volunteers in horticulture - for your information · • made numerous presentations on...

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2013 Annual Accomplishment Report of the University of Wisconsin ExtensionMaster Gardener Program

Volunteers in

Horticulture

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The Wisconsin Master Gardener Program is administered from: The Master Gardener Program Offi ce Department of Horticulture, 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]

A full copy of this report is available on the WIMGA website at wimastergardener.org

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Table of ContentsProgram Highlights for 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

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

Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (WIMGA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Wisconsin MG Program Offi ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Community Impacts in 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Special Report: Partnering with Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Statistical Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Local Association Narrative Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Adams County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Ashland-Bayfi eld County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Barron County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Bluff Country Master Gardeners (La Crosse Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Calumet County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Chippewa Valley Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Clark County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Columbia County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Crawford Co. Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Dodge County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Door County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Dunn County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners (Eau Claire Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Fond du Lac County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Glacial Gardeners (Florence Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Grant County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Green Co. Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Iowa County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Jefferson County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Juneau County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Lafayette County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Lake Superior Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Madison Area Master Gardeners (Dane Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Manitowoc County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Master Gardeners of the North (Oneida Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners (Marathon & Lincoln Cos.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41North Country Master Gardeners (Burnett, Sawyer & Washburn Cos.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Northeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners (Brown Co. & surrounding area) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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Northern Lights Master Gardeners (Marinette Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Outagamie County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Polk County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Portage County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Racine-Kenosha Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Range Master Gardeners (Iron Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Rock Prairie Master Gardeners (Rock Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners (Pierce & St. Croix Cos.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Sauk County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Sheboygan County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Southeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners (Milwaukee & Waukesha Cos.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Thyme Shares Master Gardeners & Friends (Marquette Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Vilas County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Walworth County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Washington County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Waupaca County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Waushara Co. Master Gardeners (formerly Shar-a-Gardeners) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Winnebago County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Wolf River Master Gardeners (Shawano & Menominee Cos.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Wood County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Local associations that did not submit narrative reports for 2013:Coulee Region (Buffalo, Jackson & Trempealeau Cos.); disbanded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANorthwoods (Forest Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BOzaukee Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRusk County Master Gardeners; disbanded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DTaylor County Master Gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E . . . .. .. ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Master Gardener Volunteers Make a Difference

Program Highlights - 2013• There are over 2980 trained MGVs who have certifi ed or recertifi ed for 2014. • Approximately 592 MGVs were trained in 2013 and are now working to complete their initial

volunteer and certifi cation requirements.

Master Gardener Volunteers in Wisconsin contributed 194,046 hours to UW-Extension and their communities in 2013.

The value of their volunteer service is worth more than $4.3 million* throughout the state.(* using an estimated dollar value of volunteer time of $22.14 per hour as calculated by Independent Sector)

12,071 hours in Youth Education

34,641 hours in Community Education

147,350 hours in Support Services

• This represents an average of approximately 61.5 hours of service per volunteer annually.• MGVs also participated in 62,548 hours of continuing education hours to keep them actively

learning and updated. • Outstanding accomplishments in cumulative volunteer efforts through 2013 include:

3,691 with 150 hours of service (243 new this year) 2,473 with 250 hours of service (210) 1,190 with 500 hours of service (117) 682 with 750 hours of service (64) 440 with 1000 hours of service (32) 90 with 2500 hours of service (20) 19 with 5000 hours of service (1) 2 with 10000 hours of service (0) 1 with 15000 hours of service (0)

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Executive SummaryThe seed for the Master Gardener (MG) program was planted in 1972 by

Washington State Cooperative Extension. MG Volunteers (MGVs) were trained to extend Extension’s outreach to community residents in educating people about horticulture. The MG program began in Wisconsin through the UW-Extension in the late 1970’s. Local MG groups banded together in 1992 to form the Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (WIMGA).

The mission of the WIMGA is to support and provide leadership to individual MGVs and local organizations in their mission to assist UW-Extension in community horticultural programs through volunteerism, education and environmental stewardship. The WIMGA is the communication link between MGVs throughout the state and a voice for ideas and issues relating to the MG program. Several members of the WIMGA Board of Directors sit on the WI MG Advisory Committee with UW-Extension Horticulture Specialists and Agents to recommend policy for the MG program.

The WIMGA is a statewide organization that supports 53 local MG associations and individual MGVs. WIMGA’s Board of Directors is made up of 15 dedicated MGVs, with two Directors from each of the 6 UW-Extension districts plus three Members-At-Large. They meet monthly over the WisLine network and at least twice a year face-to-face.

Some of the major accomplishments of WIMGA for 2013 include:• Published the WIMGA Annual Accomplishment Report for 2013.• Conducted the 2013 Annual Meeting in Janesville, with approximately 120 MGVs attending.• Worked with the WI MG Coordinator on website, bimonthly newsletter and more.• Awarded a total of $4,500 in Education Grants to local MG associations: Five $100 grants: Calumet Co. MGA, St. Croix Valley MGA, Vilas Co. MGA, Washington Co.

MGA, and Winnebago Co. MGA. Eight $250 grants: Bluff Country MGA, Columbia Co. MGA, Calumet Co. MGA, Door Co. MGA,

Grant Co. MGA, Jefferson Co. MGA, Northeast Wisconsin MGA, and Winnebago Co. MGA. Five $400 grants: Glacial Gardeners MGA (signs at Town Hall garden); Jefferson Co. MGA

(accessible table garden at school garden); Portage Co. MGA (Farm Tech Days materials); Sauk Co. MGA (library seed sharing program); Vilas Co. MGA (drip irrigation for community garden).

• Contributed $1,000 to the WI Junior Horticulture Association to help defray the costs of WI youth attending the National Conference and $750 to the National Jr. Hort. Association for program expenses and Contest Sponsorship.

• Donated $3,000 to the UW-Extension Master Gardener Foundation Fund.• Provided $3,000 to Wisconsin Public Radio to sponsor Larry Meiller’s Garden Talk program.• Produced materials for and conducted training of local reps and treasurers about fi nancial matters

for MG organizations, including best practices and sample documents.• Assisted UW-Extension with a booth at Farm Technology Days.

The MG Program Offi ceThe MG Program Offi ce, housed in the Department of Horticulture on the campus of UW-Madison,

is the centralized location for administration of the MG program. The MG Program Director and MG Program Coordinator, Dr. Susan Mahr, work closely together to plan, organize and implement various projects for MGVs in Wisconsin. The MG Program Offi ce has a close relationship with the WIMGA, and provides support services to WIMGA members, affi liated associations, and all MGVs throughout the state.

Mike Maddox (608) 265-4536 [email protected] Mahr (608) 265-4504 [email protected]

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Activities of the MG Program Coordinator • Respond daily to inquiries by phone, or email and provide information on the MG program,

policies, projects, activities, and training, and general horticulture questions.• Update website weekly with calendar of events, horticulture information and timely educational

articles. Thirty fi ve educational articles were posted on the MG website (a new title approximately every 10 days). The site structure was refi ned to make information more accessible.

• Participate in monthly WIMGA board meetings and twice yearly WI MG Advisory Board meetings and provide updates on progress of various projects and input on issues.

• Publish bi-monthly (six issues/year) 8-page newsletter that is direct mailed to all members of the WIMGA, each county Extension offi ce and others, or sent electronically upon request.

• Produce the WIMGA annual accomplishment report. A 64-page report was produced for 2013 and was distributed to all local association board representatives, Extension administrators, and others, with access to anyone as a downloadable fi le on the MG website.

• Collect annual volunteer hour reports, tabulate in database, and summarize statistics for reports.• Developed and recorded new entomology presentations to improve training materials. • Provide program supplies to MGVs and local Associations (name badges, certifi cates, member

cards, banners, displays, etc.).• Made numerous presentations on horticultural topics for local trainings, local continuing

education programs, and at conferences.• The MG Foundation Fund established through the UW Foundation in December 2001 had a

market value of about $89,025 (as of September).• Provide information about the MG program.

Activities of the MG Program Director • Initiated complete Level 1 program redesign, migrating materials to fl ipped education format

to accommodate educator/agent requests for a uniform curriculum and increased fl exibility; to accommodate participant requests for more hands-on activity and reinforcement of materials.

• Developed and provided 40+ hours of Level 2 training in spring Row to Hoe: Fruits, Veggies and Community Gardens. Online registration was nearly 400 participants; approximately 30 individuals registered to participate in the program at their county extension offi ce.

• Produced and facilitated UWEX Community Garden Review as part of UWEX Community Garden Working Group, Horticulture Team, Community Food Systems Team.

• Made numerous presentations on horticultural topics and horticultural therapy for local MGV trainings, local continuing education programs, and at conferences.

• Co-presenter of regional multigenerational training for MGVs.• Continued to expand access of program to protected and traditionally underserved audiences.• Pilot horticultural therapy (HT) program at VA hospital; consult with UW hospital on rooftop

HT garden addition.• Continued engagement with Community Food Systems Team to offer Level 2 training; initiated;

initiated Community Garden Participatory Photovoice Mapping Project with MGVs in order to survey the extent of community gardens in state. See map at http://goo.gl/Q2pbva

• Collaborated with other Extension programs to address changes in UWEX volunteer management policy; coordinated with administration to communicate impact of program and educator efforts and to align program with UWEX themes and priorities.

• Responded daily to inquiries by phone, or email and provided information on the MG program, policies, projects, activities, and training, and general horticulture questions.

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Master Gardener Volunteers Make a Difference Community Impacts - 2013Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) in the state’s 72 counties provide a tremendous resource in solving local issues and providing valued education. Their work has an impact on a wide diversity of people and communities across the state.• Assisting UW-Extension with Consumer Horticulture Questions. In Sheboygan Co. MGVs

staff the horticulture hotline during the growing season. Wolf River MGVs took week long shifts at the Shawano Co. UW-Extension Offi ce answering horticultural questions while the Ag Agent position was vacant. Fond du Lac Co. MGVs staff the Horticulture Helpline at the UW-Extension offi ce three times a week, and are on the radio Saturday mornings answering phone calls from the public on the Landscape Smart program. In Lafayette Co., the MGA president is responsible for assigning MGVs to answer questions that come in to the Extension offi ce. Manitowoc Co. MGVs staff a plant clinic at the UW-Extension offi ce three days a week during the growing season.

• Providing Valued Education. Ashland-Bayfi eld MGVs offered a winter-spring-summer garden series with three sessions. The North Central MGA’s (Marathon Co.) annual winter conference, Garden Visions, offers plant and gardening education for 300-400 people. The Northeast Wisconsin and Manitowoc Co. MGAs co-hosted a three-seminar Garden Series open to the public, with over 240 people attending the programs in Green Bay. Northern Lights’ (Marinette Co.) 18th annual Spring Garden Conference attracted 175 people, while Portage Co.’s day-long gardening seminar Garden Dreams had a sold out crowd of 200 who learned about native plants and sustainable gardens. Barron Co.’s Spring Garden Expo, Outagamie Co.’s Garden Expectations, and Racine-Kenosha MGA’s Spring into Gardening programs provide horticulture education to area gardeners.

• Battling Invasive Species. Dunn Co. MGVs were trained in invasive species identifi cation and control and then traveled back roads of the Menomonie Township to remove or map buckthorn, knapweed, garlic mustard, wild parsnips, and others to help native plants thrive.

• Providing Scholarships to Encourage Students in Horticulture. The Adams Co. MGA awarded $3,000 in scholarships to students majoring horticulture-related fi elds, while the Eau Claire Area MGA provided two $500 scholarships to university students, both the Glacial Gardeners (Florence Co.) and Walworth Co. MGAs each gave a $1,000 scholarship to a high school student, and the Green Co. MGA awarded three $500 scholarships.

• Supporting Community Gardens. Clark Co. MGVs, with other organizations, helped create Neillsville’s fi rst community garden; 8 of the 10 beds were rented and the remaining 2 were planted with potatoes for Neillsville’s community Thanksgiving dinner. Glacial Gardeners helped develop a community garden for residents of Florence Co. Several Rock Co. MGVs worked with partners to create community garden spaces within underserved neighborhoods in Beloit, WI as a part of a neighborhood revitalization project. Local neighbors are invited to harvest fresh produce year round in the gardens and nearby 3rd graders learn about and taste fresh vegetables with MGV help. Waupaca Co. MGVs partnered with the School District to create a 3-acre community garden to grow vegetables for food pantries and for use as an outdoor classroom. Wolf River MGVs assisted the public at two community gardens in Shawano Co.

• Therapeutic Horticulture Projects. Racine-Kenosha MGVs not only participate in Green Works, a program developed by UW-Extension, RKMGVs and community partners to teach green industry vocational skills to adults with developmental disabilities, they also helped the local Horticulture Educator develop a curriculum that other counties could use. Rock Co. MGVs have been integral in planning, planting, and maintaining therapeutic healing gardens at Edgerton Hospital.

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• Teaching Children About Gardening. In the Sunfl ower Project, Barron Co. MGVs teach 2nd

graders in the spring about gardening and send them home with sunfl ower seeds. The next fall MGVs award a prize for the largest sunfl ower grown over the summer. In La Crosse Co., MGVs direct a monthly after-school Garden Club for 53 students at Evergreen Elementary in Holmenthat maintains a certifi ed Monarch Way Station/Butterfl y Garden on school grounds. The Door Co. MGA offers a youth gardening program with plots planted by 3rd graders each spring and harvested by the same group as 4th graders in the fall. The Fond du Lac Co. MGA has a Junior MG program to teach low income kids learn how to plant, care for, harvest and eat fresh produce they have grown. Grant Co. MGVs taught childcare providers gardening skills that they can implement in their own homes or centers at UW-Platteville Offi ce of Continuing Education’s annual Early Childhood Conference. The St. Croix Valley MGA offered their fi rst Junior Garden U with 28 children ages 6-12 participating in the 3 hour program to learn about soil/composting, plant uses and insects.

• Restoring Historic Gardens. Eau Claire Area MGVs created, installed and maintain gardens using plants that would have been in place around 1906 when historic Schlegelmilch House was remodeled. A Plant Identifi cation Brochure identifi es the fl owers, trees and shrubs in the landscape. Iowa Co. MGVs renovated the gardens at Grandview, near Hollandale (one of eight rural art and garden sites included in the Wandering Wisconsin tour) when several trees were removed. Sauk Co. MGVs have restored various gardens at the Reedsburg Log Village Museum, including a new Apothecary Garden fi lled with medicinal plants pioneers would have grown. A team of Winnebago Co. MGVs designed, planted, and maintained vegetable and fl ower gardens using heirloom varieties around 1856 The Octagon House in Neenah (now the Historical Museum).

• Hosting Plant Sales. Polk Co. MGVs had to postpone their normal spring sale because of the weather, and instead had a profi table sale in August with perennial divisions from a homeowner’s garden. Southeast Wisconsin’s annual Plant Sale had over 800 customers; unsold plants were donated to Habitat for Humanity. At Marquette Co.’s annual Fruit Tree Sale they also offered a pruning seminar and distributed free seeds for Plant-A-Row.

• Teaching the Public About Growing Food. Lake Superior MGVs taught classes on gardening for food for the Town of Bennett. Juneau Co. MGVs helpd the library in Wonewoc start a seed exchange. The focus of the Dodge Co. MGA’s booth at the county fair was Square Foot Gardening, with a portable 3x4 foot box on display and cards demonstrating the correct spacing for vegetables.

• Growing Produce for Donation to the Needy. Bluff Country MGA’s Kane Street Gardens in La Crosse produced over 20,000 pounds of food. A hoophouse is currently being added to extend the season. Northeast Wisconsin’s most experienced group of MGVs maintains the square foot garden at the Green Bay Botanical Garden (GBBG) which generated over 360 lbs of produce for Brown Co. UW-Extension to use in their Family Living and Nutrition Education programs. In Portage Co. the YMCA gardens MGVs work at supplied around 1,200 lbs of produce for local charities and the Y-summer kids program. The Baraboo Community Garden, run by all volunteers including Sauk Co. MGVs, donates all food — this year more than 1,000 pounds — to the Baraboo Food Pantry. Washington Co. MGVs grew vegetables at the Germantown Community Garden, donating over 300 pounds of fresh produce to the Germantown Senior Center.

• Community Gardening Grants. The Madison Area MGA awarded $4,978 to support community gardening projects in Dane Co. The Ashland-Bayfi eld MGA gave a $1,000 grant to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center to help fund their horticultural education projects.

• Educating about Composting. Range Masters (Iron Co.) hosted Master Composter training in with 5 MGVs and eleven other people from the community attending the six hour intensive class.

• Enhancing Public Spaces. MGs of the North (Oneida Co.) helped organize a tree-planting event and demonstrated proper tree planting techniques for groups helping Rhinelander plant 100 donated disease-resistant ‘Liberty’ elm trees in public spaces throughout the city.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Partnering With Extension The Master Gardener (MG) Program was originally created to develop a volunteer staff to assist

overwhelmed Extension agents in answering gardening questions. The program has since expanded to encompass many activities besides just answering questions at the Extension offi ce — although this is still a component of many local MG programs. MGVs are the face of UW-Extension Horticulture in many counties. Oftentimes the MGA is the link to the communities the educator serves. Word of mouth is the best advertisement and by making positive impacts it refl ects well on the local UW-Extension offi ce. This report focuses on the many ways MG Volunteers (MGVs) directly and indirectly assist their local Extension offi ces, agents, and educators as part of an Extension team.

Answering horticulture questions coming in to the Extension offi ce is still an important role for the MG Program. In counties that are understaffed, without a Hort or Ag Agent, such as Lafayette and Oneida Counties, they rely on MGVs to respond to home garden questions, greatly enhancing the ability of Extension to assist the public. And even where there is a Horticulture Educator, having MGVs available to answer questions enables the Educator to spend more time on other programs to benefi t the community. In some locations there are set hours when MGVs are available to assist walk-in clients during the growing season, or reply to phone calls and email messages. In Jefferson Co. and Winnebago Co. MGVs trained as Plant Health Advisors staff the offi ce on a set schedule during the season to support their Ag Agents. In other places, questions are answered remotely by phone or email. There may be dedicated “hotlines”, such as the Gardenline in Portage Co. In Marathon Co. Garden Clinic is a seasonal service offered by MGVs at the Extension offi ce and the Weston Farmer’s Market. Their Garden Line is a year-round hotline for the public to phone or email their gardening questions and photos, which MGVs respond to within a few days. Southeast Wisconsin MGVs trained as Plant Health Advisors staff the Waukesha Co. Hort Help Line and the Milwaukee Co. Hort Help Line, as well as answering questions and providing information at the UW-Extension Horticulture Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens and at UW-Extension’s Model Backyard at the Wisconsin State Fair. In some counties, the Agent forwards selected messages to particular MGVs to answer based on their expertise or interests, or might email the entire group to get a response. MGVs also answer questions at other venues or in other ways. MGVs in Vilas Co. staff the UW-Extension booth at the weekly Farmer’s Market in Eagle River to answer gardening question. A Juneau Co. MGV writes a horticulture Q&A column for their newsletter which is distributed county-wide.

