi ts of the rain barrels to the customers.Gardening Class for Middle SchoolersMGVS taught a week-long gardening class to 5th graders through the Unity Community Educa on Program in July. The class designed and then planted one of 10 raised beds of vegetables to be used for consump on in the school lunchroom. The MGVs also assisted in maintaining the other beds.

54



Portage County

Portage Co. UW-Extension Offi ce 1462 Strongs AveStevens Point, WI 54481portage.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Portage Co.

• Golden Sands Home Show• Stevens Point Farmers Market• YMCA Giving Gardens• Portage County Public Libraries• Stevens Point, Amherst Area Parks• Rosholt Fair• Portage Co service building gardens• Rising Star Mill

The Master Gardener Program in Portage Co. started in 1991. Over 314 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 60 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. UWEX Agriculture Agent Ken Schroeder facilitates the MG Program in Portage Co.Garden DreamsSubzero temperatures greeted 128 registrants to the Le e Jensen Community Center. Rob Zimmer, the Yard MD, gave a great talk on na ve plants to a ract birds and bu erfl ies into your yard right up un l fall migra on. He also had an a ernoon session on garden art. Megan Cain, the Crea ve Vegetable Gardener, gave a deligh ul talk on vegetable gardening mistakes and how to avoid them. Par cipants received 4.5 hours of educa on and a delicious hot meal thanks to Ambrosia.Annual May Plant Sale This year in conjunc on with our annual plant sale we teamed up with UW-Extension specialist Amanda Gevens to educate ci zens of Portage Co. about late blight. Since we are one of the leading producers of potatoes this is an important disease. With every plant purchased the customer received a free “Iron Lady” tomato plant that is resistant to late blight along with an explana on and UWEX contact informa on. Displays, posters and MGVs were also available to educate. It was a huge success.Stevens Point Farmers MarketEvery Saturday from May through September, 4 MGVs staff a booth at the Stevens Point Farmers Market. This year was especially important because vital informa on about late blight and spo ed wing drosophila was needed in the community. MGVs were able to communicate with small growers as well as local homeowners about disease or insect preven on as well as proper disposal of infested material. This booth also gives UWEX a visible presence in the community as a resource for research-based informa on.

55



Price County

Price County UWEX Offi ce104 S Eyder AvePhillips, WI 54555price.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Price Co.

• Fred Smith House• Fair me ac vi es• Phillips Nursing home complex• Park Falls Greenhouse• St. Anthony’s Garden of Eat-um• Ogema Library• Phillips Library• Garden Giants

The Master Gardener Program in Price Co. started in 1999. Over 125 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 10 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Jodi Podmolik.Garden Giants ProgramPrice County UWEX Hor culture and Youth Development Educators, along with MGVs, provide a lesson in 4th grade classrooms on the importance of plants and plant growth. A er the lesson, each student receives plants and seeds for plan ng and caring for during the summer. UWEX staff and MGVs return to the school in the fall for a harvest lesson. Students are able to bring in their “giants” for weighing and measuring! The program is also off ered to all 4-H members, not just 4th graders. In 2015, over 60 youth par cipated in the Garden Giants Program.St. Anthony’s Garden “Eat-Um”With the gardens at the St. Anthony’s church in Park Falls, many family members, along with the school lunch program, have been able to taste the labor of their hard work. The garden impacts the teachers, students and community members. Classes are set up at the garden and harves ng is done for the school. Endless opportuni es of educa onal value and volunteerism is fl ourishing from the gardens.A Posi ve Greenhouse Eff ectFlambeau River Community Growing Center in Park Falls is a greenhouse put up through the collabora on of Flambeau River Papers, UW-Madison, a Baldwin Grant, and UWEX. In the last two years, it has served as an educa on center with MGVs and UW-Extension Staff teaching 5-9 educa onal classes throughout the spring summer and fall. The MGVs are in charge of educa onal programming, building hoop houses, and garden layouts. In the future, they would like to also work with the food pantry and gather lots of vegetables to provide to Price County.

56



Racine County

Racine County UWEX Offi ce209 North Main StreetBurlington, WI 53105racine.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Racine Co.

• Racine County Food Bank• Lakeside Cura ve Services• Racine Literacy Council• Village of Sturtevant• Wind Point Lighthouse• Burlington Pioneer Cabin• Gardens of De Koven Center• WI Veterans Home Union Grove

The Master Gardener Program in Racine County started in 1994. Over 335 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 117 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Pa Nagai.Teaching Children About Plants “Botany in the Classroom” has been an ongoing MGV project for 20 years, and currently u lizes the skills and exper se of 33 MGVs at 15 elementary schools over the course of each school year. Each year between 2500 and 4000 students are taught the basics of plant science and gardening through crea ve use of seed viewers, terrariums, ‘bunny planters’, and special Earth Day ac vi es, including outdoor garden star ng at some loca ons. Hor culture Therapy with Wisconsin VeteransGreen Works — a therapeu c hor culture program whose purpose is to educate, train, and assist in integrated employment support for adults with disabili es—expanded to the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home residents in 2015. Twelve enthusias cally engaged veterans, along with numerous staff and caregivers, were led by Hor culture Coordinator and MGV Meryl Strichartz in unique greenhouse, garden, and indoor plant and sensory related ac vi es. “The gardens have mo vated members and their families to venture outside… Just like home… A place that we are striving to be!” said the Ac vity Director.Plant Health Advisors Are Dedicated to Learning and SharingThe Hor culture Helpline and outreach ac vi es related to diagnos cs have been in place in Racine since 1999. The MGVs who dedicate themselves to extra training, con nuous learning, and to a regular schedule throughout the year answering ques ons are essen al to the UW-Extension Hor culture Educator. Thirteen MGVs volunteered 1099 hours in two Racine phone/offi ce loca ons answering consumer hor culture ques ons.

57



Rock County

Rock County UWEX Offi ce51 S Main StreetJanesville, WI 53545rock.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Rock Co.

• Rotary Botanical Gardens• Chestnut House• Edgerton Hospital Healing Gardens• River Street Rain Garden• Ice Age Trail• Rock Haven Nursing Home• Merrill Elementary School• The Gathering Place

The Master Gardener Program in Rock County started in 1985. Over 350 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 47 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Christy Marsden.Improving Our Parks This year MGVs began working with the Rock County Parks system to help maintain natural spaces, county parks, and historic grounds. From the Ice Age Trail to the heirloom gardens at Beckman Mill, MGVs assist in controlling invasive weeds, maintaining beau ful natural spaces, and crea ng educa onal historical gardens for the residents of Rock County to enjoy.Enabling GardenersThe Rock County MG program has a strong emphasis on therapeu c hor culture. Several MGVs work with seniors at specialized nursery care facili es to bring the joy of gardening to the residents. MGVs also work with disabled youth and adults in nursing home facili es through various programs in the garden and in-facility to posi vely impact lives through the power of gardening. Hands-on ac vi es with disabled youth improve life skills while reducing stress, and in-facility outreach improves the happiness of residents.

Giving Advice on Dealing with Emerald Ash BorerIn 2015, a local tree-advisory commi ee sent informa onal le ers to all Janesville home-owners regarding the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infesta on. The Rock Co. UWEX Offi ce was listed as a resource for more informa on, and over the growing season specially trained MGVs (plant health advisers, or PHA) answered calls and worked with home owners regarding ash trees and EAB. In addi on to answering ques ons about EAB, the PHA hosted informa onal booths at various public events through the year and assisted in solving many other hor cultural problems for Rock County gardeners.

58



Sauk County

Sauk County UWEX Offi ce505 BroadwayBaraboo, WI 53913sauk.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Sauk Co.

• Baraboo Community Garden• Prairie du Sac Community Garden• Reedsburg Community Garden• Apothecary Garden• Midcon nent Railway Museum• Weber Park, Baraboo• Reedsburg Log Village Museum• Boys & Girls Club garden in Baraboo