Collaboration with Extension at events reduces the workload for both Extension and MGVs. In Wood Co. MGVs had their booth at the Green Living Expo in Marshfi eld right next to the UW-Extension

booth so that both would be covered at all times. Columbia MGVs worked with the Extension Ag Educator to create and staff a display at the county fair. By working together they were able to save money by investing in one booth instead of two, and have a more visible presence by having more than just Extension employees to staff the booth. MGVs were able to direct fair-goers to Extension resources as well as promote their MGV activities.

All MG programs are involved in teaching about gardening, and often offer programs in lieu of the Agent doing the actual teaching. In most counties MGVs give presentations to various outside groups. In Douglas Co., Lake Superior MGVs formed a team to teach Level 1 MG training in collaboration with their Hort Educator. They developed reinforcing activities consistent with their own teaching skills including games, videos, PowerPoints, and demonstrations, that were reviewed by the educator. Waushara Co. MGVs also did presentations

Farmin’ on the SquareGreen Co. MGVs partnered with Ag Agent Mark Mayer to plan and implement this collaborative project of UW-Extension, MGVs, and the Monroe Main Street Committee to transform an abandoned corner lot on the square in Monroe, WI. Flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and mini fi eld plots of corn, oats, soybeans, and alfalfa not only beautifi ed the area, but educated the public.

11

for Level 1 training classes to enhance the classroom experience The Vilas Co. MGA partnered with their UWEX offi ce to have a micro greens display at the ‘Youth Coalition Career Days’ for 6th grade students to taste the greens and plant a pot to take home.

Many MGAs provide a consistent horticulture educational presence in their county, conducting demonstrations, workshops, providing resources, and assisting in a large number of community projects. UW-Extension and the local MGAs frequently partner to offer community education programs that would be hard for either to do alone, such as the Chippewa Valley MGA’s Think Spring gardening seminar. In Wood Co. the MGA and the Hort Educator co-sponsored an apple grafting workshop at Auburndale High School, with the workshop led by their ag instructor. Columbia Co. MGVs worked with their 4-H and Family Living educators for Dig Into Food, a family event created by the Portage Library and Extension to promote healthy living by engaging families and children in activities about healthy foods. Participants were asked to set a goal of how they were going to eat healthier as a result of the event, and the follow-up evaluation showed that all participants said they planned to plant vegetables, and 92% of them actually did. The Dunn Co. MGA participated in UW-Extension’s Chippewa Valley Farm-City Days (an educational, interactive one-day event on a working farm in Elk Mound to expose families to agriculture and how food is produced). They discussed

composting, gave gardening tips, and shared their knowledge of invasive species. At one of the Vilas Co. MGA’s monthly public presentations, the Nutrition Educator spoke on Gardening and Nutrition, with Extension providing the literature and the MGA providing veggies and fruit to taste. Juneau Co. MGVs assisted their Family Living Agent with the SEA of Change Coalition (a group which purchased a home to be used by homeless families for up to three months while local agencies help fi nd permanent housing) by helping with landscaping and planters for the front entry of the house. The Southeast

Wisconsin MGA and Extension sponsor several youth programs, including the Buds n’ Sprouts summer youth gardening program for 75 children at the DNR’s Havenwoods State Forest and a Junior MG program led by VISTA students at the Pan-African Community Association garden.

MGVs are instrumental in taking the resources of UWEX in their communities and increasing the visibility of Extension. A Crawford Co. MGV met with the staff of a local school to work on a school garden project while another volunteer met with the group Mom’s Like Me, sponsored by the Family Resource Center, to share gardening expertise. MGVs in Marquette Co. provided educational resources, including UWEX publications, to help other organizations start community gardens.

In the past few years community gardens have become very popular throughout the state, and working in community gardens in collaboration with Extension educators is fairly common. Vilas Co. MGVs worked with their Nutrition Educator in the Northland Pines Community Garden, while

Beginner Garden WorkshopGrant Co. MGVs co-sponsored a workshop focused on soil testing and site selection. The Ag Agent covered the topics on soils, while 4 MGVs spoke on other topics and other MGVs handled reservations and refreshments. The 25 attendees went home anxious to start using their new basic gardening knowledge and get their soil test ed through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Soil Testing Laboratory.

Vegetable Nutrition Lessons

The Columbia Co. MGA worked with their local Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program (WNEP) to help 5th graders learn more about the importance of vegetables. The WNEP educator planned a series of fi ve nutrition lessons on eating more vegetables so MGVs brought their micro-farm to the classrooms. MGVs taught the students how to plant and grow micro-greens, and gave them tips for the care of their gardens they would need for the next month. Each classroom had one tray in the garden, and kept the garden in their room for one week, watering all the trays. At the last lesson, MGVs returned to help the students harvest, rinse and prepare their “micro-farm salad.” Students sampled the salad and enjoyed comparing the tastes of different greens, especially of vegetables that are not normally consumed as greens, such as carrots or radishes.

12

Chippewa Valley MGVs assisted UWEX in developing 3 community gardens in Chippewa Falls, Bloomer, and New Auburn, with raised beds and standard beds at each location. Wood Co. MGVs helped organize the Marshfi eld Community Gardens in 2010, which has now expanded to 3 different sites with a total of 80 plots. MGVs continue to provide education to the participants there, including working with a local school at one site where 4th graders learn to grow vegetables. This year they assisted their Hort Educator in forming community gardens in Nekoosa and Wisconsin Rapids.

MGVs in several counties are involved in their local 4-H programs —another Extension program—as well as the statewide 4-H Plant and Soil Science Day where 4-H kids from around the state learn about identifi cation, judging, and more related to plants and soil, houseplants and fl owers. MGVs offer presentations, activities, projects, and courses for 4-H members. Calumet Co. had classes on growing vegetables, fl owers, and houseplants, then other classes before the Fair on displaying those projects and how to impress the judge with their entries. They also provided planters to any 4-H Club to enter in the Fair, with the best one receiving a $25 award from the MGA. During the Fair the planters are displayed around the fairgrounds and after the Fair they are placed at the courthouse entrances.

Most county Extension offi ces have a role of some sort at the county fair, especially in relation to 4-H. Many MGVs assist Extension staff at their local County Fair to receive and organize 4-H fair entries, work with judges to rank exhibits, attach ribbons and record results. MGVs also monitor fair buildings to answer questions and safeguard 4-H projects. Others serve as superintendents in various horticulture-related departments, serve as judges or assist with youth and adult judging, help in receiving open-class fair entries, and provide a large volunteer base before, during and after the event. Chippewa Valley MGVs staffed the UW-Extension Agricultural activities for kids at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair which included vegetable races and an interactive pollinator display.

Almost all MGAs have a booth at their local fair to promote the MG program, answer gardening questions, and provide education to participants. Clark Co. MGVs had rain barrel and composting demonstrations as part of their booth at the Clark Co. Fair, while Marathon Co. MGVs conducted a seed starting demo, so children could go home and start planting their own garden.

Some MGVs help maintain University of Wisconsin Agriculture Research Stations (ARS) and other Extension plantings. Marathon Co. MGVs transformed a weed bed in the middle of the Marathon Co. Extension’s parking lot into a bed of native plants that attracts butterfl ies and benefi cial insects. Waushara Co. MGVs and others maintain the 5-acre display gardens at the Hancock ARS and participate in the annual garden fi eld day there. In spring they hosted a grape pruning demonstration at the Station which not only helped the ARS staff get the vines pruned, but offered hands-on education for the participants. The North Country MGA redesigned the offi cial All-America Selections (AAS) Display Garden in the Teaching and Display Garden at the Spooner Ag Research Station and won an award in the nationwide AAS Landscape Design Contest. The Green Co. MGA did a major renovation and planting project at the entrance of the UW-Extension Offi ce to enhance the image of UW-Extension.

MGVs have played an important role in the transition from one educator to another. For example, in Calumet Co., after the long time Ag Agent retired, MGVs participated in a visioning session to develop the new job description, one MGV was on the interview committee, and since hiring the new agent, MGVs assisted not only by continuing to answer horticulture questions, but also accompanying him on calls, including to a new commercial apple orchard. And the support goes the other way as well, with Agents offering education, timely information on current issues and local pest outbreaks, and oftentimes involvement in Association meetings and activities. MGVs often inspire the local Educator to improve their programing, educate on new topics and keep up with the latest research.

These are just a few examples of the many ways MGVs throughout Wisconsin are partnering with Extension to improve the lives of our citizens. For more examples of how MGVs are making a difference in their communities, please read the individual association pages in the full Wisconsin Master Gardener Program 2013 Accomplishment Report.

13

Statistical Report: 2013 MG Volunteer, Continuing Education and Certifi cation Records

This information represents 3153 records submitted by both local MG associations and other counties that are not presently affi liated with the WIMGA. The non-affi liated counties are shaded in the table. All hours are listed as whole numbers. Any fractions were rounded down to the nearest whole number. The Certifi ed MGVs column represent those MGVs who completed the minimum volunteer and continuing education hours required for certifi cation or recertifi cation for 2013.

The records information in the table below is listed by county. The totals by county are also depicted on page 15. However, some local associations include more than one county and some associations have a name different than their county location. These are designated with an asterisk in the table.

Statistical Information for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2013 (as of November 27, 2013)

County

StateMembersin 2013

YouthEducation

Hours

CommunityEducation

Hours

SupportServices

Hours

TotalVolunteer

Hours

ContinuingEducation

Hours

Certifi edfor

2014

Adams 59 123 110 1253 1487 673 28

Ashland* 15 13 29 901 943 183 9

Barron 77 36 385 1975 2377 953 37

Bayfi eld* 27 0 15 800 815 350 17

Brown * 85 133 260 3644 4037 983 73

Burnett * 6 23 33.5 138.5 195 76 5

Calumet 30 140 804 1091 2035 396 24

Chippewa * 50 143 277 1328 1748 522 29

Clark 27 17 191 723 931 442 17

Columbia 47 123 184 1054 1362 522 33

Crawford 19 71 81 1184 1339 336 13

Dane * 378 449 1361 11613 13423 3398 220

Dodge 40 84 415 1960 2459 861 34

Door 120 247 173 7353 7773 2641 106

Douglas * 45 88 176 1438 1702 642 35

Dunn 33 160 239 786 1186 562 27

Eau Claire * 71 71 456 2534 3062 1335 48

Florence * 40 119 378 3395 3893 574 31

Fond du Lac 90 264 516 4357 5138 2043 62

Forest * 2 0 8 527 535 30 2

Grant 27 123 388 1187 1698 758 22

Green * 48 76 188 1794 2058 721 41

Green Lake 2 0 0 54 54 24 2

Iowa 21 7 12 755 774 128 8

Iron * 19 14 41 448 503 175 9

Jackson 21 7 391 295 693 230 7

Jefferson 43 304 705 1424 2434 636 29

Juneau 35 92 78 1184 1354 642 27

Kenosha * 71 115 559 1921 2596 1018 48

Kewaunee 26 17 79 781 878 393 20

La Crosse * 107 349 249 4145 4744 1393 77

Lafayette 10 0 141 214 355 129 8

— table continued on page 14 —

14

County

StateMembersin 2013

YouthEducation

Hours

CommunityEducation

Hours

SupportServices

Hours

TotalVolunteer

Hours

ContinuingEducation

Hours

Certifi edfor

2014

Langlade 3 20 104 300 424 198 9

Manitowoc 47 27 190 2619 2837 845 33

Marathon * 92 62 827 3184 4073 1385 70

Marinette * 51 214 182 3146 3543 1010 43

Marquette * 39 26 131 1278 1435 448 16

Milwaukee * 494 2490 11019 4932 18441 5589 318

Monroe 1 13 13 249 275 158 5

Oconto 3 0 0 68 68 12 1

Oneida * 41 117 123 2624 2864 1016 38

Outagamie 135 237 1088 9705 11031 3801 108

Ozaukee 157 195 457 5461 6114 2406 112

Pierce * 65 72 330 1348 1750 796 42

Polk 23 67 130 365 563 292 17

Portage 76 447 845 2957 4250 1181 67

Price 3 12 13 208 233 93 3

Racine* 160 730 957 5433 7121 2371 126

Richland 6 0 0 195 195 85 6

Rock * 82 835 486 1981 3303 1108 55

Rusk * 2 67 212 509 789 303 11

Sauk 68 35 459 2547 3042 872 35

Sawyer * 6 63 97 146 306 125 6

Shawano * 22 39 1192 1309 2540 384 16

Sheboygan 108 141 647 4266 5054 2232 73

St. Croix * 175 494 507 4150 5152 1630 96

Taylor 10 0 45 80 126 102 4

Vernon 4 89 14 27 130 108 3

Vilas 25 105 212 502 819 399 12

Walworth 93 146 285 3564 3996 1455 77

Washburn * 23 165 165 1011 1341 373 20

Washington 58 163 252 2171 2586 712 35

Waukesha * 195 635 3278 1305 5219 1370 112

Waupaca 66 241 59 3276 3577 942 51

Waushara * 56 18 213 2389 2620 884 42

Winnebago 139 429 919 5884 7232 2215 90

Wood 126 255 256 5889 6400 1866 80

TOTALS 4345 12071 34641 147350 194046 62548 2980

* part of a multi-county group or one with noncounty name. These counties and their groups are:• Brown Co. = Northeast Wisconsin (NEW); also includes members from surrounding counties• Burnett, Sawyer and Washburn Counties = North Country MGs• Chippewa Co. = Chippewa Valley• Dane Co. = Madison Area (MAMGA); includes some members from surrounding counties• Douglas Co. = Lake Superior; includes some members from surrounding counties• Eau Claire Co. = Eau Claire Area; includes some members from surrounding counties• Florence Co. = Glacial Gardeners; includes some members from adjacent counties in Michigan• Forest Co. = Northwoods• Green Co. = South Central Wisconsin• Iron Co. = Range Masters; includes members from Gogebic Co., MI

Statistical Information for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2013 (as of November 27) — cont.

15

1,702 815

943

503

819

195 1341 306

233 2864 535

3893

3543563 2377 789

126

4073

424

5152

1750

1748

3062 9312540

—— 7733

8781103135774250

64004037

28372035723226201487

1354

693

2754744

130

1951339

1698

3042 1362

143554 5138 5054

2459 —— 6114

——184415219243413423

774

355 2058 3303 39962596

7121

2586

• Kenosha Co. = part of Racine-Kenosha MGA• La Crosse Co. = Bluff Country; includes some members from adjacent counties in Minnesota• Marathon Co. = North Central Wisconsin; includes some members from Lincoln Co.• Marinette Co. = Northern Lights• Marquette Co. = Thyme Shares MGs & Friends• Milwaukee Co. = Southeast Wisconsin (SEW); includes members from Waukesha Co.• Oneida Co. = Master Gardeners of the North; includes members from surrounding counties• Pierce Co. = St. Croix Valley MGs; includes MGs from St. Croix Co. and adjacent counties in Minnesota• Rock Co. = Rock Prairie• Rusk Co. = North Country Millennium Gardeners• Shawano Co. = Wolf River; includes members from Menominee Co.• St. Croix Co. = St. Croix Valley MGs; includes MGs from Pierce Co. and adjacent counties in Minnesota• Trempealeau Co. = Coulee Region; also includes Buffalo and Jackson Counties• Waukesha Co. = Southeast Wisconsin (SEW); includes members from Milwaukee Co.• Waushara Co. = Shar-A-Gardeners

Total Volunteer Hours for Counties participating in the Wisconsin MG Program, 2013 (as of November 27, 2013)

Local MG Association Narrative ReportsOn the following pages are reports for 48 of the 53 WIMGA-affi liated local MG associations. These reports include a brief summary of the major activities of each group, highlighting one project in greater detail. These are intended to provide greater detail about local activities than what is included in the executive summary and short list of community impacts.

1186

68

16

Adams County Master GardenersWe now have 59 members, with 28 certifi ed for 2014.

In 2013 we volunteered 123 hours in youth education 110 hours in community education 1,253 hours in support service and participated in 673 hours in continuing education

Education is the main emphasis of the Adams Co. MGVA. We always invite the general public to participate in our monthly educational programs. During the summer months we hold tours of member’s individual gardens including touring the plantings of numerous nurseries. Our winter educational programs included Garden Tool Maintenance, Landscape Pruning, Hostas, Butterfl y Gardens, Using Native Plants, and Container Gardening.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We have a small fruit, plant and tree sale as a major fundraiser every other year. We also have an

annual Brat Fry to raise additional funds. The profi ts from these events allowed the MGVA to offer scholarships to area youth as well as other community activities.

2. The Adams Co. MGVA helps maintain plantings at various locations including the Adams Co. Historical Society Museum and the planters at Moundview Memorial Hospital. We also volunteer in the Gardening section of the Adams Co. Library as well as maintaining their plants

3. We promote the MG program through articles in our newsletter which comes out six times a year as well as staffi ng a booth to answer gardening questions at the Adams Co. Fair.

4. Every year ACMG volunteers donate money to the local 4-H program for their Excellence Awards program. This year the 4-H concession stand at the County Fair was vandalized, with food items opened and thrown around the room. The 4-H stand was cleaned and restocked by the members and adults, and reopened the next day. But since the concession stand is the only fundraiser that group has, we sent them an additional $100 to help offset lost sales at this year’s fair. We also participate in interactive activities at the yearly “Kids Day” celebration.

5. The Adams Co. MGVA also maintains three 2-mile sections of highway for Adopt-A-Highway.

Highlighted Project: College ScholarshipsThis year we are proud to be able to double our scholarships from a total of $1500 to $3000. Our

requirements are:1. Majoring in a science/horticulture related fi eld2. Community service volunteer hours3. Academic excellence

This year’s three winners exhibited those characteristics.

17

Ashland/Bayfi eld County Master GardenersThere are 39 members in our organization, which includes members from Ashland and Bayfi eld Counties, with 26 certifi ed for 2014.


Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We again sponsored a winter-spring-summer garden series. This series featured Managing Insect

Pests in your Garden by Jason Fischbach, UWEX Ag. Agent, Invasive Species by Pamela Roberts, Your Personal Landscape Design by Cynthia Dalzell, Landscape Designer and Flower Arranging by a local fl orist. Each session had about 30 attendees consisting of MGVs and the general public.

2. Members participated in “Ask the Master Gardener” events at the Bay Area Farm and Garden Show in April and at the Bayfi eld in Bloom event which included hosting a live broadcast of WPR’s Garden Talk with Larry Meiller.

3. One MGVs raised 75 pumpkin plants for 4-H members and adults for a “largest pumpkin” contest. Members were also furnished sunfl ower seeds for both largest sunfl ower head and tallest sunfl ower plant. Last year the tallest sunfl ower plant was 14 feet.

4. Two members who are Certifi ed Master Composters offered a composting class attended by 12 people. Literature was distributed and a composting display was set up.

5. MGVs plant and maintain gardens at nursing homes, fairgrounds, parks and community centers throughout our two counties. One of these locations is the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center where native gardens and a seed orchard are maintained. Another, in the City of Ashland, received a Beauty Spot Award for renovation of seven perennial gardens. A MGV’s gardens were fi lmed by Public Television for future use in the “Great Gardening” series.

6. This year we offered two scholarships for individuals taking MG Level 1 training. Selection was based on fi nancial need. We also gave a $1,000 grant to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center to help fund their horticultural education projects.