The Master Gardener Program in Sauk County started in 2003. Over 265 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 31 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Phyllis Both.Monarch Trail Benefi ts Bu erfl ies and Bees MGVs started a Monarch Trail at the Reedsburg Historical Society, plan ng two acres of forbs that are benefi cial to monarch bu erfl ies this fall. Nine signs created to show the life stages of the monarch will be placed along the trail in the spring. Two more acres are being dedicated to other pollinators, especially na ve bees, honey bees and bumble bees. During the winter we will build na ve bee houses and we hope to start our honey bees next spring.Seed Library U lized by Area ResidentsLast fall some very enthusias c local seed savers donated seeds from their own private collec ons to the Baraboo Seed Saver Library MGVs started that year, and many MGVs donated their fi rst seeds to our collec on. 34 individuals checked out a total of 128 seed packets. In an eff ort to get more people interested in the Seed Library, this spring we off ered fi ve classes at the Baraboo Public Library related to gardening. MGVs spoke on saving seeds, organic farming, deep mulch gardening, compos ng and vermiculture, and beginning beekeeping. Over 120 people a ended the programs.Involving Youth in GardeningMGVs have involved children in their projects at Pioneer Log Village in Reedsburg. The Apothecary Garden created in 2013 now supplies fresh herbs to the local food pantry and many visitors tour the garden. Youth help in the garden, classes were given on gardening and the importance of pollinators, and fun projects like making brooms from the broom corn that is grown on-site. Youth also assist MGVs at the Midcon nent Railway Museum in North Freedom in plan ng and maintaining the gardens.

59



Sawyer County

Sawyer County UWEX Offi ce10610 Main Street, Suite 194Hayward, WI 54843sawyer.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Sawyer Co.

• Hayward Public School Gardens• Sawyer County Fair• Winter Public School Garden• Hayward Library Natural Area• Hayward Library Enrichment Program• Senior Center-Hayward adap ve garden• Plant distribu on to Sawyer Co Veterans

and LCO Tribe

The Master Gardener Program in Sawyer County started in 1999. Over 65 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 2 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Kevin Schoessow.Kids Learn About Gardening Bloom’n Kids School and Community Garden is located next to the Hayward Primary and Intermediate school grounds. The outdoor classroom focuses on hands-on hor culture instruc on for K-4 grades. MGVs and other community members assist teachers with instruc on and take leadership in organizing ac vi es in the garden. Produce from the garden is served in school and donated to needy families.Vegetable Transplants for Veterans To help engage military veterans and their families in gardening, MGVs partnered with the Veterans Service Offi ces in Burne , Sawyer, Washburn, and Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Ojibwa Tribe. Dona ons of vegetable transplants were made to the Sawyer County Veterans and LCO College Farm so they could grow their own food. In the past few years we have received many thanks and apprecia on from veterans who received these gi s and even received a few follow-up pictures and cards.Senior Center Grows VegetablesWhen the Hayward Area Senior Center created a greenspace and pa o area, MGVs donated funds for raised beds and benches and other needed improvements to make the space more func onal. This garden area allows visitors an opportunity to help grow vegetables that are used in meals served at the facility. It is also used for respite care for individuals who are normally housebound. MGVs also assisted with training programs at the center on topics such as “Small Space Gardening” and “Hor culture Therapy”.

60



Shawano County

Shawano County UWEX offi ce311 N Main StreetShawano, WI 54166shawano.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Shawano Co.

• Shawano County Habitat for Humanity• Safe Haven• Shawano County Chamber of Commerce• Shawano County Fair• Navarino Nature Center• Pine Manor Health and Rehabilita on• Dreams of Green Community Garden• Heritage Park Garden

The Master Gardener Program in Shawano County started in 2007. Over 45 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 17 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Jamie Pa on.Engaging Inmates in Gardening MGVs have worked with the Shawano County Huber Center to engage inmates in gardening ac vi es for the past eight years. MGVs assist and train inmates in plan ng and tending the 5,000 2 garden there, with all fresh produce being used at the county’s correc onal facili es. In 2015, approximately 800 pounds of fresh produce was grown in the Center’s garden. It is es mated the garden saved the county $1,200 in food costs over the summer.Gardening Ques ons AnsweredCommunity members with gardening ques ons can visit the Wolf River Master Gardener booth at the Shawano Farmer’s Market. Each week, MGVs created a new and invi ng educa onal display highligh ng a seasonal gardening topic or plant, and answered 10-30 ques ons on a wide variety of hor cultural topics. With this year’s bumper tomato crop, the MGVs partnered with the Shawano County Agriculture and Family Living Agents to provide mely informa on and demonstra ons on tomato

produc on, pests and proper canning techniques.Gardening Workshops for Menominee Na onMGVs co-taught seven gardening workshops during the summer in Menominee County/Na on with the Shawano Co. Ag Agent. Workshops emphasized prac cal informa on pertaining to local food produc on, including gardening basics, container gardening, compos ng and sustainable gardening, seed saving, IPM, and soil health. The more than 100 total workshop a endees also learned gardening vocabulary in the Menominee language at the start of each workshop from the Menominee County/Na on Community and Natural Resources Agent.

61



Sheboygan County

Sheboygan County UWEX Offi ce5 University DriveSheboygan, WI 53081sheboygan.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Sheboygan Co.

• Bookworm Gardens• Genera ons• John Michael Kohler Arts Center• Kohler Andre State Park• Marsh Park Tower• Plymouth Art Center• Sharon Richardson Community Hospice• UW Sheboygan Campus

The Master Gardener Program in Sheboygan County started in 1988. Over 365 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 70 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Mike Ballweg.Hospice Garden Off ers Tranquility, HealingThe Sharon S. Richardson Community (SSR) Hospice accepts end of life pa ents regardless of their ability to pay. An integral part of the SSR Hospice’s philosophy is that pa ents and their families fi nd peace, tranquility and healing when surrounded by the beau ful things in nature. MGVs contributed to nurturing that philosophy by enhancing the landscape and aesthe cs of the hospice grounds and introducing the concept of “hor cultural therapy”. The hospice center is beau fi ed with fl ower gardens that enhance the wellness of pa ents, their caregivers and the hospice staff . MGVs have provided the gardening advice, nurtured the rose garden, planted 500 daff odil bulbs and are an essen al part of the long term planning for helping to provide an environment that creates tranquility and healing. MGVs Answer Gardening Ques ons The Sheboygan County Hor cultural Hotline is staff ed by MGVs Tuesday and Thursday a ernoons from May through September, answering hundreds of hor culture-related requests throughout the growing season.Programs Educate the PublicAn extensive off ering of educa onal programs reached more than 300. MGVs organized eight educa onal programs on a variety of topics—including Gardening for the Senses, Low Maintenance Lawns/Do’s and Don’ts of Spring Lawn Maintenance, Choosing the Best of the New Plants Without Overlooking the Best of Old, and Pondside Gardens—for MGVs and the general public.

62



St. Croix County

St. Croix County UWEX Offi ce1960 8th Avenue, Suite 140Baldwin, WI 54002stcroix.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in St. Croix Co.

• Hudson Farmers Market• St. Croix County Fair• Baldwin Community Garden• New Richmond Community Garden• St. Joseph Town Hall• Houlton School Garden• St. Patrick School Garden• Hudson Rain Gardens and Parks

The Master Gardener Program in St. Croix County started in 1997. Over 635 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 95 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Diana Alfuth.Community Garden S ll Growing The community garden in New Richmond began in 2000 and s ll goes strong with a core group of MGVs. All of the produce produced in the large garden is donated to hunger preven on eff orts. Local food pantries, senior centers, and other loca ons depend on the wide variety of high quality produce donated from the garden. Over 2000 pounds of produce were harvested and donated this year, a reduc on in past years due to infesta on of late blight and other fungal diseases caused by wet growing condi ons.Annual Plant Sale Proceeds RedistributedThe St. Croix Valley Master Gardener Associa on (of MGVs in Pierce and St. Croix Coun es) hosts a large plant sale at the historic Octagon House each June featuring plants divided out of members’ gardens or started by seed. The sale has developed a following of repeat customers and proceeds average over $4,000 each year. This money is in turn distributed through a community grant program where the Associa on gives money for a wide variety of garden-related projects throughout Pierce and St. Croix Coun es.Par cipants Learns at Garden UEach year in March the MGVs in St. Croix and Pierce Coun es host a day-long educa onal program for the public called “Garden U”. Tapping into a wide variety of experts, including those from Wisconsin and Minnesota universi es, this workshop draws 150+ par cipants each year to provide them with high-quality, mely informa on to help them be successful in their gardening eff orts. Topics each year are determined by community surveys and emerging topics.

63



Vilas County

Vilas County UWEX Offi ce330 Court StreetEagle River, WI 54521vilas.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Vilas Co.