Highlighted Project: County Fair Display BoothWe exhibited an educational display booth at the Bayfi eld Co. Fair featuring Container Gardening.

Flowering and foliage plants were included in various types of containers. In addition, the walls of the booth contained photos of containers use by MGVs. A three-page UW-Extension handout was available at the booth which offered ideas and guidance on doing container gardening. About 150 of these handouts were picked up by fair goers. The fair does not allow the booths to be staffed so we were not able to have direct contact with the people viewing the display, but a couple of people later asked for more information on container gardening. The booth received a blue ribbon.

18

Barron County Master GardenersThere are 52 active members in our association with 37 certifi ed for 2013 and 16 in training.


The Barron Co. MGVs hold 11 meetings during the year. Each meeting has an educational speaker, for continuing education hours, as well as a business meeting, various committee reports and updates on projects. We also instituted some special 15-minute training sessions this year to assist volunteers, such as an overview of helpful websites and how to upload a picture to Plant Doc. The three summer meetings include a pot-luck and garden tour.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. In the Sunfl ower Project BCMGVs go into 2nd grade classrooms in the spring to talk about

gardening and send students home with sunfl ower seeds. The next fall MGVs return to the 3rd grade classes and award a prize for the largest sunfl ower grown over the summer.

2. What’s your Long Suit – MGVs fi ll out a form describing their areas of expertise and willingness to do public speaking. This information will be used as a speakers bureau and as contact information when the extension offi ce receives questions that can be answered by an expert.

3. The Spring Garden Expo provides horticulture education to area gardeners. This year’s Expo attracted over 100 participants and included topics such as Shade Gardening, Backyard Bee Keeping and Growing Onions, Leeks, and Shallots.

4. A Plant Sale in the spring of every year is the main fund raiser to fund community grants and garden projects. Members donate plants from their own gardens, provide horticulture assistance in choosing the right plants for yards and do demonstrations at this plant sale.

Highlighted Project: Farm Technology DaysThe BCMGA was very involved with the 2013 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days (FTD) held in

Barron Co. in July. The BCMGV worked closely with other FTD Committees, especially the Grounds Committee on placement of demonstration gardens, barrels of plantings and scheduling of watering. BCMGVs were instrumental in getting three garden centers to provide planting displays for specifi c areas of the grounds. Barrels and benches were spread throughout Tent City. At the food tents, people were greeted with barrels of edible ornamentals. BCMGVs provided education with a rain garden site, a vegetable garden using recycled farm silo plastic, straw bale gardening, a rain barrel demonstration, and a booth in the Progress Pavilion showing the ways our organization serves citizens of Barron Co.

Our “Adopt-A-Barrel” program allowed people to memorialize or honor someone at FTD. More than 125 barrels were “adopted” for a fee of $25, which helped, along with a WIMGA grant, to defray the cost of beautifying the grounds. A display at the BCMGA Booth contained a map and a binder with a photograph of each barrel to help people locate specifi c barrels.

The host family specifi cally requested that the Admission Gates be interesting, appealing, and welcoming. Each gate had a theme of a different youth organization, with a large display of fl owers and symbols to educate people about that particular group. We used a green and white theme for plants at the 4-H gate. The Youth Dairy gate had potted plants color coded for Holstein, Guernsey, and Jersey, and included milk cans as decorations. The FFA gate was created by one of the local nurseries (BCMGVs) and featured FFA symbols. BCMGV also prepared a perennial garden planting for the host family as a thank you gift for hosting the 2013 FTD.

19

Bluff Country Master GardenersThere are over 90 members in this association (which includes members from La Crosse, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Vernon, Monroe and Houston, MN counties), with 77 certifi ed for 2014 and 15 students in training.

In 2013 we volunteered 349 hours in youth education 249 hours in community education 4,145 hours in support service and participated in 1,393 hours in continuing education

Throughout the year BCMGVs provided public community education through a variety of on-going projects in La Crosse and surrounding communities. We awarded $550 in grants to MGVs in support of their community projects and a $500 scholarship to a Landscape/Horticulture student at Western Technical College. We are preparing for the 2015 State WIMGA conference to be held in La Crosse, as we continue to focus on improving our online presence by developing our website, online calendar, social network accounts and the ability to make reservations and accept payments online for events.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Myrick-Hixon Ecopark. Work continued on the three targeted garden areas: pollinator, rain garden

and native landscaping around the building. MGVs partnered with high school students and volunteers from the Ecopark to continue the planting and maintenance. Using a WIMGA grant, MGVs are developing educational materials. A covered information kiosk was recently installed.

2. Riverside International Friendship Garden. Ten additional ironstone containers were purchased and placed throughout the RFIG this year with annual fl owers to add splashes of color in each of the 5 sister city gardens. New perennials were added to form a mixed border along the main pathway. Plans for an Irish garden are complete and fundraising has begun for planting in 2014.

3. Spring Into Gardening. 2013 was the 11th year that the BCMGA organized this educational seminar for the public. The keynote speakers were Jeff Gillman of Univ. of MN and author of The Truth About Gardening Remedies and Diane Ott Wheatley from Seedsaver’s in Iowa.

4. Kane Street Gardens. In spite of drought, the garden volunteers managed to produce and share over 20,000 pounds of food with the community. A hoophouse is currently being added to extend the season. Other demonstration projects include permaculture blocks, a lasagna garden which will feature a simulated family growing space next season, a children’s garden and a rain garden.

5. Hixon House Historical Garden. BCMGVs were assisted by 7th grade students who helped plant the vegetable garden, mulched the formal garden, and planted several planters. Students designed, painted and installed a rain barrel and learned about composting and vermiculture from MGVs.

Highlighted Project: Evergreen Garden ClubTen years ago a BCMGV founded an after school Garden Club for elementary students attending

Evergreen Elementary in Holmen, WI. The present membership of 53 students gather monthly for hands-on exploration of gardening topics ranging from seeds to plant adaptations. The group maintains a certifi ed Monarch Way Station/Butterfl y Garden on school grounds that past members planted in 2006. The young students, in 2nd through 5th grade, are learning to be environmental stewards through a wide ranging curriculum written by a BCMGV. Full circle service learning is now occurring as local high school students, who were former garden club members, return to assist the group with their current projects. Evergreen Garden Club benefi ts the entire student body of this elementary school by providing enrichment experiences, free of charge, to any student, teacher, or parent interested in horticulture. Visit the garden club website at http://evergreengardenclub.weebly.com

20

Calumet County Master GardenersWe had about 30 members in 2013, with 24 recertifi ed for 2014.


Our membership has remained fairly constant, but a lot of our members are getting older and we are always looking for new and younger members to assist with our many projects and programs. Because of our aging membership, we have not taken on any new projects, but have focused our energy on maintaining our current projects. We try to make our meetings fun and educational. Our summer meetings have traditionally been held at different members’ homes, but this year we held our meetings at different public gardens and businesses in the area. In the winter months we offer educational opportunities that are often open to the public. In October, our new UW-Extension Agricultural Agent and MG Advisor, Eric Ronk, was our guest at our annual banquet.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We continue to plant and maintain numerous fl ower beds including the City of Chilton, Calumet Co.

Courthouse, Calumet Co. Fairgrounds, and the Optimist River Walk Beds. The City of Chilton bed has continued to be a real frustration for us – continuing to battle a large infestation of purslane. We planted all marigolds in the bed this year and weeded the purslane out one time and the marigolds grew large enough to prevent further growth of the weed.

2. In a continuing effort to work with different groups in the county, we applied for a $100 WIMGA Educational Grant to provide horticulture magazine subscriptions to the New Holstein Public Library. Upon receiving the grant, we contributed an additional $50, allowing the Library to purchase $150 in horticulture magazine subscriptions.

3. MGV are involved with the Chilton Tree Board and the Chilton School District, assisting with the school forest and establishment of a prairie area and long range planning. An outdoor classroom was built this year in the school forest by the Chilton High School Construction Class.

4. At the Calumet Co. Fair MGVs work with the youth and judges on the entry days and staff a MG Booth to answer all kinds of questions. Our special exhibit this year was on ornamental corn, both regular and miniature cobs, which was grown last year and then saved for the exhibit this year.

5. MGVs did a presentation on growing plants for the approximate 150 young people who attended the Agricultural Safety Day sponsored by our local hospital.

6. The Salvation Army vegetable garden beds were planted with tomatoes in two of the raised beds, hot and sweet peppers in another bed and the last bed with summer and winter squash varieties. After planting 35 different pepper plants, a family of baby rabbits devoured all of the peppers plants in two days, with the exception of the two habanero plants. But the peppers were replanted and a bumper harvested. Most of the hot peppers were made available to the local Hispanic population through the food pantry.

Highlighted Project: Annual Plant SaleOur annual plant sale, held in May, is our major fund raising effort of the year with the proceeds

used for our scholarship program and our yearly educational events. We continue to offer annuals, vegetables, herbs and hanging baskets to compliment the perennials that we have for sale. Our perennial sales have dropped in the past couple of years, so this year we offered some new and different perennials and ended up selling the vast majority of the new plants. Next year we will offer additional new and different perennials again.

21

Chippewa Valley Master GardenersThere are 49 members in our association, with 29 certifi ed for 20143.


This year the CVMGA board authorized an annual $500 Volunteer Project Grant to encourage members to develop educational projects that could be shared with the community. Each project had to have a minimum of three MGVs involved, submit a brief overview of the project, description of the educational component and targeted audience. A short oral or written report would be submitted at the end of the project. Two projects were funded and completed in 2013. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. This year’s “Think Spring” Garden Seminar drew nearly 200 people. The keynote speaker was

Dick Zontag who presented sessions on vegetable gardening, annuals and perennials. There were sessions on bees, shrubs, seed starting, pruning, and food preserving.

2. The CVMGA booth at the Northern WI State Fair included an interactive, family-centered display on pollinators funded by CVMGA grant money. A felt board identifi ed common pollinators and examples of the plants that depend on them. Lists of native plants and garden varieties that are important food sources for pollinators were distributed. Accurate throws in a colorful corn-hole game that matched pollinator bean-bags with a favorite plant were rewarded with a Bit-O-Honey.

3. CVMGA continued with the Beginner Gardener Series programs that were started in 2012. Our March and April programs were open to the public and included companion planting and successful heirloom species for area gardens.

4. To promote sustainable, ethical gardening and landscaping, two monthly meetings focused on important pollinators—bees and butterfl ies. We visited a member’s apiary where we learned the importance of honey bees in food production and the effects of decreased food supply and increased pesticide use on pollinator populations. Members also toured the Butterfl y House at Beaver Creek Nature Reserve in Fall Creek. The same environmental hazards that affect bees are also reducing the number of butterfl ies. We learned that devoting even small parts of our gardens and yards to a diverse number of native plants and discouraging the over-use of pesticides can make a difference.

5. MGVs helped Chippewa Valley area boy scouts with the Gardening Merit Badge. Scouts were introduced to garden topics that included pollinators, health issues such as fi rst-aid and nutrition, garden pests, and plant propagation. Scouts also helped put together a vermi-composting bin.

Highlighted Project: Dig Into Reading ProgramBecause the theme of this year’s Bloomer Library Summer Reading Program was Dig into

Reading, a group of Bloomer-area MGVs organized a weekly, hands-on beginner gardener series that targeted grade-school readers. They used CVMGA grant money for a community garden plot that was planted, weeded, and harvested over a six-week period. Along with a visit to the garden plot, each week MGVs developed a lesson with a different gardening theme accompanied by an art project. Children kept a diary of garden observations and the progress of their decomposition project—which was fi nally banned from the library. Their last meeting was in a local retirement home where the children shared vegetable pizzas made from their garden produce with elderly residents. The program was a huge success, including more than 20 children who were often accompanied by parents and younger siblings. The curriculum and colorful felt boards that were designed for each lesson can be used for other young gardener projects in the future.

22

Clark County Master GardenersThere are 24 members in our association with 17 certifi ed for 2014. Level 1 training was postponed until January 2014 because of low enrollment and four members participated in the advanced training class.

In 2013 we volunteered 17 hours in youth education 191 hours in community education 723 hours in support service and participated in 442 hours in continuing education

The Clark Co. MGA formed as an organization open to the public called “Over the Garden Gate.” While we encourage everyone to become a MGV, anyone who enjoys gardening is welcome at our meetings. We meet the fourth Monday of the month at the Clark County Courthouse at 6:00 p.m.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Ask the Master Gardener sessions continued this summer every other Thursday from 10:00 a.m.

to noon. MGVs are available then to answer horticulture questions from the public as well as questions received by the UW-Extension Agent throughout the week. We noted an increase in questions from last year.

2. Two of our members held composting workshops complete with demonstrations. These were open to the public at no charge and will be offered again next year. The same members made several rain barrels and sold them for $20 each as a fundraiser for our group. Customers who purchased the rain barrels were very pleased, especially with the free delivery.

3. In July, our group sponsored a bus tour for members and the public to visit Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Land of the Giants Hosta Farm, and K&W Greenery. Visitors took good notes, lots of pictures, and most helped fi ll the bus with plant purchases. The annual trip has become very popular with nonmembers as well as members.

4. In April, a MGV presented a program on container gardening, using unusual containers, complete with planting demonstrations, plant and pot selection information, free petunias for everyone, and a drawing for freshly planted containers to a senior citizen group. While sharing the potluck meal, the presenter and seniors had interesting conversations about their gardens. In October, two other MGVs visited the same group to share information about keeping plants over winter.

5. Our annual plant swap, held in May, was well attended and gardeners seemed pleased with the variety and quality of plants they purchased at very reasonable prices. A 4-H club served coffee and bars, and a number of children made bird feeders for Mother’s Day gifts.

Highlighted Project: Community GardenPlanning for Neillsville’s fi rst community garden began last fall as a joint venture with Calvary

Lutheran Church, UW-Extension, and Over the Garden Gate Garden Club. Calvary provided the land for the garden as well as money to start the project. The club and Listemann Foundation provided additional money, and a local resident provided the lumber for the raised bed boxes. After surveying the community, it was determined that there was adequate interest to move forward with the project. Work days were held when MGVs built the beds, fi lled the beds with soil and compost, and erected an eight foot high deer fence. Training sessions, using Extension materials, were held in April before planting began. Eight of the 10 beds were rented and the remaining two were planted with potatoes for Neillsville’s community Thanksgiving dinner. Gardens grew well and gardeners, some who had a garden for the fi rst time, enjoyed the experience and the fresh produce. Gardens were cleaned out and plant material composted in late October.

23

Columbia County Master GardenersThere are 34 members in the organization, with 5 new volunteers trained in fall/winter 2012/13. Another 5 volunteers took training in fall of 2013.


This association offers continuing education opportunities at most of its’ monthly meetings, which are often held in the UW-Extension meeting room, at member’s garden, and at MGV project sites. Internally we communicate through a bi-monthly newsletter and an email list-serve.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our Let’s Get Green and Growing spring garden seminar continues to grow with over 120

registered attendees and 25 volunteers, and produce both increased volunteer opportunities as well as education hours. Members developed new topics on growing small fruits at home, and dehydrating garden produce. We have also drawn in local farmers to talk about raising bees and using organic growing methods. The most popular session, Solar Greenhouses, was presented by FFA students at Pardeeville High School where the event was held.

2. Members provide leadership to several community efforts, including the Poynette and Portage Community Gardens, Poynette Farmers Market, and Poynette and Pardeeville garden clubs. We invite each other to meetings, exchange and cooperate on speakers, and share educational resources.

3. CCMGA has only conducted a plant sale for two years, and have enjoyed a fair amount of success with this event. Members donate perennials, which are popular, and have increasingly started annual vegetable seedlings such as specialty peppers and tomatoes for sale.

4. CCMGVs contribute to increasing the aesthetic appeal of the communities where they live by developing, improving or maintaining beatifi cation projects. This year the members focused on bringing MGV recognition by installing project signs with our name and contact information. We plan to add more individual plant ID markers to increase the educational value of these projects.

Highlighted Project: Youth EducationYouth education is a separate category of volunteer hours for a very good reason: in today’s society,

many children grow up without much access to nature, gardens, or wildlife. MGVs understand that we need to teach kids about horticulture and the environment if they are to value it in their lives. As a group, the Columbia Co. MGVs have attempted to increase and focus our efforts in youth education. • At the Lodi Schools, MGVs teach elementary youth in classrooms during the school year and in

the school garden during summer school. • Volunteers used the micro-farm to teach students ranging from kindergarten to middle school, as

well as a class of high school students with a developmental disability, how to grow greens in their classrooms during fi ve-week long sessions. Because of the popularity of the micro-farm project, volunteers built a second unit this year, and reached approximately 190 youth. Students enjoy being able to eat their work, and for many this is their fi rst time eating salad.

• Our MGV group holds an annual “planting party” at a local greenhouse to help 4-H youth design and plant decorative containers for the county fair.

• At the Cambria-Friesland elementary “Interest Day” students learned how to plant seeds, and the volunteer tied that into a presentation for the community at the library the same day.

• MGVs taught young children and their parents how to plant seeds and how to work with transplants during a Portage library family event. Some MGVs also serve as 4-H fl ower project leaders.

24

Crawford County Master GardenersThe Crawford County Master Gardeners Association (CCMGA) has 19 members, with 13 certifi ed for 2014.


The CCMGA meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Crawford Co. Administration Building in Prairie du Chien. In 2013 meetings included demonstrations and MGVs participating in designing and producing garden art, bird feeders and learning about techniques for starting plants indoors. Several meetings were combined with work nights at area gardens.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. As an Earth Day project, CCMGVs revitalized several gardens

planted on Blackhawk Ave in downtown Prairie du Chien. They weeded, pruned and cleaned up four different garden areas on the Avenue which included shrubs, rose bushes and many perennials. The city street crews followed with mulch and downtown merchants were expected to maintain their garden areas.

2. MGVs maintain several gardens in the county, and some MGA meetings included work nights at these sites. MGVs weeded, pruned and replanted perennials and added mulch at the Fort Fun/Aquatic Park entrance gardens which the MGA took over in 2011. Bluff View Elementary School’s garden, at the entrance of the school, was in need of rejuvenation, so MGVs weeded, pruned and added mulch to the large garden and the shrubbery. MGVs prepared the Crawford Co. Fairgrounds in Gays Mills for the Crawford Co. Fair in early August. MGVs brought various gardening tools to shape shrubs, refurbish perennials and clean up in front of fairground buildings. Work nights were scheduled every Monday evening through the season at St Feriole Island Memorial Gardens, with a special session to prepare the gardens for the Oktober Fest two weeks before that event. Beds were cleaned up and plants pruned or deadheaded.

3. MGVs continue to support the Memorial Garden Annual Plant Sale each spring by donating plants from their own gardens. The funds are used to purchase garden art or build features in the gardens.

4. CCMGA president Donna Teynor provided four educational seminars at the Crawford Co. Fair on perennials and composting.

5. MGVs were invited to tour the garden at the Family Resource Center. This garden is the product of the “Moms Like Me” project for young mothers and their children which a MGV facilitates. In this project the group learns to plant, tend, harvest and prepare the garden’s bounty.

Highlighted Project: Oktober Fest 2012 The CCMA collaborates with the Prairie du Chien Department of Parks and Recreation and several

private individuals to host Oktober Fest on the third Saturday of October in the St Feriole Island Memorial Gardens. MGVs are responsible for several garden-related make & take activities offered for participants including creating dried fl ower arrangements, making peanut butter and seed treat for birds using pine cones, and decorating mini pumpkins. MGVs also sponsored a scarecrow contest, with scarecrows made by MGVs, community organizations, and individuals displayed throughout the Memorial Gardens and created a maze of straw bales for children to either walk or ride through.

25

Dodge County Master GardenersIn 2013 we had 53 MGVs, with 34 certifi ed for 2014.


Our meetings are held January through October on the fourth Thursday at the Administration Building in Juneau. The meetings are educational programs with speakers covering a range of topics. The programs are free and open to the public. Members are kept informed through emails and our newsletter, Digging in Dodge. Webpages are maintained on both the state MG and Dodge Co. UW-Extension websites.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. DCMGA designed, planted, and maintained an educational display garden for the Dodge Co.

Administration Building. They have identifi ed each plant with a plant marker to help viewers learn what the plants are. MGVs have also developed educational reference material about the display garden plants including each plant’s photo, description, growing conditions and care. This information is available at http://dodge.uwex.edu/master-gardener/.

2. During the annual plant sale, a project was initiated to help educate about the benefi ts of using rain barrels. Over a dozen rain barrels were constructed, sold, and put to use in the community.

3. MGVs designed and installed landscape projects at Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library, Horicon,and Church Health Services, Beaver Dam. They also assisted with creating a 500ft2 educational garden at Schurz Elementary School, Watertown with plans for expansion.

4. With a $250 WIMGA grant, software and training were purchased to enable DCMGA to update our newsletter. The new version offers educational material to the public in a more professional manner. Copies were distributed at home shows, garden centers, the county fair, and other events.

5. Mayville Sports and Gun Club held a Women and Youth Sports Event (WAYSE) and invited the DCMGA to conduct a hands-on, gardening related course that would allow participants to take something home with them. Our topic of ‘Hummingbird Gardens’ included a presentation providing hummingbird facts, as well as the best plants to incorporate into a garden to attract them. Following the presentation, participants were provided with empty soda/ water bottles, red plastic spoons and red aluminum wire, to make hummingbird feeders to add to their gardens. Organizers of WAYSE said it was the most popular class and invited the MGVs to return next year!

Highlighted Project: Booth at the Dodge County Fair The DCMGA had its fi rst booth at the 5 day Dodge Co. Fair. With a focus of “Square Foot

Gardening”, a portable 3x4 foot box was on display with cards available demonstrating the correct spacing for the garden. The booth was staffed in the late afternoon and through the evening hours, with several MGVs at each time to answer questions and identify weeds that were brought in. MGVs made extensive use of UW-Extension publications and websites as they answered questions. We provided information on emerald ash borer (which had recently been found in Dodge Co.), had many discussions with attendees about other gardening concerns, and distributed handouts on a variety of topics. Nearly everyone who stopped at the booth had a question answered, took away some sort of information, or signed up for our newsletter.

26

Door County Master GardenersIn 2013 we had 97 returning members and had 24 students newly trained in 2013, with 106 certifi ed for 2014.


This year the Door Co. MGA was involved in 8 major community projects: a heritage garden at Crossroads at Big Creek, two separate DIRT library programs which were repeated throughout the county, maintenance of barrels in Ellison Bay, enhancement of the gardens at Noble House in Fish Creek, and planters at several county buildings. We also maintain a publicly accessible website (www/dcmga.org) that includes a calendar of activities, newsletters and photographs of various events.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our training committee redesigned the class to accommodate 24 students in the class of 2013.

Each week experts gave presentations to the group and then committee members led small group discussions of assigned readings. The small groups changed every week to help people to get to know everyone. In the summer the students planted and maintained the annual beds in The Garden Door (their class project), helped with many of our events, and hosted tours of their own gardens.

2. Last winter and early spring we hosted two public programs a month at Crossroads at Big Creek. The one on March 19th was the most popular, with 92 guests.

3. We redesigned our annual youth program for a smaller group to make it more manageable and enriching. Fifty-nine 3rd/4th graders planted the beds in June and returned in October for the harvest. They fi lled bags with potatoes, carrots, beets, and other produce to take home for their families.

4. The annual 2013 Plant Sale had record sales. The profi ts fund The Garden Door and all of our educational activities. This requires considerable effort by MGVs, ordering seeds and perennials, growing annuals in the greenhouse, potting up donated perennials, advertising, and much more.

Highlighted Project: The Garden DoorThe Garden Door is our organization’s free public garden, open every day from dawn to dusk.

Located on the grounds of the Peninsular Agricultural Research Station, this two acre garden features a variety of spaces including an edible herb garden, raised beds, a rock garden, ornamental grasses, a butterfl y garden, perennial beds, annual beds, a cactus bed, a pergola and a gazebo. This year we added two tables and four benches in the pergola which were popular with visitors to have lunch or just appreciate the garden. We are always trying new plants and are pleased to have successfully grown artichokes this year, stimulating lots of questions and comments. Visitation has risen dramatically, thanks in part to social media. This year Trip Advisor ranked The Garden Door as the second most popular attraction for the Sturgeon Bay area. In addition to a steady fl ow of visitors who arrive on their own, we hosted 8 tour bus groups and 7 scheduled groups such other MGAs. Our annual Open House in July drew over 200 visitors. We offered mini-classes on containers, ponds, cactus gardens, photography, herbs, gardening tools, attracting butterfl ies and ornamental shrubs. In September The Taste of the Garden Door and Pesto Festo, which is part of that event, attracted more than 600 guests.

Adjoining The Garden Door we have a community garden named The Garden Next Door. It has twenty-one 20x20 foot plots. Six of these plots are planted by third graders each spring and harvested by the same group as fourth graders in the fall. In other plots DCMGA members plant vegetables and fl owers, educating visitors on a variety of crops and gardening techniques. All growers donate a portion of their harvest to a local food pantry.

27

Dunn County Master GardenersThe Dunn Co. MGA had 28 active members in 2013, with 27 recertifi ed for 2014.


We have just completed our third year as an MGA and are continuing to develop as an organization. We are trying to get as many members involved with organizational leadership as possible, while still maintaining diversity and remaining as inclusive as possible. Although we have no signature group project, when ever a request for help is made via e-mail — such as presentations at the county fair, answers to horticulture phone calls, clean up at the high school garden after a fi re, or assistance with 4-H projects — there are always MGVs willing to help.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Eleven Dunn Co. MGVs were trained in invasive species identifi cation and control and helped stop

the spread of invasive plants throughout the county. They traveled back roads of the Menomonie Township to remove or map many colonies of buckthorn, knapweed, garlic mustard, wild parsnips, and others, as well as isolated cases of other targeted invasive weeds. Their efforts will help native plants thrive by removing their competition and encouraging natural biodiversity in the area.

2. MGVs visited surrounding schools to participate in family “fun nights” to help teach adults and children about gardening and share their expertise with the public. These small events were opportunities to improve the visibility of UW-Extension and MG projects in the community.

3. The Dunn Co. MGA participated in UW-Extension’s Chippewa Valley Farm-City Days held in Elk Mound at the Five Star Dairy, LLC farm. This educational, interactive one-day event on a working farm exposes families to agriculture and how food is produced. MGVs presented posters and discussed composting, gave gardening tips, and shared their knowledge of invasive species. Their booth at the event attracted many families who were happy to receive advice from local and experienced gardeners.

Highlighted Project: Little SproutsLittle Sprouts Academy Menomonie, a group child care facility,

received a grant to build raised beds and teach staff and children about planting and maintaining a garden. Dunn Co. MGVs helped teach day care staff and children many elements of gardening using UW-Extension resources such as “Got Dirt?” and “Got Veggies?” to plan their curriculum. Children were grouped into different categories and ranged from less than one year old to 11 year olds. Most of the offi ce staff also participated. The staff and cooks enjoy regularly using minimally processed and organic vegetables and were eager to participate in the garden and help decide what was to be planted so they could fi t it into their menus. Children participated in many elements

of gardening such as discovering soil and completing soil tests (as pictured below) and were excited to keep their samples to show parents. Everybody learned how to plant a garden, weed and water, as well as tried new vegetables. MGVs said they felt great satisfaction in teaching weekly for this organization, especially for the younger children who before that program had little to no exposure to gardening.

28

Eau Claire Area Master GardenersThe Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Volunteer Association (ECAMGA) had 71 members from Eau Claire, Barron, Buffalo, Pepin, Chippewa, Dunn, and Trempealeau counties, with 48 re-certifi ed for 2014.


The ECAMGA was awarded a Search for Excellence Award at the International Master Gardener Conference 2013. Search for Excellence (SFE) is the recognition program of MG volunteer work throughout the US and Canada. ECAMG earned a Second Place Award in the Workshop or Presentation category for their Ready, Set, Grow! Winter Garden Seminar. The gardening seminar has been held for several years, in February, with a goal of educating MGVs and the public, increasing interest in gardening, and expanding awareness of UW-Extension and the MG Program.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our Education Committee provided monthly hour-long sessions featuring local garden experts on

a variety of garden subjects for approximately 240 members and general public. 2. Schlegelmilch House historical gardens are part of the Schlegelmilch House Museum that is owned

and operated by the Chippewa Valley Museum. The House was built by Herman Schlegelmilch in 1871 and several generations of his family lived there until it was given to the Museum in the 1970’s. We have created, installed and maintain gardens using plants that would have been in place around 1906 when the House was remodeled. The City provides wood mulch to use once we have planted annuals; we have received a donation from the Eau Claire Garden Club each year to help with the cost of the annuals. MGVs developed a Plant Identifi cation Brochure, printed with the assistance of the ECAMGA that identifi es the fl owers, trees and shrubs in the landscape. The brochure is available to visitors to the Garden.

3. A nine member Seminar Committee plans and organizes our annual winter garden seminar: Ready, Set, Grow, which provides 6 hours of education as well as introducing participants to local horticulture businesses when they visit the vendors. This event is well attended by the public, drawing nearly 200 guests. We have had good feedback from the public. All income above our costs is used to further horticultural opportunities in the community.

4. Between staffi ng the Ask a Master Gardener booth at the Eau Claire downtown Farmers Market and assisting our UW-Extension horticulture educator, 20 MGVs answering questions for about 300 people from the community. Some of the more common topics included vegetable gardening, tree pruning, and how to get rid of Japanese beetles.

5. For the second year in a row, MGVs hosted a presentation on growing and using herbs for 49 senior citizens at an Eau Claire Co. Senior Meal Site program located at L. E. Phillips Senior Center for the aging. We plan to continue this relationship with other horticulture presentations useful to them.

Highlighted Project: Scholarships for Horticulture StudentsThe ECAMGA, in keeping with our mission to provide horticulture education, has provided two

$500 scholarships for the Chippewa Valley Technical College Landscape, Plant and Turf Management program. The scholarships will be awarded to a traditional and non-traditional student. Instructors will determine who is best qualifi ed to receive the scholarships, based on eligibility for a Pell Grant, 3.0 grade point average and taking a minimum of six credits.

29

Fond du Lac County Master GardenersWe currently have 62 certifi ed Master Gardener Volunteers in our association, plus there are 11 people who took Level 1 training this fall.

In 2013 we volunteered 264 in youth education 516 hours in community education 4,357 hours in support service and participated in 2,043 hours in continuing education

We meet the second Tuesday of the month from January through May and from September through November. Many of our meetings include speakers on horticultural topics.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. On March 23 we hosted our annual garden seminar A Day in the Garden. Now in its twelfth

year, this event is designed to offer MGVs a continuing education opportunity. The seminar is also open to the public. The seminar featured presentations by Patti Nagai on Houseplants, Noel Valdes on Open Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening, and Janet Macunovich on Continuous Color in the Garden. The day included a silent auction, as well as a raffl e and vendors. We had over one hundred people attend, and look forward to our 2014 program on March 1.

2. We were contacted by the Fond du Lac Public Library requesting our assistance in organizing a fall Plant Swap/Sale to benefi t the library. We accepted the challenge in June and began the planning. The day of the event, September 14, was a beautiful day and there was a good response from the community. Many people had questions and took some literature that we had available, and customers left with new plants and big smiles. This was an excellent public relations event.

3. The Fond du Lac Co. Wellness committee invited our association to participate in their Health/Wellness Fair, the theme of which was Planting the Seeds to Grow Good Health. Our members put together materials on a variety of garden herbs used for healing, started seeds for micro greens, and set up raised garden models for our booth. We answered many questions from the attendees and provided Garden Supply magazines and other handouts.

4. Our Horticulture Helpline at the UW-Extension offi ce provided science-based answers to phone and email questions from the public. Questions related primarily to the wet and cold spring and hot and dry summer. There were many complaints of tree damage from the stress of last year’s drought as well as deer and rodent damage from the deep snow over the long winter. We had MGVs available to answer questions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from mid April through mid October. In addition, we are on the radio Saturday mornings answering phone calls from the public on the Landscape Smart program.

Highlighted Project: Junior Master GardenersThe purpose of the Junior Master Gardeners is to help kids learn how to plant, grow, care for,

harvest and eat fresh produce they have grown. Many of these low income kids have never tasted fresh produce. We have a kitchen classroom where they clean and prepare the veggies and then eat them in a salad or cooked. The kids were very happy with how well their garden did this year and our fi eld trip was fun. We kept it local and traveled to Free Spirit Gardens and Produce with a Purpose Farm. After stopping for lunch, we took the kids to Kelly’s Ice Cream and gave them a treat. These are all kids from Boys and Girls Club, so they appreciate the opportunities JMG gives them. We were able to take them to the Nursing Home to deliver fl owers for their center pieces. Another community service project they all participated in was delivering the extra produce to the local food pantries. There were several trips made to the Solutions Center and the residents very much appreciated the fresh produce.

30

Glacial GardenersGlacial Gardeners Master Gardener Volunteer Association had 40 Members in 2013, with 31 certifi ed for 2014, and one a junior GG Associate.


Glacial Gardeners are unique in that our members are pulled from a large rural area which includes two counties in Michigan (Iron and Dickinson) and two counties in Wisconsin (Florence and part of northern Marinette). Though we are spread apart in this rural area, we pull together on our volunteer projects and continuing education. One way we assist members in getting their continuing education hours is to travel around the state and visit gardens of interest. Members are encouraged to showcase their own gardens for their fellow members at our July meeting, which also includes a potluck dinner.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. A community garden was developed for the residents of Florence County. Several organizations

including Glacial Gardeners served on the steering committee to develop a garden.2. Through wind and rain of our First Annual fall perennial sale we survived. Numbers weren’t as

large as our well established spring sale fundraiser; however, we were still able to make a profi t.3. Our Growing With Children Grant and Scholarship are offered to people who reside in the counties

where our members live. We provided grants totaling $750 to the area. In addition, we awarded a $1,000 scholarship to an area high school student instead of our usual $500 Scholarship.

4. With all the interest in fairy gardens, two Glacial Gardeners taught a class at the North Stars Garden Conference on how to make a small container garden. This class was so successful that we made it the theme of our fair exhibit — Down-sizing Your Garden. This exhibit was at the Iron, Florence and Dickinson County fairs. Four MGVs then taught a class at the Florence County Library in September which was also well received.

Highlighted Project: Pocket Park at the Community CenterInspired by another MGA’s website’s description of a project called a pocket garden, we decided

to create our own at the Town of Florence Community Center. It started with a drawing made by co-owner of the Spread Eagle Garden Center which was presented to the Chamber of Commerce in Florence this spring. After being approved by the Chamber, the initial drawing was revised by a group of MGVs. Measurements were taken and MGVs met to design the garden. There was much to be done: tilling of soil; rock borders to be laid; perennials and shrubs that need to be planted — most of which were donated by Glacial Gardener members from their own gardens.

The pocket park encompasses a large part of the Community Center straddling both sides of the main sidewalk and curving around existing trees, the gazebo and the former Welcome to Florence sign which will now serve as a bulletin board featuring a guide to how the plants were chosen as well as what was planted and why. Four benches produced by a local artisan will pay tribute to people who have played important roles with the Glacial Gardeners and the community.

31

Grant County Master GardenersWe had 22 members certifi ed for 2014, including 5 newly certifi ed this year.


The Grant County MGA holds 8 monthly educational programs with business meetings. In addition, we have garden tours, bus trip, booth displays, and workshops, which are open to the public. We publish a brochure, which covers our calendar for the year and mail a monthly newsletter via email and mail to members who elect a paper copy and is available on our web site. Our volunteers work on community projects that allows us to connect to their community and make it a better place.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Thirty-three enthusiastic learners attended our third annual apple pruning workshop in March held

at member’s orchard. MGVs provide press releases and distribute posters. Purchased spots on a local radio station this year increased awareness and attendance.

2. Gardening at the Libraries. With the summer reading theme for youngsters of Dig into Reading, we developed programs for Boscobel, Fennimore, and Platteville Public libraries. With a wide spectrum of skills and ages from 2-12 years who attended, we had childcare providers helping the younger ones and library assistants had fun digging in the dirt. Make-and-take pots provided memories for all. At the Fennimore site, treats to go along with story time included cupcakes baked in over-proof fl ower pots.

3. Fairy Gardens. We carried this popular trend throughout several projects this year that included creating a fairy garden at a public garden in Platteville, showing how to make a garden in a container workshop in March, setting up a display at local library, and hosting two different workshops at the Platteville public library. We sold four containers made by a MGV at our plant sale in March. A MGV created a brochure telling about the fi ve features of a fairy garden and listing the plants they used in their garden hand have distributed over 200 copies.

4. Native Plants. Our MGA had a booth focused on native plants in March, with photos and catalogs to show the public how to use native plants in landscaping plans. We followed this up with a tour of native plants in two locations in August. The MGV revamping the landscaping at the UW-Extension offi ce selected native plants because that sunny area has dry soil and no access to water.

5. Beginner Gardener Workshop. We partnered with UW-Extension to host a beginner gardener workshop for 25 participants, with a focus on starting with soil testing and site selection. Four MGVs spoke on different topics, while our Grant Co. Crops and Farm Management Agent covered the topics on soils.

Highlighted Project: Workshops at Early Childhood ConferenceThe UW-Platteville Offi ce of Continuing Education’s annual Early Childhood Conference is a

great opportunity for us to teach childcare providers important skills that they can implement in their own homes or centers. MGVs offered two different workshops. One was a make and take a 5-gallon bucket garden to plant with a tomato and pepper plant, and chives. The other was making a fairy garden container with plants and material that children could make on their own. The presentations focused on 2-5 year olds, but could be adapted to other ages. There were over 30 attendees in each workshop representing over 420 children. We provided a CD we developed which listed resource books, websites for additional resources, copies of our handouts, and PowerPoint fi le they could share.

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Green County Master GardenersThere are 52 members in the Green Co. Master Gardener Association (GCMGA), with 41 certifi ed for 2014.