• Northwoods Children’s Museum Garden• Arbor Vitae comm.y garden newsle er• City of Eagle River Depot Gardens• Vilas County Courthouse fl ower planters

and Veteran Memorial fl ower plan ngs• Land o Lakes, Olson Memorial, and

Plum Lake Libraries• Northland Pines Schools

The Master Gardener Program in Vilas County started in 2010. Over 130 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 13 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Summer Hor culturist/Nutri on Educator Mary Stys.Ge ng Vegetables Seeds into the CommunityMGVs have had a seed exchange in late winter for the last six years. This year they started a Seed Library housed it in an old card catalog at the Olson Memorial Library in Eagle River. The Seed Library was introduced to the community in March at the usual seed exchange, and in April MGVs answered ques ons and explained the process of taking & bringing seeds back at the offi cial open house of the Seed Library. A display at the local Sustainability Fair a few weeks later further promoted the concept.MGVs Support Farm to School ProgramMGVs are a big part of the volunteer force that has implemented the Farm to School program in our county. Every school in the Northland Pines School District has its own garden with hands-on lessons in the classroom, giving students the opportunity to grow something themselves—making them more likely to try it and to like it. The monthly lunch ‘Tas ngs’ of locally grown produce/fruits are a hit with students as they can try healthy foods that they might not have had before and may not get at home.Na ve Plants Showcased at High SchoolMGVs, along with the Vilas Co. Land and Water Conserva on Dept., planted appropriate na ve and non-na ve plant species in the 3000+ 2 Na ve Plant Demonstra on Garden at one of the main entrances to Northland Pines High School to demonstrate to the wider community that na ve plant species can be used in landscape context. Northland Pines School District Science classes will use this plan ng to study pollina on, plant/insect interac on, and bird and small mammal use of the plants.

64



Walworth County

Walworth County UWEX Offi ce100 W Walworth StreetElkhorn, WI 53121walworth.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Walworth Co.

• Lake Geneva Farmers Market• Lakeland Health Care Center• Walworth County Fair• Open Arms Free Clinic• Brookwood Elementary School• Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy• Holiday Home Camp• Walworth County Government Center

The Master Gardener Program in Walworth County started in 1999. Over 385 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 74 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Chrissy Wen.Clinic Garden Welcomes Clients Open Arms Free Clinic serves the health and wellness needs of the uninsured, low income and under-served residents of Walworth County. It is the fi rst of its kind in South Eastern Wisconsin. A team of fi rst year MGVs organized work teams, designed, and planted landscaping for the newly opened Clinic. The purpose of the outdoor garden space is to create an environment that is welcoming and shows that the love and compassion that is happening inside is also happening on the outside. MGVs Teach Local YouthMGVs joined with UWEX Hort Educator Chrissy Wen to teach four kindergarten classes at Brookwood Elementary School. This program for 90 youth and faculty focused on pollinators and seeds. MGVs also taught 18 classes at Holiday Home Camp, reaching 137 inner city youth, about the water cycle and tree iden fi ca on. These two programs not only built trust-based partnerships they also provided MGVs the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and confi dence in teaching others.Plant Swap Benefi ts Local Food PantriesFor the past 9 years many county residents have enjoyed the annual MG plant swap. Members of the public donate non-perishable food items, plants, or money for the designated food pantry in exchange for plants. Each year a diff erent food pantry from Walworth County is selected by the planning team. This year nearly 100 people par cipated in the event and approximately 300 pounds of food and $290 was donated to a local food pantry. In addi on to helping those in need, the swap helps build community awareness of UW-Extension and the MG program.

65



Washburn County

Spooner Ag Research Station W6646 WI-70Spooner, WI 54801spooner.ars.wisc.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Washburn Co.