During the summer of our monthly association meetings, the association plans tours to various locations. This year our tours included the Albany High School Greenhouse, the Breezeway Iris Garden, a garden shopping trip to Galena, IL, a hosta garden, the St Mary’s Hospital gardens, “Cluck” the Chicken Store, and the UW Botanical Gardens.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Sixth Annual Gardening Symposium Gardening Inspirations for All Seasons—Flowers,

Chickens and Bugs, OH MY! in March included sessions on New Flowering Annuals and Perennials, Gardening with the Girls, The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Sharing Your Yard with Chickens, and What’s Bugging My Garden? Break-out sessions also discussed iris, roses, dahlias and orchids. Our yearly attendance is now averaging 85 people (not including speakers & volunteers).

2. The Albany Sustainable Food Education Center is a new collaborative effort between UW-Extension, the Albany FFA, and the GCMGA. This project planted seeds, maintain gardens, and was able to donate 100 lbs. of fresh produce to the Albany Food Pantry in its fi rst year.

3. This year 19 MGVs assisted with answering horticulture calls from homeowners that came into the Green Co. UW-Extension Offi ce.

4. The GCMGA awarded three Green Co. youth with scholarships of $500 each, funded from proceeds of the annual MG Spring Plant Sale that members raise and donate plants to.

5. Our Square Foot Gardening project with the New Glarus School continued with several additions: a separate area for tomatoes and cucumbers using cattle fence as supports; a Lasagna Garden; and a portable covered area to provide shade protection for the children attending gardening classes. We are developing an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) garden, which will be planted with natives to attract predators to feed on pests. We donated 100 lbs. of produce to a local food pantry.

6. We created a MG “blog” site (http://scwmga.org/) this year for posting gardening information and answering questions, both internally for MGVs and the general public. While still relatively new, the site is beginning to have more visitors and is being updated by more MGVs.

Highlighted Project: Farmin on the SquareThis project was a collaborative effort between MGVs, Monroe Main Street, and the UW-Extension

offi ce. In an effort to beautify an abandoned corner lot on the Monroe, WI, historical square, we designed a “farm on the square.” Flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and mini fi eld plots of corn, oats, soybeans, and alfalfa were planted. Square-foot gardens were made as well as row plantings. Watering the plantings was a collaborative effort with FFA members, 4-H members and MGVs. Walking paths, made of wood chips, were made to curve thru the gardening areas. Creative items, such as milk cans, road culverts painted black and white (like Holstein cows) and old washtubs contributed to the unique plantings. Two mini Barn Quilts, a popular tourism item in Green Co., were painted and hung on the neighboring building. The “Farmin on the Square” became a popular destination as community concerts on the square brought people in during summer hours. In addition, a handicap planter was built with fl owers in pallets as a wall. This two-year project was started in anticipation of the 100th Cheese Days Festival in 2014, and the GCMGA is looking forward to adding to the gardens next year.

33

Iowa County Master GardenersThe Iowa County MGA is a small group, with 8 of 25 members certifi ed for 2014.


In 2013 we supported over 20 on-going projects including continued work on the Dodgeville Public Library Garden and the Stephen’s Native Planting in Governor Dodge State Park, Shake Rag Alley Garden, as well as other public gardens throughout Iowa County. Several members volunteered at the Upland Hills Garden Club plant sale. We learned how to plant our hypertufa troughs built last fall, why companion planting is important, and how to “master” the art of keeping a garden journal.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Hyde Chapel. Nestled against a backdrop of glorious Wisconsin countryside, Hyde Chapel was

originally known as the Mill Creek Church, the Chapel was built in 1861 and inducted into the National Registry of Historic Places in 1988. Our MGA has received two grants from the Uplands Garden Club to replace old plantings, install new fencing, and mulch.

2. Grandview. Grandview, near Hollandale, is one of eight rural art and garden sites included in the Wandering Wisconsin tour. When several trees were removed a few years ago due to falling branches, many gardens went from shade to bright sun, inspiring reworking of the gardens. Major garden bed rejuvenation has transformed the numerous theme gardens at Grandview. Many of the plants surrounding each folk art statue have been replaced with shrubs and perennials to reduce maintenance while maintaining the integrity of the site. Three beds were reduced in size, old junipers pulled out, less fussy plants incorporated and beds mulched and edged. Carefully placed trees and shrubs were planted on the grounds. This summer the Elephant was framed with Northern Sea Oats and a pine needle mulch.

3. Mineral Point Library Garden. The Mineral Point Library had to undertake a million dollar remodeling to update and make it handicapped accessible, which meant that there had to be a new entrance to accommodate an elevator. The proposed entrance was to be through a narrow slot at the back of the building and it did not look as though it would be very attractive. Iowa Co. MGV Jennifer Sharp, who is also a professional watercolor artist, painted an idea for the entrance, which took several meetings to be adopted by the Library Board. A rock garden was built in the corner between the old and new entrance. In spring 2013 plants, including some very large conifers, were selected and planted.

Highlighted Project: Mineral Point Elementary School GardenA previously unused space on a hill behind the Mineral Point Elementary School was transformed

during the spring of 2013 into a series of terraced raised beds with over 550ft2 of planting space, surrounded by crushed gravel walkways and a tidy set of brick paver steps connecting the beds. Rainwater is captured and delivered with a drip irrigation system. The school garden was designed and built entirely with volunteer labor and funded by donations from the Mineral Point wellness committee and several supportive Mineral Point businesses. The school garden’s mission is to improve the health of the Mineral Point community by educating young children about gardening and sustainability, and improve nutrition through exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables.

34

Jefferson County Master GardenersThe Jefferson Co. MGVA had 30 certifi ed MGVs, and additional associate and 13 interns from training in fall 2012; 29 MGVs are certifi ed for 2014.


We formed a committee to address ongoing projects in our county, and have adopted new Project Request and year-end Project Report forms to document our activity. Our intent is to defi ne what the MG role will be in each project, set expectations for all parties, and then provide year-end reporting to our organization as well as to project sponsors, who may be schools, city and county parks departments, and other volunteer organizations. We are also continuing to add educational labels to plants in those gardens we maintain at municipal buildings, public parks, churches, and schools.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Hoard Historical Museum, Fort Atkinson – 5 MGVs were each assigned to one of 5 existing

gardens (3 installed in the past 3 years), as curator, and helped to organize and work with non-MG volunteers for garden maintenance. Programs at the museum included a one-day seminar on Heirloom Gardening, co-sponsored with the local Garden Club, with 41 attending; two youth/family programs; and a workshop on seed starting heirloom plants, with a follow-up planting day.

2. Rotary Waterfront Park, Jefferson – This project has suffered from several major fl oods and major construction of public buildings on site. In cooperation with the City of Jefferson Parks Department, planting beds were refreshed with soil, compost, and mulch, additional plants were added, hundreds of annuals were planted, and a new water source was installed.

3. Public Education – JCMGVs presented lectures at various public institutions, such as libraries, hospitals, and museums. Topics included Spring Blooms, Shade Gardens, Intersectional Peonies, Three Sisters Gardening, and Gardening 101. Plant Health Advisors are present at our local UW-Extension Offi ce two days a week throughout the growing season, and at the county fair and local events to answer questions. Our Certifi ed Master Composters continue to provide public training.

4. Healthy Lake Mills Kids Garden, Lake Mills – Two MGVs have been involved with this new project, part of a community partnership between various community organizations, businesses and schools. The garden is located at Rock Lake Activity Center and is open to any children in the community, particularly after school and summer program children at the center. Vegetable plants and seeds were donated to plant 6 beds at the site, which were used to teach the kids gardening skills and introduce them to unfamiliar foods.

Highlighted Project: WE GROW (West Elementary Garden and Recycle Organic Waste)This project grew out of a 2011 After School Program at Jefferson West

Elementary School. MGVs and additional volunteers directed students in starting all plants from seed, and hosted a Harvest Table at an open

house in August and Fall Fest in October. The After School Club students were willing to try vegetables that were unfamiliar to them, because they helped grow them and the school principal plans on adding a raised garden at home. With a wet, rainy spring, it was diffi cult to add planned infrastructure such as fencing, a storage shed, and a cold frame, so that work continues.

35

Juneau County Master GardenersThe Juneau Co. MGA had 40 paid members, with 27 re-certifi ed for 2014.


The demographics of our area has not changed, and we remain predominately a rural county with a population of about 26,664 (2010 Census). Our membership has dropped slightly this past year (an area of continuing challenge). We will be hosting Level I Master Gardener classes in 2014, and will work hard to welcome those taking the class hoping they will become new members.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Two MGVs serve as directors for one of our local food pantries. This past summer they planned,

planted, weeded, and watered a vegetable garden specifi cally for the food pantry. Their efforts resulted in a harvest of 882 pounds of produce all donated to families in need.

2. We now have two sections of Juneau Co. roadways formally part of the Adopt-A-Highway program. Highway trash clean-up isn’t very glamorous, but it sends a message and sets an example of behavior we feel is important. Many of our members clean up the roadsides near their homes without formal recognition—helping the environment we all share.

3. At Buckhorn State Park, we plan, plant and care for a garden at the main entrance to the park and around their handicapped accessible cabin. In keeping with the wishes of the park superintendent, both areas

are primarily fi lled with native grasses and plants. The cabin area struggles because of the sandy soil, and the deer population, but we are amending soil and adding mulch and water to keep plants alive. Those staying in the cabin tell us how much they appreciate

having the cabin for their use, and how they enjoy the plantings.4. The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge requested our help this past year with their butterfl y garden.

This garden was planted several years ago, but suffered from neglect. MGVs have taken on this challenge and have weeded and planted this summer hoping to get this garden fl ourishing.

5. In Wonewoc, the library was asked to start a seed exchange. They in turn asked for our help, and several sessions were conducted for them on this topic.

Highlighted Project: Transitional Housing in MaustonHomeless families are found all across the state, and Juneau County is no exception. This year the

SEA of Change Coalition for the homeless purchased a home in Mauston to be used as transitional housing for families in need. These families would be able to stay in the house for three months while working to move into a more permanent housing situation. Members of our group assisted with remodeling the home, putting on a new roof, and landscaping. We also donated and fi lled planters for the front porch. Next summer, we hope to help families plan, plant and care for a vegetable garden.

36

Lafayette Co. Master GardenersThe Lafayette County MGVs currently have 20 members, with 8 certifi ed for 2014.


Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs provide question and answer service on gardening topics to the community through the

Lafayette Co. UW-Extension from April through November. The questions are fi ltered through the president who forwards it to the MGV best qualifi ed to answer the question.

2. One MGV writes a weekly gardening column for the local newspaper as education for the community. The topics vary so they are pertinent to the season in which the column is printed.

3. The native plant raised bed garden on asphalt that the group created as an educational display on the county fairground entrance for the 2012 Lafayette Co. Fair thrived despite all odds. It was spruced up to create a pleasing welcome for the 2013 fair goers.

4. Every spring MGVs plant a raised garden bed at the entrance of the Lafayette Manor and in view from a large picture window of one of the main community rooms. The beautiful bed is nurtured throughout the summer and enjoyed by residents, employees and visitors at the Manor.

5. MGVs maintain several perennial gardens that have been created in Argyle over the years by MGVs, including gardens in front of the library, community building and post offi ce.

6. One MGV oversees the beautiful gardens along the Pecatonica Riverwalk (right), acting as a liaison between the gardeners and the city.

Highlighted Project: Container GardeningLafayette Co. MGVs create an educational

display every year at the county fair. The group takes great pride in choosing a project that can be easily understood and produce by the average gardener. Members created container gardens of all types from perennials to edibles, succulents and in basic, to creative containers using material found in their garden shed or yards. There were many more questions at the booth this year than in the past, most focused on the plants that were used in the container gardens. Several fair attendees said we should have raffl ed them off at the end of the fair.

37

Lake Superior Master GardenersLake Superior Master Gardener Association (LSMGA), with members from Superior, Duluth, and the Upper St. Croix River Basin of Douglas Co., had 40 MGVs in 2013 with 35 certifi ed for 2014 and 11 students taking training.


The Lake Superior Master Gardeners Association (LSMGA) has made strides in the last year to become a bigger player in connecting horticulture to the well being of the community. Our organization is starting to grant money for projects to partner groups that further the mission of growing food, educating youth, and bringing horticulture to neglected public garden areas in our community. We were acknowledged this year in a feature article of Positively Superior magazine that described not only what we do to bring horticulture to the public, but also the value of volunteering in a community. We have begun an evaluation of the need and logistics of a community garden for the City of Superior, engaging the UW-Superior in surveying and analysis of the likely neighborhoods.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Demonstration Gardens in partnership with Superior Council for the Arts. Hops, decorative

mosses, and square foot gardening were some of the “model” gardens offered this season at the SCTA gardens. MGVs offered expertise during weekend hours to explain how, what and why.

2. Solid Rock Food Garden. Working with Northwest Community Action, dedicated MGVs grew food and offered regular gardening advice each Tuesday evening at the gardens during the summer.

3. Courthouse Container Garden. A team of MGVs offered a lunch and learn session on how to plan and plant a container garden for food. The “students” were Douglas Co. Courthouse employees and patrons. A spaghetti sauce garden and a salsa garden graced the entry while bush zucchini exploded from side entrance containers. Recipes were posted on the Courthouse mall in the summer.

4. The Douglas County Historical Society’s center received a “face lift” this summer as 2 of our new MGVs took on a restoration of the landscaping. The old and elegant building is located in such a space that is no longer thriving with bright and colorful businesses. It is a great feeling to have a beautiful garden enhance the pride and confi dence a community feels about its roots.

5. Town of Bennett Garden class. MGVs were called on by one Douglas Co. township to teach gardening for food to their community members. Their goal is to enhance the ability for their rural township to successfully grow gardens, especially those who are limited in their distance to town. It is also a way of connecting seniors with the youth.

Highlighted Project: Growing Vegetables and Vegetable GardenersThis year LSMGVs participated with “Leadership Superior” and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club to

plant, maintain and harvest a vegetable garden at the Superior Housing Authority Community Garden. For so many youth, it is not a lack of desire to grow a garden or to even get dirty, it is the leading hands of a caring adult that are needed to enable. MGVs were able incorporate a demonstration garden into the community while providing hands-on learning to the youth. The plot itself had to be developed almost from scratch, with raised beds and mulch over severely depleted soils. At mid season, the gardeners held a tour in connection with Hmong Family gardeners and the UW-Extension Teaching Garden. It was wonderful to have the children share their garden story especially when they explained what they were going to do differently next year! There was a delicious harvest fest held at the end of the season, complete with tasting for the families, volunteers, and neighboring gardeners.

38

Madison Area Master GardenersThere are over 350 members in our association with 220 certifi ed for 2014. Over 85 students participated in Level 1 training in 2013.

In 2013 we volunteered 449 hours in youth education 1,361 hours in community education 11,613 hours in support service and participated in 3,398 hours in continuing education

The Madison Area Master Gardeners Association (MAMGA) is a large organization with many diverse projects and activities overseen by an 11 member board of directors that meets every other month at the Dane Co. UW-Extension Offi ce in Madison.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MAMGA partners with the Dane Co. UW-Extension offi ce to produce a monthly e-newsletter

packed with timely and interesting information about gardening happenings, events, horticultural information and more. MAMGA’s website (www.mamgawi.us) also supports member communication. A website team works on improving content and functionality.

2. An excellent crowd attended our annual meeting in March 2013 that featured guest speaker Diane Ott Whealy, co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa. The response to her presentation inspired Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension Horticulture Educator, to hire a bus to take 30 enthusiastic MGVs to Decorah to tour the Seed Savers Exchange gardens and shops in August.

3. The following local gardens important for their educational and inspirational value each were awarded a $500 “Partner Grant”: Allen Centennial Garden, Dane Co. UW-Extension Teaching Garden, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University Display Gardens at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station, and the UW Arboretum Native Plant Demonstration Garden.

4. MAMGA also awards grants annually, through a competitive application process, to either individuals or organizations to support gardening projects in the Madison area. The involvement of a MGV in the project is mandatory. A team of MAMGA board members review and score each application, and visit each of the winning grant applicant projects at the end of each project. This year $4,978 was distributed among 5 successful grant applicants.

5. We partnered with the Hardy Plant Society for garden tours in Madison and Oregon. MAMGA members joined Allen Centennial Garden Director Ed Lyon for a tour of the University gardens.

6. Over 25 MGVs trained as Plant Health Advisors (PHA) spend many hours Mon-Fri mornings at Dane Co. UW-Extension answering gardening questions from telephone calls, e-mails and visitors to the building. PHAs work in tandem with MGV interns to provide additional educational and hands-on experiences for the new students.

Highlighted Project: Ask a Master Gardener“Ask a Master Gardener”, started in 2012, features information

tables at Farmer’s Markets in Madison and nearby areas to provide research-based gardening and horticultural support, educational resources, and information about the MG program to market goers throughout the season. The project expanded in 2013 to over 12 Farmer’s Markets in both urban and rural parts of Dane Co. and provided information to 672 people versus 195 people the previous year. “Ask a Master Gardener” information tables were also staffed at the Olbrich Home Garden Tour in July and at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station Field Day in August, as well as at garden events by Community Action Coalition and Habitat for Humanity.

39

Manitowoc County Master GardenersThe Manitowoc Co. MGA had 37 members in 2013. Thirty three are recertifi ed for 2014.


The Manitowoc County MGA meets every 4th Monday from February thru December. Our annual meeting is held in April with election of board members. We meet at the extension offi ce from September through May with speakers at each meeting. In June, July, and August we meet at members’ gardens or garden centers. In June our meeting was at West of the Lake Gardens.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. A plant clinic is held at the UW-Extension offi ce from April through October for two hours on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MGVs are there to answer homeowner questions, and send soil samples to the UW Soil Testing Laboratory if needed. Voice mail is used to hold calls until a MGV arrives in the offi ce. Walk-ins are welcome. Tree problems are the most common issues.

2. MGVs worked on individual projects this past year at schools, churches, at our two hospitals’ healing gardens, library, and community gardens. One very visible area is Mariner’s Trail, a 5.5 mile long hard-surfaced recreational trail running along Lake Michigan that connects the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers, with several spectacular gardens MGVs help maintain.

3. MGVs maintain gardens at Woodland Dunes Nature Center, especially the butterfl y garden, and at Lincoln Park Zoo.

4. One MGV with expertise in invasive species works with a lot of public areas in eradicating invasive species.

5. We co-hosted along with the Northeast Wisconsin MGA a three-seminar Garden Series open to the public. Over 240 people attended the programs held in Green Bay, WI.

Highlighted Project: Bi-Annual Garden WalkThis year our bi-annual garden walk on July 13 featured nine gardens in the city limits of Manitowoc.

Unfortunately the area was hit by a dramatic hail storm a week before the Walk, damaging eight of the nine gardens. It took a lot of cajoling — we were sure attendees would understand! — to get the participants to remain on the Walk despite the damage. The day of the garden walk was sunny and not too hot. We had over 300 in attendance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There were many different types of gardens, from formal gardens to ecclectic ones, and some rather unusual gardens tucked away off busy streets, to give people an idea of what can be done in a variety of spaces. One gardener with a cat theme in the garden sold lemonade and water to raise $300 for the local Humane Society.

40

Master Gardeners of the NorthMaster Gardeners of the North (Oneida County and neighboring counties) had 41 members with 38 certifi ed for 2014.


Our organization continues our commitment to the following volunteer projects: Downtown Baskets, Courthouse garden, Hospital Garden, the Rhinelander Area Community Garden, and other smaller projects throughout the Northwoods.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Master Gardeners of the North continue support for the Rhinelander Area Community Garden

which grows fresh produce for the local food pantry. This year the community garden produced 3,500 pounds of fresh produce on ¼ acre of land. Members also conducted 4 educational programs at the garden and it was included on the local garden walk.

2. We participated in a project for area youth at a local child care facility called the Old School Arts and Learning Center. With the help of MGVs, they applied for and received a $3,600 grant from Security Health (for fi ghting childhood obesity) to start a school garden with involvement not only from the children, but from their families as well. Master Gardeners of the North also contributed $200 to the project. The grant enabled them to purchase the necessary materials to prepare the garden, fence it in and build raised beds. MGVs helped with the planning and planting. Throughout the summer, the children tended the garden and in July hosted the Master Gardeners of the North at a picnic. The children excitedly gave tours of the garden, explained what they had done, and operated a mini farmers market.

3. Members also worked with Downtown Rhinelander and a local greenhouse to plant and water our hanging baskets.

4. Master Gardeners of the North worked with our local hospital to renovate and update a native plant garden used by patients and families for refl ection and meditation.

5. MGVs continued to maintain and support several public space gardens in the Rhinelander area.

Highlighted Project: Planting Elm Trees A Rhinelander business, celebrating its 100th anniversary, donated 100 disease resistant Liberty

Elm trees to be planted in public spaces by civic organizations. MGVs worked on the planning committee, which included the City of Rhinelander, to locate the trees according to a predetermined, DNR approved plan. GPS locations were collected for future records and use. They also worked with Diggers Hotline to assure the locations were clear of utilities. On Saturday, May 18, over 100 people (ranging in age from 6 to 70+) representing over 20 community organizations were in attendance to receive instructions on planting the 100 ‘Liberty’ Elm trees throughout town. MGVs demonstrated proper tree planting techniques and provided information about tree care to those present. The environmental benefi ts and values of urban trees were also discussed. With the help of the City of Rhinelander personnel, locations for all of the trees were already marked and Diggers Hotline was contacted. By about 1:00 p.m. that afternoon, all 100 trees had been planted and watered. MGVs assisted with watering as needed throughout the summer. However, little watering needed and the trees are off to a great start and are expected to have a long-lasting positive impact on our community.

41

North Central WI Master GardenersNCWMGA has 68 dues-paying members from Marathon and Lincoln Counties, with 70 certifi ed for 20134. Four took Level II training in 2013.


One of the focal points for our Association in 2013 has been to continue to provide programs to our community as in the past, but with a twist: encouraging new MGVs to take leadership roles, partnering with other gardening groups in the community in response to changes, improving quality, and working closely with our Extension advisor and staff. Our program committee brought in a number of speakers, who enthusiastically shared their knowledge of “lasagna” gardening, creating and caring for interesting seasonal containers, propagating plants from cuttings, and much more.Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Cedar Creek Garden, Home, and Recreation Expo – Over a dozen MGVs answered gardening

questions at this annual three-day event in early spring. Their cheerful demeanor, informative display, handouts on gardening and upcoming events, and raffl e pulled in many inquisitive visitors.

2. Garden Clinic – Weekly garden clinics staffed by MGVs give residents the opportunity to bring in their questions with supporting plant/insect material – and get answers! Clinics are located at the UW-Extension offi ce on Wednesdays and Weston Farmers’ Market on Saturdays mid-May through the end of September. We are expanding to the Mosinee Farmers Market on Tuesdays in 2014.

3. Hatley School Garden – A school/public garden project, MGVs in association with Hatley Elementary School’s 4th grade teacher work with 4th and 5th graders to plan, grow, tend, harvest, and eat their own food, with a focus on creativity. http://hatleygardengrows.weebly.com.

4. YWCA Kids Garden – What started out in 2011 as a summer program at the only sliding scale drop in child care available in Wausau with one square foot garden has evolved into a year-round program for pre-K children, with sessions for school age children as opportunities arise. Including books, art, and hands-on observation in the lessons helps keep the children focused and learning.

5. The Woodson House is home to offi ces, exhibits, a library, and archives of the Marathon County Historical Society. The project chairs drafted a landscape budget for the historical society board’s annual operating budget, and MGVs maintain the gardens using organic methods, supervise and recommend outside services for tree removal, lawn care, irrigation, and mulch application.

Highlighted Project: Garden VisionsThe major goal of Garden Visions, NCWMGA’s ongoing winter conference, has always been to

enhance and increase plant and gardening knowledge for both MGVs and gardeners from the greater central Wisconsin area. Attendance is usually 300-400, with about half MGVs. In order to meet the needs of such a diverse group, the organizing committee tries to provide a wide range of presentations. Planning and executing Garden Visions is a tremendous undertaking, but the process is much the same year after year. Obtaining respected and knowledgeable speakers is of upmost importance.

But providing an opportunity to network and enjoy a weekend of social interaction with statewide – or even national – experts happens without specifi c committee planning. Many of our speakers are available for individual questions and discussion during unscheduled time. Important authors are there for book signing and short interaction with attendees. Often these unexpected interactions become learning opportunities, as gardeners have the opportunity to ask questions specifi c to individual situations and receive a response from an expert.

42

North Country Master GardenersWe had 35 active MGVs in our group in Burnett, Sawyer and Washburn Counties, with 31 certifi ed for 2014.


Our membership includes very active and diverse groups of volunteers working on a wide range of projects in communities across three counties. While our offi cial group meetings are in Spooner, we have several satellite groups in Hayward, Winter, Webster and Siren that are active in their communities. In addition to our monthly meetings and various educational events, we stay connected through email, our North Country Gardener newsletter, and through facebook.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs maintain various raised gardens at Fort Folle Avoine historic park (owned and operated

by Burnett Co., located near Webster) that feature native plants, heirloom vegetables, herbs, perennials, and cut fl owers.

2. Bloom’n Kids School/Community Garden, located adjacent to the Hayward Primary and Intermediate school playgrounds, is an outdoor classroom was originally intended for hands-on horticulture instruction for K-2 grade students, but has expanded to grades 3-4. MGVs and other community volunteers assist teachers with in class instruction and organizing activities in the garden. Produce from the garden is served in school and donated to needy families.

3. MGVs have partnered with the Winter area food shelf to offer dedicated space in the WinterGreen Community Garden to grow produce and offer garden space to clients to expand access to fresh produce to those in need. A Meet Me At The Garden open house in the fall included educational displays, a craft and farmers market, refreshments and information about this WinterGreen garden.

4. Several MGVs have developed presentations and teaching notes on a variety of topics. These presentations have been given to area garden clubs, at workshops, and other community organizations, but are also available to the MGA so that other MGVs can be become presenters.

5. The annual Twilight Garden Tour in the teaching and display garden located at the Spooner Ag Research Station featured guest speakers, demonstrations, displays, vegetable tasting, a silent auction, and new this year live music. Over 250 people attended this year.

Highlighted Project: All America Selections Landscape Design ContestThe North Country MGA has helped develop and maintain a Teaching and Display Garden at the

Spooner Ag Research Station in partnership with UW-Extension and the Station for many years. A portion of their demonstration garden is an offi cial All-America Selections (AAS) Display Garden. Those varieties had always been grown in one long, straight bed. Although functional, the MGVs realized that this design was not particularly aesthetic and thought they could utilize the knowledge they had gained from their MG training in landscape design to showcase these plants in a more eye-catching manner. They redesigned the area in 2012, creating eight individual, slightly bermed, triangular beds with lawn paths between the beds, and had different themes for each bed.

After this transformation the Station entered their project in the All-America Selections Landscape Design Contest. This garden was one of just 9 winners nationwide. Their educational programming at the annual Twilight Tour was a key factor in the judge’s decision to award second place in Category I to their entry from among 16 others in this category. The judges gave them high marks for the bed shapes and design, the collaboration with the MGVs and use of social media.

43

Northeast Wisconsin Master GardenersThe Northeastern Wisconsin Master Gardener Association currently has 81 members (73 certifi ed for 2014) from Brown Co. and surrounding areas and 14 emeritus members who volunteer on a limited basis.


Our MGA has been very active in various community demonstration garden projects, open house events, plant trials, educational classes, plant health clinic offi ces, and much more.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We co-hosted along with the Manitowoc Co. MGA a three-seminar Garden Series open to the

public. Over 240 people attended the programs at the Ag & Extension Service Center. 2. A new community demonstration garden was added to the Ag & Extension Service Center grounds.

Seven interns along with a MGV built four square foot garden beds and a circular strawberry bed. Over 300 lbs of produce was donated to local food banks from these new beds.

3. Our most experienced group of MGVs maintains the square foot garden at the Green Bay Botanical Garden (GBBG) which generated over 360 lbs of produce for Brown Co. UW-Extension to use in their Family Living and Nutrition Education programs. They also participated in two programs at the GBBG to provide information on the MGV program and showcase produce samples from other MGV gardens. The team produced two videos on growing sweet potatoes and Belgian endive.

4. The St. Philip community garden was planted and maintained almost exclusively by MGV interns and the sisters of the St Philip’s convent. Each intern had their own square foot bed to design and maintain, and two interns put together a pallet (vertical) garden. In August, a well-attended open house for the local community was greatly enhanced by one of the intern’s fl uency in Spanish.

5. The Community Treatment Center gardens were expanded by an additional 800 ft2, emphasizing the butterfl y garden that had been requested by the residents in 2012. The space was plowed, the soil amended and planted with hundreds of butterfl y-attracting annuals and perennials, and MGVs built an extraordinary trellis for vines. In August, an open house attracted 75 people, along with television news coverage. An application to certify the garden as an Offi cial Monarch Way Station was submitted in the fall.

6. We completed a Sun Tolerant Hosta Trial this year at the GBBG, with the evaluations reported on our website. The top fi ve hostas were: ‘Cathedral Windows’, ‘Dixie Chickadee’, ‘Heat Wave’, ‘Rain Forest Sunrise’, and ‘Spinach Souffl é’.

Highlighted Project: Annual Plant Sale Restructure Our annual plant sale has always been our fundraiser to allow us to meet budgets on our various

projects in the community. This year, because some of our major suppliers were unable to provide plants as they had traditionally done, we had to make some strategic changes. The sale which was normally held on the Ag & Extension Service Center grounds was moved to the Green Bay Botanical Garden Fair to increase visibility and traffi c. Since this changed the date from the fi rst weekend in May to the last weekend in May, this improved the availability and appearance of the perennials that are our primary product. And this year we grew all of our veggies from seed and all of our perennials were divided from our members’ personal gardens, instead of purchasing them, greatly reducing our costs. Although the move to a new venue required a lot more handling and transportation, the net result was outstanding as we exceeded our budget expectations by 45%!

44

Northern Lights Master GardenersIn 2013 the Association had 54 members, with 43 recertifi ed for 2014.


The Northern Lights MGA holds monthly meetings at which there is a business meeting and often an educational component. This year the social half hour at the beginning of the evening has been emphasized more as it was realized that members really enjoyed this, and it was the only time they talked to one another other than when volunteering on a project. This interaction is important for old and new members getting to know one another, and when collaborating on projects it is easier if you already know the other volunteers.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. 18th Spring Garden Conference – this annual event in March provided a day’s education for 175

people. Evaluations were once again very positive.2. Youth education by NLMGA members has increased substantially this year as compared to

previous years. Also the Children’s Learning Garden at Harmony Demonstration Gardens is well used by the Education Specialist in the Land & Water Conservation Division of Marinette County.

3. The wheelchair accessible garden was fi nished this summer and is already proving to be an inviting place for people to meet and sit. A WIMGA grant was used towards the paving stones.

4. NLMGA partnered with the local volunteer center on the Garden Walk to raise money for both organizations, and then the volunteer center members spent a day at Harmony helping with mostly non-gardening jobs.

5. NLMGA volunteers assisted with several popular events at Harmony this summer. Salsa Night attracted 83 people and session 1 of the Apple Tasting Workshops was attended by 45 people. Halloween Family Fun Fest was sponsored by UW-Extension and NLMGA. There were 202 attendees (including volunteers). Working with 4-H, Family Living and Horticulture, this event is geared towards younger children and includes lots of exercise and nature activities. The weather was unsettled but did not spoil the day.

Highlighted Project: Harmony Demonstration Gardens A major part of NLMGA volunteer hours is maintenance at Harmony Demonstration Gardens. The

reason so much time is spent maintaining the gardens at Harmony is that this is where a good portion of the horticulture education for the general public is conducted by UW-Extension and Marinette County Land & Water Conservation. As well as spending many hours keeping the gardens weeded, maintaining the garden hardscape takes a good deal of time. Recently the Herb Garden arbor was replaced as repairs were no longer possible. All MGVs seem to be very talented in other areas as well as horticulture, and this project involved woodworking, stained glass artistry, and teamwork to get it done. Making Harmony Demonstration Gardens an attractive place is key to interesting the public in attending classes and visiting on their own.

Girls working on the scavenger hunt in front of the exit to the Chipmunk’s Tunnel at Harmony.

45

Outagamie County Master GardenersIn 2013 Outagamie County had 135 members, with 23 trained in 2013, and 108 certifi ed for 2014.


Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The 2013 Garden Expectations Conference, held in March, featured speakers on peonies, intensive

vegetable growing and the very entertaining editor from Birds & Blooms magazine. We rounded off the day with a panel of experts who answered a wide variety of questions.

2. Our plant sale held in May set a record this year with 584 customers buying 4200 plants. We also offered a free “Trash to Treasures – Garden Art” seminar.

3. We continue to offer education for the community by having a presence at the local Farmers’ Market and our county fair, including 4-H sections. The MG booth is always a popular stop. We offer a monthly free seminar titled “Master Gardeners Present” at the local public library. A wide variety of topics are offered and we continue to have audiences of 35-50+. This concept was expanded for the winter with “Master Gardeners on the Road”, a travelog presented by our members.

4. Garden Discoveries, our 2013 annual garden walk, was attended by 189 people. We had 7 gardens on the tour this year, the favorite being the one with over 600 varieties of hostas! By the end of the day, we even had three new gardens signed up for next year. Each owner is presented with a nice plaque, which they all display proudly.

5. We installed a new Learning Garden on the UW-Extension grounds. Despite some setbacks we were able to demonstrate several methods of planting this year. A couple of public seminars were held in conjunction with our Community Partners, and plans are underway to continue into 2014.

Highlighted Project: Level 1 TrainingOutagamie Co. did not hold a Level I training class in 2012, taking the year off to completely

redesign our program and focus on recruiting active committed members who would make a difference.After reviewing the new on-line offerings and other counties’ formats, we decided that our classes

should build upon the MG manual rather than repeat it. Students would be expected to do the required readings on their own. We moved the start date to mid-March and expanded to a 20-week format, with a couple of breaks included. We held interviews so that registrants understood their volunteer commitment and our expectations. This weeded out those who really just wanted to join a social garden club, or the more serious student looking for in-depth horticultural training. It also allowed us to decline anyone who did not fi t our volunteer profi le.

One of our main goals was to give the program more hands-on opportunities, rather than the class-room format we had previously used. Students ended up potting, and learning about, plants for our annual sale; heading to a member’s orchard for pruning lessons; touring a beautiful native prairie, with a man-made pond; hands-on lawn care and water conservation; learning all about container gardening in another member’s yard.

A secondary, but no less important, goal was for these new members to feel welcomed. Previously they had to wait until graduation before they could attend meetings or join events. Our facilitators and presenters made a point of getting to know them from the start. We invited them to the general monthly meetings and solicited help with projects right away. Consequently, by the time we held the Graduation Party, they were already part of the organization.

46

Polk County Master GardenersThe Polk County Master Gardener Association (PCMGA) had 23 members in 2013, with 17 certifi ed for 2014.


Membership in our MGA has remained relatively constant, but the addition of new members from the 2012 training class has added a spark to the group.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. This year our educational programs focused on organic and sustainable choices. We learned about

making bread with non-GMO products and some of the stuff “they don’t want us to know”. We visited a local natural food store where we learned about the many choices out there, including gluten free products. The owners of a local winery showed us how to make our own vinaigrettes, using “old” wine. Later in the year we toured their winery, seeing the process of transforming local fruit into wine, as well as learning about the challenges of the wine making process. MGVs from the River Falls area did a presentation, open to the public, about seed saving. One of the most unique topics was how to make pumpkin seed oil, with speakers from the Prairie Farm area who use local organic growers for their special variety of pumpkins (they are the only pumpkin seed oil producers in Wisconsin). We fi nished off our educational year by visiting a local maple syrup farm to learn what has to be done in the “off” season to get ready for spring tapping of the trees.

2. Some of our members attended a tree pruning seminar hosted by our local extension offi ce given by Brian Smith from UW-River Falls. There was also information on growing apples using organic methods given by the owner of the Deedon Lake Apple Orchards. In another program, Pierce Co. UW-Extension Agent Diana Alfuth taught us the correct and effi cient use of fertilizers. And many members attended the Twilight Garden Tour held at the Spooner Ag Station for an evening of learning and tasting, and got to see the award winning All America Selection Garden planted there.

3. MGVs gave horticulture presentations to other organizations in several different communities, and promoted the MG Program and the PCMGA at the same time.

4. We had to postpone our annual Mother’s Day plant sale because of very cold spring weather, which meant some of our members had an abundance of vegetable starter plants to share. We were able to dig and divide many perennials this spring from a homeowner’s garden and maintained them until the rescheduled plant sale at the Energy Fair in August.

5. Some PCMGVs volunteered at the Farm Technology Days held near Barron and the PCMGA sponsored one of the many planters displayed at the event.

6. We are in the process of planning a mini-educational seminar, hoping to partner with the Amery Friends of the Library and bring in a couple of keynote speakers and maybe some vendors.

Highlighted Project: Are you Smarter than a Master GardenerA new addition to our local county fair was the game “Are you Smarter than a Master Gardener”.

One of our members designed a spinner board numbered 1-10, with the spinner being a trowel. There were two sets of 10 questions, one for kids and one for adults. Some of the questions were serious and some were fun. The winners were given a free packet of seeds. It was a big hit and was a fun way to connect with many people who would otherwise not stop at our booth. It gave us the opportunity to promote the MG program, as well as answer gardening questions. Because of its success at the fair, we decided to use it again at the Energy Fair later in the year to draw people to our booth.

47

Portage County Master GardenersThe UW-Extension Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers (PCMGV) is an active and vibrant organization. We have 67 members, of all age ranges, and diverse backgrounds, with all certifi ed for 2014. This year we did not have training but actively encouraged last year’s interns to certify.


This year we focused on becoming a cohesive unit. Rather than have many separate activities worked on by a few, we have tried to encourage all members to see each activity as an opportunity to work together for the benefi t of all. While the core committee is responsible for all the planning, members are asked to contribute volunteer time to support them either the day of the event or by participating in the event itself. We have also developed an advertising fl yer that lists all our activities for the year so we can invite participants to follow us in all our endeavors.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our plant sale continued this year but was faced with several challenges including cold spring

weather and severe competition from other plant vendors. We still raised needed funds to support scholarships and educational activities.