• Spooner Agriculture Research Sta on Teaching and Display Garden

• School Gardens in Spooner, Shell Lake• New Ventures Garden Seminar, Minong• Head Start, local schools, fairs• Meet Me in the Garden Seminar• Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary• North Country MGV Assn Plant Sale

The Master Gardener Program in Washburn County started in 1999. Over 150 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 13 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Kevin Schoessow.Third Graders Learn About GardeningThe Spooner Elementary School Helping Hands Garden is maintained by third-grade students with guidance from MGVs. They started peppers, tomatoes, and squash from seed beginning in April and later planted the garden. The fl ower beds were designed by the third-graders. New this year were a bean pole tepee, cucumber and squash trellis, recycled n can chains, colored lathes and labels.Mini MG Short Course Educates Youth, FamiliesTwenty-four youths and 16 adults par cipated in two sessions of our Mini Master Gardener Short Course held at a local greenhouse and the Spooner Ag Research Sta on. They explored the secrets of soil, incredible edibles, seeds, sprouts and shoots; paper pots; and tomato transplants. The second session introduced them to hot and healthy compos ng, weeds, waste free watering, going ver cal with pole beans and cucumbers, and small space gardens.Award-Winning Display Garden The 3,000 2 Spooner Agriculture Research Sta on Teaching and Display Garden is designed and maintained with the help of volunteers. During the growing season the garden hosts many training events and has visitors from schools, garden clubs, and residents of the area. Featured in the garden this year was organic vegetables, All American Selec ons annual fl owers, and a perennial display. The garden won na onal fi rst-place recogni on for the “Down on the Farm” theme in 2014 from the All American Selec ons Landscape Garden Design Contest and in 2015 placed second with a geometric theme. Over 1000 lbs of vegetables were donated to local food shelves and to school nutri on programs.

66



Washington County

Washington County UWEX Offi ce333 East Washington AvenueWest Bend, WI 53095washington.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Washington Co.

• West Bend Farmers Market• Washington County Fair• Germantown Community Garden • West Bend Community Garden• Mother Earth News Fair• Threshold Adap ve Gardening Plot• Adopt A Plot• Plant Health Hot Line

The Master Gardener Program in Washington County started in 2009. Over 155 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 36 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX staff member facilita ng the MG Program is Administra ve Secretary Chris ne Larson.Ques ons Answered at Farmer’s MarketFarmers Markets are held in downtown West Bend every Saturday during June-October. Once a month MGVs answer ques ons from the public about gardening issues, weeds, fruit produc on, plant diseases, and more, and hand out UW-Extension fact sheets, during 4 hours at the Farmers Market. We. This year we had a special event in June for children to plant watermelon and sunfl ower seeds.County Fair Booth Focused on Importance of BeesThis year over 12,000 families went through the Washington County MGVs display gardens. With a theme of “How important are bees” MGVs were able to make people aware of the value of insect pollinators. Kids got to search for plas c bees in the fl ower garden, and a er they found the bees they received a prize. The MG Associa on also held their annual planter contest and had eight UW-Extension 4-H clubs par cipate.Community Garden Produces Abundance of FoodThe Germantown Community Garden, located on the Thiensville Historical Society property, currently has 24 plots. MGVs maintain two plots as a project to grow fresh produce for senior ci zens in the area. All of the produce grown in these plots is donated to the Germantown Senior Center, with vegetables available every Tuesday during the growing season. MGVs also encourage and educate other gardeners at the garden, by distribu ng free vegetable seeds and providing informa on on star ng seeds. This garden, as well as another community garden in West Bend, showcase new trends in gardening, such as straw bale or square foot gardening.

67



Waukesha County

Waukesha County UWEX Offi ce515 W Moreland BoulevardWaukesha, WI 53188www.waukeshacounty.gov/uwex

Volunteer Service in 2015Youth Ed 2,175 hoursAdult Ed 7,704 hoursSupport 4,507 hoursTotal 14,398 hoursValue* $320,217



Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Waukesha Co.

• Mukwonago Red Brick Museum• Historic Dousman Stagecoach Inn• Waukesha Memorial Hospital Garden• Oconomowoc Mem. Hospital Garden• Linden Grove Health Care Ctr Garden• Community Memorial Hospital Garden• Ten Chimney – historic landmark