2. The YMCA gardens supplied around 1,200 lbs of produce for local charities and the Y-summer kids program. Students in the pre-K and elementary programs assisted with garden activities and also received weekly horticultural education from MGVs. Interest is spreading to the community, with MGV giving talks and demonstrations.

3. Garden Parade included 6 gardens this year, a quilt raffl e and several container garden raffl es. A special garden created by a cancer survivor was highlighted among the other gardens scattered around Stevens Point. Funds will be distributed to Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin, Friends of the Plover River and the YMCA Garden.

4. We continue to do a lot of support within the community. Municipal buildings, libraries and parks are all benefi ciaries of our landscape efforts. Habitat for Humanity, Head Start and Public radio are all supported through our labors.

5. Every weekend throughout the summer MGVs can be found at the Stevens Point Farmers Market. We have our own booth displaying current UW-Extension bulletins, as well as books and compendia to assist volunteers in answering horticultural questions. This gives us a visible place in the community, extending UW-Extension’s outreach.

Highlighted Project: Garden DreamsOur day-long gardening seminar Garden Dreams on January 12 had a sold out crowd of 200, who

learned about native plants and sustainable gardens. In central Wisconsin we have many residents interested in water conservation and natural landscaping, so the committee did a wonderful job tapping into the need for this community education. Frank Hassler of Good Oak Ecological Service opened the program showing beautiful native plantings that still gave good curb appeal. He was followed by Jeff Epping from Olbrich Gardens who gave a very informative guide to planting a gravel garden. A fabulous lunch was served from the Amherst Inn and then we fi nished the program with Jeff Epping showing us many beautiful ways to have greener, more sustainable gardens. Participants went home with a folder about native and sustainable plants, including where they could be purchased, as well as a desire for spring so they could begin to use their new found knowledge.

48

Racine-Kenosha Master GardenersRacine-Kenosha MGA (RKMGA) has 231 members, with 174 certifi ed for 2014.


Racine-Kenosha MGVs participate in more than 30 regular projects in both counties, reaching out to residents and visitors through both education and beautifi cation work for all ages in the community.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Botany in the Classroom, a program for 1st-3rd graders, has expanded to 17 schools offering

a curriculum designed for each of the grades during the fall and spring semesters that includes diverse experiments involving record keeping, math and hands-on learning.

2. Teaching Gardens are offered at three different venues: the Racine Co. Teaching Garden, Pleasant Prairie Demonstration Garden (Kenosha), and Harvest of Hope (Burlington). Various gardening practices are used, and the public is invited for hands-on learning in the beds, and well as various talks focused on gardening practices. Produce is donated to various community food banks.

3. Spring into Gardening, planned and executed by a MG Committee, is our annual event open to both MGVs and the public. Preregistration ensures that those in attendance are able to get their top choices of the 15 topics offered, and MGVs easily attain some of their continuing education hours.

Highlighted Project: Therapeutic Horticulture - Green WorksGreen Works is a program developed by UW-Extension, RKMGVs and community partners to

teach green industry vocational skills to adults with developmental disabilities, a population that suffers chronic unemployment and is often disenfranchised even within the community.

Racine Co. UW-Extension Horticulture Educator Patti Nagai had offered this program locally with the assistance of MGVs since 2006, but thought it would be of interest to other counties. She enlisted MGVs to develop a Green Works curriculum that others could use, using their expertise as former special education teachers, healthcare professionals or personal experience engaging with adults with intellectual disabilities, and training in therapeutic horticulture through the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program. The Green Works curriculum, completed in the fall of 2013, includes 66 prevocational lessons, 30 wellness lessons, 15 teaching tools, and lesson evaluations.

In addition to developing the curriculum, the RKMGA supported the expansion of the Green Works program into Kenosha Co. The Kenosha Achievement Center (KAC), a non-profi t that serves adults with disabilities, embraced the Green Works curriculum and developed a robust prevocational horticulture program with guidance from Kenosha Co. Horticulture Educators Barb Larson and Jeanne Hilinske-Christiansen. MGVs taught greenhouse lessons, urban farming, basic gardening and fl oral design to KAC’s clients. Management at KAC was astounded by the almost immediate positive outcomes of the program. Parents and guardians of the participants reported dramatic improvements in the attitudes and general well-being of their adult children and wards. Before the season ended, KAC had to set-up a wait list for clients eager to participate in the 2014 growing season.

The wellness lessons added to the Green Works curriculum contributed to the program’s success at the KAC. MGVs had developed the lessons from their experiences providing wellness and sensory garden activities to adults with signifi cant developmental disorders at Lakeside Curative Services in Racine Co., refi ning them for inclusion in the fi nal curriculum. KAC was able to offer a program that taught participants how to work with and live better with plants through the act of gardening.

49

Range Master GardenersThe Range Master Gardener Volunteer Association (RMGVA) is comprised of Wisconsin and Michigan MGVs from Iron County, Wisconsin and Gogebic County, Michigan. Because the MG Program is no longer supported by Michigan State University Extension, MGVs from Michigan are now reporting their hours in Wisconsin. There were 19 WIMGA members in 2013, with 9 certifi ed for 2014.


We are a small group, but we are quite active in our community, contributing to a “Garden Talk” radio program and gardening articles in the local newspaper. We maintain our own website at rangemastergardenervolunteers1.shutterfl y.com.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. RMGVs and UW-Extension Iron Co. hosted Master Composter training in March. Five MGVs and

eleven other people from the community attended the six hour intensive class by Joe Van Rossum, UW-Madison Solid and Hazardous Waste Specialist.

2. In conjunction with UW-Extension Iron Co., 46th Parallel Planters Gardening Club, and the Iron Co. Health Dept. we hosted a seminar in late September on Growing Mushrooms for Fun or Profi t. Joe Krawczyk of Field and Forest Products in Peshtigo, WI shared his expertise with 87 attendees for about 2 hours on log and particulate substrate cultivation of mushroom species that can be grown in the home garden. MGV Zona Wick, Iron Co. Health Offi cer, spoke on the health benefi ts of eating mushrooms and Joy Schelble, UW-Extension Iron Co. WNEP educator, talked about the new Hurley K-12 School vegetable gardens. Master Composters had a display and information to share and RMGVs gave away fi ve shiitake mushroom table-top kits.

3. For years, RMGVs have been working at the Ironwood Pocket Park. The City of Ironwood pays the group a monthly fee to pay expenses of the garden. The Park is continually being renovated with new plants, shrubs and bulbs. Autumn crocus and more alliums, tulips and daffodils were planted this fall.

4. In May we had Master Gardener Day at two local greenhouses, where MGVs answer gardening questions. Handouts on “How to Take Care of Hanging Planters” were available.

5. RMGVs assist school children in fl ower projects sponsored by the City of Bessemer, MI and UW-Extension Iron Co.

Highlighted Project: Gardening and Arthritis ProgramIn April, the RMGA partnered with the local 46th Parallel Gardening Club, the Iron Co. Health

Offi cer (and MGV) Zona Wick, and Iron Co. UW-Extension Nutrition Coordinator Joy Schelble to offer a program on gardening and arthritis for 35 people. Two short DVD programs, from the Wisconsin Arthritis Program and UW-Extension, showed the different types of tools that can make us more comfortable as we garden, some exercises that loosen up our muscles and joints before you start to work in your garden and improve body functions. While watching the DVD many of the attendees did exercises from their chairs. In addition, the Mediterranean Diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains that have anti-infl ammatory properties, was promoted. There were some great samples to try: a barley salad, hummus with dried tomatoes, and fruit, nuts, and many vegetables, along with ginger and green tea that have anti-infl ammatory properties.

50

Rock Prairie Master GardenersThe Rock Prairie MGA had 55 members, all of whom certifi ed for 2014.


The Rock Prairie Master Gardener Association has undergone some signifi cant changes in the past few years. After eleven months without an advisor, a new Horticulture Educator began in July 2013. With her on board, the association is looking to build up numbers and enthusiasm for the program in future years

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The new Edgerton Hospital provided space for therapeutic healing gardens, and MGVs have been

integral in planning, planting, and maintaining these new gardens. Once completed, the space will provide a therapeutic and calming experience for both visitors and hospital patients. The scope of the project, its visibility throughout the hospital, and the planned ease of use for patrons of all abilities, provides an accessible and meaningful therapeutic space. Currently in its fi rst year, these gardens have the potential to serve as a resource for the community as well.

2. MGVs participated in the Rock Co. Sherrif’s RECAP rehabilitation program for local jail inmates. The RECAP program oversees a small CSA farm and market stand, with all produce and proceeds donated to local food pantries. MGVs have been integral in helping the farm succeed and function, and volunteers have enjoyed the ability to share their gardening knowledge and passion with individuals within the program.

3. MGVs work in many capacities at the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville. They not only assist in keeping the gardens beautiful, but help develop educational programs and serve on committees that make the gardens more accessible and educational. This year, MGVs took part in the creation and planning of the new therapeutic gardens. Several MGVs taught educational programs for children through the gardens, and many more helped maintain plant inventory.

4. Through the Rotary Botanical Gardens, several MGVs have worked with individuals in the Chestnut House program in Janesville. This program teaches skills to developmentally disabled young adults in an effort to help them transition from high school into adulthood. At the Rotary Botanical Gardens, MGVs taught program participants about gardening and helped them lead and work on individual projects.

Highlighted Project: Beloit Community Gardens Several MGVs are working with partners Community Action Inc, to create community garden

spaces within underserved neighborhoods in Beloit, Wisconsin as a part of a neighborhood revitalization project. These gardens are maintained by volunteers, and draw 120-150 people from the local 5-6 block area for the spring garden festival and fall pumpkin painting party every year. Local neighbors are invited to harvest fresh collards, turnips, mustard greens, herbs, fruit, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, carrots, watermelons, pumpkins and much more year round in the gardens. Additionally, MGVs take part with the Merrill Elementary School’s Garden Club in Beloit for third grade students by taking kids into the garden to learn about and taste fresh vegetables. MGVs help with other Merrill after school kids programs, in conjunction with volunteers from Beloit College, for additional gardening learning. These efforts help bring fresh food to otherwise underserved populations. It brings children into the gardens to learn the basics of gardens and develop an appreciation for fresh produce. Community is created through these projects, creating a better living environment as well.

51

St. Croix Valley Master GardenersSt. Croix Valley Master Gardeners (SCVMGA) was formed in 1997 and represents MGVs in both Pierce and St. Croix Counties. There are 200 members with 138 certifi ed for 2014 and 36 trained in fall 2013.


Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Seed Trials: MGVs selected four different varieties each of dwarf sunfl owers, slicing tomatoes,

broccoli, leaf lettuce, butternut squash, basil, carrots, and green beans and developed an evaluation sheet with assessment criteria for each trial vegetable. MGVs could purchase the seed trial packets for a nominal cost. Packets were also donated to area community gardens for trial. Participants were asked to evaluate their plantings at various stages during the growing session. Their completed evaluations were submitted to UW-Extension by the end of October. Once the results are compiled, the outcomes of the trials will help educate local gardeners about the best varieties for the area.

2. UW-Extension Demonstration and Learning Garden: In its second year we faced many challenges due to the wet, cold spring, multiple invasions of rabbits, and the extreme heat and drought conditions that followed. MGVs plotted the garden, selected the varieties, planted and maintained the garden. The garden also featured the Seed Trial plants. All of the produce from the garden was harvested by Grow to Share, a River Falls non-profi t community garden that provides the space for the Demonstration Garden. The garden is open to the public and there are educational signs in various spots within the garden. On September 9th, a Garden Walk Field Day, led by UW-Extension, provided an opportunity for the public to ask questions. At the end of the session, a large watermelon was harvested from the garden and shared with the participants.

3. WIMGA Western District Specialized MGV Workshop: SCVMGA hosted this annual event in Ellsworth. MGVs from four districts took part in workshop with training sessions on Profi t from Plants: Planting a Landscape for Food, Fuel and Funds and Most Common Problems with Trees in Our Region. The highlight was an exhibit of tree and shrub growing problems and diseases.

4. Ask a Master Gardener: MGVs staffed booths at the Pierce and St. Croix County Fairs and at the weekly Hudson and River Falls Farmers Markets. MGVs also participated in 2013 Farm Tech Days in Barron Co. at the state MG booth. MGVs answered questions for the public about their plant diseases and problems, how and what to grow and how to use the produce from their gardens.

Highlighted Project: Junior Garden U The fi rst Junior Garden U, hosted by MGVs and 4-H, was held in late June at the UW-Extension

MG Demonstration and Learning Garden located in River Falls with 28 children ranging in age from 6 to 12 years old participating in the 3 hour program. Three core sessions were chosen for this year’s program to focus on soil/composting, plant uses and insects. The MGVs developed the training materials and the hands-on exercises. Each session was taught by a pair of MGVs with others joining to assist the students during the hands-on activities. Students learned how to dye a canvas bag with vegetable dyes and decorated them by pounding leaves and fl owers to release their dye into a design. They learned about soil and the importance of composting and planted a plant to take home with them to tend over the summer. They learned about the differences between piercing, chewing and sponging mouthparts on insects and caught insects in their own magnifying box to identify the different body parts of insects. The students were engaged, had fun and learned about gardening, too!

52

Sauk County Master GardenersWe have 125 paid members in our association, with 35 certifi ed for 2014.


The Sauk Co. MGA meets on the second Thursday of every month in UW Extension meeting rooms or on an educational fi eld trip. We have had classes on fairy gardens; small shrubs as a backbone of the garden; a cooking class given by a local chef using vegetables and herbs from our own gardens; a fi eld trip to Chicago; and a class on edible alliums. The SCMGA was involved in Reedsburg’s Fermentation Fest; this year we held Granny’s Garden Shed, a sale of used garden tools and garden-related items, along with tours of the new Apothecary Garden that was built at the Reedsburg Log Village Museum. This year also marked the 13th annual Get Ready…Get Set…Garden! seminar co-hosted by SCMGA.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Baraboo Community Garden is run by volunteers and all food goes to the Baraboo Food

Pantry. This year more than 1,000 pounds of produce was donated.2. MGVs have restored various gardens at the Reedsburg Log Village Museum. Planning for the

Apothecary Garden has been in the works for two years. After receiving a grant from the UW Extension, Arts & Culture Committee, the SCMGVs hauled in soil, built an historical zigzag fence enclosure, designed the gardens, planted the medicinal herbs and forbs, built an arbor to grow hops, and maintained the garden. MGVs give tours at all museum and community events to explain what each plant was used for to help keep the pioneers well. We try to involve children during the tours by having them use their sense of smell, taste, sight and touch. Some of the children even helped plant bulbs around the gardens during special events.

3. MGVs have designed, restored and maintain gardens as various area locations, including the Sauk Co. Historical Society in Baraboo, Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, fl ower beds at the Circus World Museum, and the community garden in Prairie du Sac.

4. The SCMGA awarded two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who are pursuing a career in horticulture, ecology, or conservation.

5. The SCMGA awards $500 annually to a municipality for a beautifi cation project. This year the recipient was Rock Springs, which was destroyed during a fl ood, and the money used to help beautify their downtown.

Highlighted Project: Establishing a Community Garden in ReedsburgAfter three years of trying to establish a community garden in Reedsburg — with multiple

roadblocks because of municipal restrictions, lengthy approval processes, and a change in location from a previously planned site — this garden has fi nally become a reality. We have partnered with Madison College – Reedsburg to create this community garden on their land. The SCMGA donated some funds to start the garden and the College installed a hoop house. Construction students erected a storage shed and SCMGA bought the tools. MGV Carrie Covell, SCMGA President, holds a garden advice class at the garden every Tuesday evening.

In the garden we have a teaching plot and a children’s plot. This is an optional no-till garden with room for 40 garden plots. Ten were used this year, but the word is spreading and we hope to rent out many more plots next year.

53

Sheboygan County Master GardenersWe had 108 members in 2013, with 73 certifi ed for 2014, including 17 from the fall 2012 training class.


We tend 20 community gardens at 15 sites throughout Sheboygan Co., plus assist in several other gardens. We staff the horticulture hotline and a booth at the county fair, publish a quarterly newsletter, sponsor several educational events for our members and the public, and provide technical expertise for the local Garden Walk.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. With so many projects, most of our members have only basic awareness of those they don’t work

on. To allow them to become familiar with other projects we ran a quick tour of 6 gardens at 4 sites, a la TV’s “Amazing Race.” This is helpful to new members who may fi nd a project that is a better fi t for their interests and abilities and for experienced members who may seek a new challenge.

2. To inform community members and stakeholders of the work that our volunteers do, we installed engraved markers in many of our project gardens.

3. Each year we try to have a day long bus trip to visit special regional gardens and garden centers. This year we went to three fabulous gardens in Door County, including The Garden Door, the clever and beautiful display garden created by Door Co MGA.

4. Sixteen MGV’s enrolled in the Level 2 Training on vegetables and fruits.

Highlighted Project: Bookworm Gardens Bookworm Gardens, a free, two-acre, public garden,

is really many smaller gardens — each one based on classic children’s stories. The books that inspire each garden are laminated and available nearby, where visitors are encouraged to read them with their children. From the Hansel and Gretel Learning Cottage to the Charlotte’s Web barn and vegetable garden, children (and adults) are transported into the world of books, plants and gardens. We are especially proud of the fact that it was one of our inspired and indefatigable members who conceived of Bookworm Gardens, cultivated community support, raised enormous amounts of money, oversaw the design and installation of the gardens, and has shepherded it though it’s fi rst exciting years. Other MGVs work in the gardens, play storybook characters at events, and serve on the Board.

54

Southeast WI Master GardenersSEWMGA had 552 paid members and 393 certifi ed members in 2013, primarily in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. There were 142 students in fall training and 430 members are certifi ed for 2014.

In 2013 we volunteered 3,126 hours in youth education 14,297 hours in community education 6,237 hours in support service and participated in 6,959 hours in continuing education

The mission of the SEWMGA, a 501(c)3 non-profi t corporation, is to support and assist UW-Extension in community horticulture programs through volunteerism, education, and environmental stewardship. SEWMGA provides continuing education opportunities for MGVs with fi eld trips to fl ower shows, gardens, and nurseries, and presentations by horticulture professionals and experts on a wide variety of topics throughout the year. Our bimonthly newsletter, Good Earth News, keeps MGVs updated on both volunteer and education opportunities, and includes university research based horticulture articles

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The annual Plant Sale brought in more than 800 customers to buy a wide variety of perennials,

herbs, bulbs, and shrubs. Posters with horticulture information were placed throughout the sale area, and there was a display of enabling tools and information on gardening adaptations for those with physical limitations. Plant Health Advisors and experienced MGVs answered questions, and horticulture publications were available. Unsold plants were donated to Habitat for Humanity.

2. During 2013, SEWMGVs gave 50 presentations on 22 different topics. The most-requested presentations were on perennials and small space, small budget vegetable gardening. Forty-six different organizations requested presentations or displays. MGVs also staffed booths at 5 farmers markets throughout the season, and provided booths and displays at 25 special events.