The Master Gardener Program in Waukesha County started in 1998. Over 1,025 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 234 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Consumer Hor culture Educator Ann Wied.Community Garden Shares Produce St. James Community Garden (“Field of Dreams”), now double last year’s size, provided 2,700 pounds of fresh produce to 3 diff erent food pantries and to a Senior Center. MGVs regularly assist parishioner volunteers in caring for raised bed vegetable gardens (including parking lot islands), as well as numerous fruit trees and bushes. Produce is harvested, washed and packaged for dona on; recipes may be included that use the donated produce. Eble Park Veggie Garden Grows, EducatesEble Park’s expanded Vegetable Garden is benefi ngfrom the eff orts of dedicated MGVs. Soil is improvedannually with applica ons of compost created on site. This year a record crop—1,321 pounds—of fresh produce was donated to the Waukesha Food Pantry. The garden provides an example of a layout for large home gardens, volunteers answer ques ons from the public, brochures and handouts are available, and plant labeling enables self-guided public tours.Teaching People to Grow FoodMGVs support NuGenesis Farm’s mission of teachingpeople to grow, cook and understand food’s impacton health/wellness by dona ng me, talents and occasionally, tools, enabling NuGenesis to harvest 2,420 pounds of fresh produce; over half was donated to 4 diff erent organiza ons. Seedlings were grown in a new hoop house for transplant to the many raised beds. Plants are labeled and various gardening techniques (ver cal trellis gardening, straw bale, raised beds) demonstrate the possibili es for the public.

68



Waupaca County

Waupaca County UWEX Offi ce811 Harding StreetWaupaca, WI 54981waupaca.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Waupaca Co.

• Waupaca County Fair Grounds• Waupaca County Courthouse• Budwit Garden• New London Children’s Garden • New London Day care Garden• Waupaca Children’s Garden• Waupaca Riverside Refl ec on Garden• New London Franklin Park

The Master Gardener Program in Waupaca County started in 1994. Over 195 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 35 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Greg Blonde.Garden Walk Showcases Gardening Techniques A er working with another organiza on for several years, MGVs took sole control of the Waupaca Area Garden Walk this year. Seven gardens—both public and private—were included on the tour. At each garden site MGVs greeted visitors and provided informa on about the gardens. UW Fact Sheets were handed out at each of the site with informa on pertaining to the gardening emphasis at the site. Local ar sts displayed their talents and exper se at each site. About 200 visitors viewed the gardens.Head Start Garden Engages ChildrenMGVs worked with 8-20 children in a vegetable garden at the Waupaca Head Start Center. Children at the center learned about plan ng plants and seed, taking care of the garden and harves ng the produce, as well as about soil and weeding. Vegetables grown in the garden were used for meals at the site and the surplus vegetables were given to low income families. Through the “Got Dirt” program the center has set up their own compos ng area for next year. Spring Plant Sale Off ers Deals and Informa onThe main fundraising project for the Waupaca County MG Associa on is the spring plant sale. Members supply plants and cu ngs from their gardens and some newer varie es are purchased. Pictures of the mature plant are available along with the growing requirements for each. Educa onal programs have been held for the past several years on subjects ranging from new plant varies to food preserva on, and cooking ideas for vegetables. MGVs also answer many gardening ques ons at the informa on table. About 200-300 people come to the plant sale.

69



Waushara County

Waushara County UWEX Offi ce209 S St MarieWautoma, WI 54982waushara.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Waushara Co.

• Waushara County Fair Booth• Redgranite Raised Bed Comm. Gardens• Hancock Research Sta ons Gardens • Gardening in Tune with Nature Spring

Seminar• Covered Bridge Park Gardens• Wautoma Senior Center Health Fair• Square Foot Gardening Workshops

The Master Gardener Program in Waushara County started in 2001. Over 165 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 37 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Agriculture Agent Ken Williams.Community Garden Created in Redgranite MGVs partnered with the Waushara Co. Preven on Counsel Vision 2020 Commi ee, St. Mark’s church and the Redgranite community to develop several raised beds as a public community garden. MGVs held two workshops on site to demonstrate how to build the beds and explained plan ng techniques. There is room for expansion and plans to do so next year with increased interest.Container Plan ng Project Encourages Kids to GrowMGVs had a hands-on plan ng project for 150 children at Blue Ribbon Kids Day. MGVs provided vegetable and fl ower seeds, along with plan ng medium and mini greenhouse containers. Each child was guided in how to plant the seed of their choice and took home their completed project, along with care instruc ons, so they could grow their own sunfl ower or tomato. There was such enthusiasm that even though we brought even more supplies than the year before, we ran out of some things near the end and plan to bring even more next year.Gardeners Learn at Day-Long SeminarOur annual spring seminar Gardening in Tune with Nature off ers a day of speakers and other educa onal ac vi es for the public. This year there were presenta ons on crea ng an edible landscape, alternate gardening methods and developing perennial plant communi es. One of several booths off ered free UW-Extension publica ons on a wide variety of gardening problems and techniques, including compos ng. MGVs answered hor culture ques ons at another booth.

70



Winnebago County

Winnebago County UWEX Offi ce625 E County Road YOshkosh, WI 54901winnebago.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Winnebago Co.

• Oshkosh Humane Soc. Memorial Garden• Paine Gardens and Arboretum• WBAY Home & Garden Show• Neenah Public Library• Carter Memorial Library• Park View Health Center• Gardens of the Octagon House• Oshkosh North Conservancy Park

The Master Gardener Program in Winnebago county started in 1990. Over 520 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 104 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Kimberly Miller.Ques ons Answered at Farmers’ Market Booth Every Saturday morning from June through September MGVs can be found at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Oshkosh helping visitors with all their gardening ques ons. These range from “how do I get started”, “how can I grow herbs and vegetables when I live in an apartment”, “what type of … should I plant”, “what’s wrong with my tomato plants”, “what can I grow near my walnut tree” to lots of other ques ons about diseases, trees, pruning, insects, and environmental concerns.Historical Society Grounds RevivedThe grounds of the Winchester Area Historical Society—which includes a house, barn, fruit orchard, and perennial fl ower beds, with the local history center and library in the former private home—had not been well maintained. MGVs helped restore the property to its old beauty by eradica ng weeds, invasives, and grass to uncover the bones of the original garden. Community members have been excited to see the restora on and have provided labor and heirloom plants from their own gardens. The overgrown apple orchard served as a site for a free hands-on pruning workshop for the public.New Bu erfl y Garden Educates, Enhances LivesMGVs were asked to develop a bu erfl y garden for the grounds of the Lutheran Homes facili es. They designed and installed one focusing on na ve Wisconsin plants that is now a registered Monarch Waysta on. As MGVs maintain the garden, they are visited by residents and visitors, who have a chance to talk about their own gardening experiences, learn about bu erfl ies and other pollinators, and to enjoy the quiet peace of the space.

71



Wood County

Wood County UWEX Offi ce400 Market StreetWisconsin Rapids, WI 54495wood.uwex.edu




Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs in Wood Co.

• Q&A at UW-Extension• Spring & Fall Garden Seminars• Educ. Youth Center at Wis.Rapids Zoo• Annual Garden Walk• Spring/Fall Plant Sales• Children’s Fes val• Marshfi eld Fair• Lester Libraries

The Master Gardener Program in Wood County started in 1997. Over 425 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 75 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UWEX Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Hor culture Educator Teri Lessig.MGVs Educate Gardeners MGVs have over 30 projects at public gardens throughout the county and surrounding areas. As volunteers work at these loca ons they o en are asked ques ons by passers-by and many actually adver se that people can come ask garden related ques ons when they are there. As a pilot for 2015, three of the projects tracked the number of people they had contact with and the general topic. Combined, they reported 166 adult contacts and 107 youth. There were 22 designed presenta ons done in these gardens and many random ques ons. MGVs Reach Out to Future GardenersMGVs partnered with the Lester Public Library to educate local youth by engaging them in various projects including garden stone art, building a simple path, taste tes ng farm to table foods, growing their own plants, and seed saving. Youth and their parents learned about tasty foods, that monarch bu erfl ies need their help, that they can recycle used items into art, how to save money by growing own plants, and the path building project taught about design, planning and working together to do a project.Gardening Has No Age LimitMGVs organizing a Garden Club for the senior gardeners at the Lowell Senior Center located in the Centralia Center in downtown Wisconsin Rapids. Members assist with gardening as they can, enjoy fun and educa onal garden-related ac vi es and reap the benefi ts of the MGV garden by being able to take home some garden produce with recipes provided.

The mission of the Wisconsin Master Gardener Association is to support and provide leadership to individual master garden-ers and local organizations in their mission to assist UW-Extension in community horticultural programs through volunteerism, education and environmental stewardship.

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Volunteers - Master Gardener Program€¦ · online ques on and answer sessions using Google Hangouts on Air. Wordpress was used to manage content. Sessions included Urban Forestry