3. SEWMGA sponsors two gardens in the Family Farm area of the Milwaukee Co. Zoo. The Butterfl y Habitat and the Heritage Vegetable Garden — featuring ethnic-themed vegetable beds— are explored by thousands of Zoo visitors each year. MGVs maintain the gardens, and staff them during Zoo special events to answer questions and distribute educational literature.

4. UW-Extension and SEWMGA sponsored the Buds n’ Sprouts summer youth gardening program at the DNR’s Havenwoods State Forest. Seventy-fi ve children met weekly in small groups for 9 weeks. They planted seeds and vegetable transplants, weeded their vegetable patches, studied composting, and harvested green beans, herbs, and salsa ingredients.

Highlighted Project: LifeLong GardeningOur LifeLong Gardening project reached more than 65,000 people in 2013 with displays at garden

tours, health and wellness fairs, the SEWMGA annual plant sale, Allen Centennial Gardens, Wisconsin State Fair and Milwaukee Co. Fair, and demonstrations and presentations for garden clubs, senior groups, and plant societies. Their presentations and displays are often requested by senior groups and health and wellness fairs. Demonstrations of extended reach and back-saving tools, and hand tools adapted for those with arthritis and weakened grip elicit the most interest.

The project has accumulated nearly 150 gardening implements for use in displays and demonstrations, including a large donation of tools from the UW Hancock Agricultural Research Station in 2009. In subsequent years, MGVs have solicited and received donations from tool manufacturers, garden tool suppliers, and local garden centers. This year a wheelchair accessible portable raised planting bed was donated to the project. It was included in the UW-Extension’s State Fair display, along with many vertical gardening ideas. A permanent demonstration garden is in the planning stage.

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Thyme Shares Master Gardeners & FriendsThere are 37 members in our association from Marquette Co. Sixteen MGVs have recertifi ed for 2014.


We host a monthly Meet in the Garden during the months of May through September at a member’s home to socialize, share a meal with many items brought from our gardens, and tour the garden to glean new ideas. We also include a short business meeting and a half hour educational session provided by a MGV or invited guest. We also distribute a quarterly newsletter to all our members.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Annual Tree Sale. Our association sells several varieties of fruit trees, small fruits, and vegetables

to the public as a fundraiser each April. We provided a pruning seminar and many publications to educate the customers on the care and cultivation of plants, and answered gardening questions from over 140 customers. Plant-A-Row also hands out free seeds at this event.

2. Gardening in Spite of Aches and Pains. This program that shared many ways to make gardening easier on your body was presented at several locations in conjunction with HCE and also at the Marquette Co. Fair. We borrowed a model of a raised planter from the Columbia Co. MGA and purchased publications and tools to be used in demonstrations.

3. Community Garden. MGVs provided education to the manager of Aging Services, Department of Human Services in Marquette Co. and used UWEX publications on community gardening to help another organization take the fi rst step in starting a community garden. A MGV toured the potential site with the manager, taught them about the benefi ts of soil testing and helped interpret the soil test results. The manager was interest in having future educational presentations at the garden.

4. Dairy Breakfast. This event allowed MGVs to promote the MG program and share horticultural information with people of all ages from our county. Younger gardeners were given coloring books that featured berry growing with many pages of fun berry facts. We also had a display on Gardening in Spite of Aches and Pains for older gardeners.

Highlighted Project: Garden Thyme in Marquette CountyIn an effort to educate the public about the MG Program’s purpose, MGVs, with some input

from UW-Extension, wrote and published a book titled Garden Thyme in Marquette County that was released and available for sale (at cost) just before the holiday season in 2012-2013. The book begins with an introduction to a MGV. This includes the history of the program and the value of the Volunteer. The book is full of brightly colored photos of twenty highlighted gardens from many years of our garden walks. Along the margins of the stories, sidebars written by MGVs provide information about many pertinent topics related to gardening. Numerous resources are listed in the back of the book for more in-depth research by readers. A large section in the resource area is devoted to Extension bulletins.

MGVs that have purchased the book have commented that even they use it as a resource. Books have been given as gifts. The book was presented to our new Ag Agent, Lyssa Seefeldt, this summer. In her words “… I found the book helpful for getting to know the MG group as a whole… It has shown me some of the interests that the group has and a start to learning what knowledge the group can offer. The educational elements that you incorporated into the book are great and hopefully have inspired some people to take up gardening, even if it is small-scale.”

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Vilas County Master GardenersWe have 28 members, with 12 certifi ed for 2014.


We began in 2003 as the “Green Thumbs” garden club but offi cially became the Vilas County Master Gardener Volunteers in February 2010. We meet monthly year round on the second Thursday of each month. In the winter months we have speakers, which we invite the public to attend through newspaper, radio, and TV announcements. And during the summer months we meet at a local garden center for meetings and presentations. Our member’s community horticulture involvement goes beyond the MGA. One is the summer horticulture educator with the Vilas Co. UW-Extension, another teaches gardening classes at Nicolet Area Technical College, two started the ‘Seed to Seed Edible Project’ in the area, three planned and implemented the Children’s Museum Garden, three are on the board for the Northland Pines Community Garden, three help teach gardening at the schools, and one helped ID Invasives in a 100 mile radius.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs staff the UW-Extension booth at the Farmers Market on Wednesdays in Eagle River to

answer questions on gardening.2. In September our hands-on display of micro greens at the ‘Youth Coalition Career Days’ was a

hit with over 300 Vilas County 6th grade students. Not only did they taste and learn about growing micro greens in a pot, but got to plant a pot and take it home.

3. We worked with the Northland Pines School District’s ‘Grow Your Own Food’ class. In spring the students started seedlings for the Northland Pines Community Garden and inside the hoop house enjoying the benefi ts of fresh tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, herbs, watermelon, squash, etc. Food from the teaching gardens went to the local food panty. The class also led tours of grade school classes to the garden.

4. We have been working with the Eagle River Revitalization Program, a member of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, for 8 years by planning and planting hanging baskets and large pots for the downtown area. ‘Adopt a Garden’ is a project we started many years ago with the city of Eagle River. We have a list of various city sites that need taking care of from spring through fall. This allows our members to get volunteer hours and also to keep the community looking nice. Many people stop while we’re weeding or pruning and ask gardening questions.

5. The Vilas Co. UW-Extension Nutrition Educator spoke at one of our monthly presentations on ‘Gardening and Nutrition’. Extension provided the literature and MGVs provided tastings of various veggies and fruits. This program was advertised to the public and many people attended and asked questions.

Highlighted Project: Willow WorkshopIn the fall we held a one day workshop for the public on Wild Craft Use of Garden Willow by

Poppy Hatinger. She taught us the history of willow use, how to grow and harvest willow, and which varieties to use for colors and projects. In the afternoon it was hands-on to learn how to make baskets, wattle fences, obelisks, stars, bracelets, trellises, and much more. Poppy told us “Perfection is not the goal because this is going into the garden and birds will sit on it.” Participants left with their various projects and cuttings to start their own willow patches.

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Walworth County Master GardenersIn 2013, we had 73 dues paying members, with 77 recertifi ed for 2014.


The Walworth Co. MGA contiues to be a valued asset to our communities through such activities as providing educational information at the local farmer markets, Walworth Co. fair plant advisory booth, and seminars, as well as working to improve and maintain the landscapes of local parks, conservation areas, schools, churches, libraries, nursing homes and retirement communities. Our group meets the second Wednesday of each month. During the summer we often tour area gardens, and during the colder months have educational program for our members. As an example, one program this year was on Native Plant Seed Saving where we learned about phenology of native plants, plant ID, determining ripeness for picking, how to dry, clean and store the steeds.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center in Whitewater provides a wide range of activities for

wide range of individuals including many senior citizens and disabled adults, as well as families and university students. Two garden areas at the entrance include many perennials and a variety of shrubs and 2 pots of annuals. MGVs cleaned up the gardens at the start and end of the season, planting, mulching, dividing, and watering during the season.

2. WCMGVs created a children’s square foot garden at UCC Church, purchasing garden soil, perlite, mushroom mulch, seeds, and tomato cages. The children fi rst surveyed the congregation on favorite vegetables. Then they had fun planting seeds and harvesting peas, carrots, tomatoes, radishes and lettuces. These were either taken home by children, eaten while they were picked, or given away to church members. The children are eager to do it again next year.

3. This was the second year WCMGVs teamed up with HCE to produce the educational gardening symposium Smart Gardening Day in March. Over 90 people attended the event. Some of the class topics included Vegetable Gardening 101 and 102, Challenges of Beekeeping in Today’s World, Slow Cooking your Fall Harvest, Save Your Seeds, Sustain Your Garden and many more. MGVs taught vegetable gardening and seed saver classes, staffed the plant advisory table, assisted instructors and did various support tasks throughout the day.

4. This spring the association presented our fi rst Horticultural Related scholarship award of $1,000 to a deserving student from Badger High School.

5. This year we held our 8th annual plant swap, an event that continues to growing in popularity each year. Each spring MGVs divide some of their own plants to bring to the event. The public is invited to bring a plant from their garden to swap it for a new plant. Those that don’t have plants to share can bring non-perishable food items (donated to local food pantries) in exchange for plants.

Highlighted Project: “Ask a MGV” at Farmers Market and Walworth Co. Fair Approximately 20 MGVs answered gardening questions at the local Farmers Market each week

from May through October and at the Horticulture Building at the Walworth Co. Fair. We promoted the MG program while answering questions and sharing Extension brochures with over 1,000 visitors to our table. Some of the more common questions were on tar spot, oak wilt, Japanese beetles, emerald ash borer, vegetable diseases, soil tests, and the MG program. At the Farmer’s Market many clients returned with new questions as the season progressed. Offi cials at the County Fair mentioned what a nice addition we are to the Horticulture Building and how people appreciated us being there.

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Washington County Master GardenersWe had 28 certifi ed MGVs, 25 interns and 4 friends in 2013, with 35 certifi ed for 2014.


We meet on the second Thursday of each month at the Washington County UW-Extension offi ce or at different greenhouses/gardens within our County. Our meeting includes a short business meeting and one hour of education. Some of the education topics this year included vericomposting, changing out planters for the season, foraging for wild edibles, growing herbs, apple production, starting plants from seeds, seed saving, using succulents in the garden, and wine making.

Major Accomplishments or Projects:1. Adaptive Gardening. We began with a visit to a local nursing home that has been working with

adaptive gardening tools and got many good ideas of what worked well for residents and those with limited mobility. We later received a grant from Home Depot in West Bend to purchase all the tools we would need to offer presentations in nursing homes, at our local farmer’s market, and the Washington Co. Fair.

2. Adpot A Plot. This is our 5th year working on this fl ower garden located in West Bend, just behind an elementary school. When we took it over 5 years ago it was a completely abandoned garden, with weeds growing over 5 feet tall. We continue planting day lillies, native plants, and other kid-friendly plant selections.

3. Farmers Market. WCMGVs had a booth at the West Bend’s Farmers Market on 6 Saturdays during the summer and fall months. With over 3,000 visitors each week, we answered many questions about gardening, weed identifi cation, adaptive gardening, fruit production, and what bug is eating my plants, and many other topics. We also distributed UW-Extension publications on gardening.

4. Washington County Fair Booth. The WCMGA works with Ag Adventure land to promote farming and gardening and maintains 6 different fl ower and vegetable gardens at the fairgrounds. MGVs also staffed a booth to answer questions and distribute UW-Extension publications. Over 5,000 families went through our booth. This year we had a “scavenger hunt” in the garden for kids to fi nd the vegetables on a recipe card for vegetable soup. We also sponsor a planter contest for all 4-H clubs in Washington Co. The entries are judged on plant selection and using the color vegetable selected by our committee (which was white this year).

5. Fundraising. We sold garden pruners, Good Weed Bad Weed book and Good Bug, Bad Bug book to raise funds for various projects. We also made garden stepping stones that were sold at the West Bend’s Farmers Market and Washington County Fair.

Highlighted Project: Germantown Community GardenThe Germantown Community Garden is located on the Dhiensville

Historical Society property. It began in 2012 with 10 garden plots. This year there were 24 plots, two of which were maintained by WCMGVs to grow produce for senior citizens. Over 300 pounds of fresh produce from those plots donated to the Germantown Senior Center. Three MGVs were involved with managing the gardens in general, and specifi cally with the MG plots. We met with community members and were available by email to answer questions and give information as needed.

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Waupaca County Master GardenersThere were 55 members in the Waupaca Co. MGA with 51 certifi ed for 2014.


WCMGVs are active in a wide variety of community projects. Many are involved with local and state 4-H programs or participate in the County Fair, helping with entries and judging, as well as staffi ng a booth to answer questions. Several work behind the scenes, recording hours, creating newsletters and taking care of other responsibilities that make the association run smoothly.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Waupaca MGVs have made a conscious effort to have an educational component at each meeting.

There were programs on organic gardening, insects, new plants in 2013, purple loosestrife, landscaping in shade, landscaping in hard spaces, and safe garden techniques taught by a chiropractor. One of the most interesting was on phenology or the study of the seasons and how the plant and animal populations fi t in. These programs have prepared MGVs to better help others in the community with their increased knowledge.

2. There are two children’s gardens in the same park in New London. One of these gardens was not used as a children’s garden this year, and became a small community garden instead for residents of a nearby apartment building. Unclaimed plots were planted to grow vegetables for the food pantry in New London. Children from the other children’s garden worked in the extra plots, with this produce going to the food pantry, helping them learn about caring and sharing with others.

3. MGVs presented educational programs for garden clubs, civic groups and at libraries.4. We had two Children’s Gardens projects this summer with an attendance of about 50 children.

The programs were revamped this year to not only include the preparation and growth of a garden but also the use and preservation of the crops grown. At one site participants learned how to can pickles and preserve jam, and both gardens made soup from their garden produce. Even after the formal garden program is over in August, the families can go back and harvest fall vegetables.

5. Each year WCMGVs give one or two scholarships to deserving seniors that are county residents to further their education in a horticulture related fi eld. This year it was opened up to students already in college or tech school in an horticulture-related fi eld.

Highlighted Project: Waupaca Co. Community GardenPartnering with the Waupaca School District, the WCMGA has helped create a community garden

on a 3 acre plot of land on school property. This project has grown over the years, with about a third of the membership working in the garden, along with school system personnel and volunteers from other civic organizations to grow vegetables for food pantries and other organizations. Besides growing and harvesting produce, classes from the school use this as an outdoor classroom. Math students made measurements and calculations on the amount of produce; the art class designed the fl ower bed, considering color coordination and bloom time; and horticulture classes at the High School started all of the tomato, pepper, and other plants in their greenhouse. Children from all levels of the school work in the garden as part of their community service project. Several thousand pounds of produce is given to food pantries in Weyauwega and Waupaca, and to the senior meal program in Weyauwega and Waupaca where the vegetables are available for the clients to take home. The produce is also used in the meal program at the Waupaca schools. Both Weyauwega and Waupaca have a free community meal open to anyone in the community and some of the produce is used there. Food is also given to a homeless shelter for veterans.

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Waushara County Master GardenerWaushara Co. Master Gardener Association now has 57 members with 8 be-ing newly certifi ed this year and 34 recertifying for 2014.


Our MGA has a monthly newsletter with articles by members that highlights projects and events that we have just completed and/or informs of those coming up shortly. It also contains gardening tips. This year we scheduled more activities for members that involved enjoyment while expanding horticultural knowledge.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We held an all-day seminar featuring four speakers covering topics related to Gardening in Tune

with Nature. Topics included native plants, hostas, herbs and art in the garden. One hundred and sixty seven people attended. We had display boards and related handouts dealing with deer, slugs, and proper tree and shrub planning and care. MGVs were available to answer questions and give out handouts at our composting display.

2. Two hundred and forty-six people attended our garden walk featuring 6 diverse gardens. MGVs were present at each site to answer questions.

3. We expanded work at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station’s 5 acres of gardens which included renovating some of the beds. This site has daily visitors and great signage to identify the plants. We held an open house in conjunction with volunteers from the station and the UWEX Wood Co. Horticulture Educator. Waushara Co. MGVs were available throughout the grounds as well as at three booths with UW-Extension publications and MGVs present to answer questions.

4. Members did presentations and demonstrations for MG classes on an assortment of gardening topics and techniques to enhance the learning experience. Participants reported these were among the highlights of the course and greatly appreciated. These also provided an opportunity for members who were doing their PowerPoint presentation the fi rst time to gain experience and set an example for those in the class. The immediate value of this was evidenced by one of the class members volunteering to do a demonstration at the wrap-up session.

5. In spring we hosted a grape pruning demonstration at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station which not only helped out the Station by pruning the vast number of grape vines, but also gave many people hands-on pruning experience. Among the participants were members of the spring MG training class who were able to get this added learning experience.

Highlighted Project: Public Education Many MGVs are hesitant to do any public speaking. In response to our challenge to members to

do so as an important part of our mission in educating the public, 11 MGVs did 21 presentations and/or demonstrations on a variety of horticultural subjects and techniques. We had scheduled 4 weekly evening sessions for the public at one local library with a repeat at a library in another part of county. The rest of the presentations were in response to requests from community organizations.

In addition we had 5 booths with UW-Extension publication handouts at various area events, where MGVs answered many questions and disseminated a wide range of information. Two booths focused on all aspects of composting, one was in conjunction with the Prairie Days Festival hosted by Prairie Enthusiasts from several counties, and another was at our four-day county fair. Approximately 550 community members visit our booths.

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Winnebago County Master GardenersWe had 121 members, including 19 trained in 2013 and 90 certifi ed for 2014.


Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Parkview County Nursing Home has extensive grounds and is located immediately adjacent to the

facility that houses the UW-Extension offi ces, as well as some other agencies. MGVs maintain a cutting garden, vegetable garden, an educational prairie area, and have a fl ower arranging project with the residents. Many residents enjoy working in the cutting and vegetable gardens A new addition to the gardens this year is a row of fruit trees planted in memory of MGV John Procknow, who did much to establish the Parkview projects. During special events, MGVs are on hand to answer questions and to show visitors the experimental vegetable gardening techniques—the straw bale potatoes were of great interest this year.

2. The WCMGA is in the third year of a long-term project to remove buckthorn from a 13-acre Conservancy Park adjacent to Oshkosh North High School. Several full-day work days are held each fall and spring. Neighbors with property adjoining the park have been educated about buckthorn and have pitched in to help. The City of Oshkosh Forestry Dept. provided chemicals to treat cut stumps and remove the cut brush piles. The Oshkosh Northwestern did a feature article on the project that elicited many questions about buckthorn from the larger community.

3. The WCMGA has worked with the Oshkosh Area Humane Society to create a beautiful memorial and refl ections garden where owners can spend some time remembering memorialized pets. Visitors, workers, and even the dogs who can go for a walk there enjoy the peace and serenity of the area. MGVs continue to incorporate native plants into the mixed perennial beds and have plans to enhance the entrance area with new plantings.

4. Winter Escapes, Summer Dreams is a garden seminar for MGVs and the public sponsored by the WCMGA on the fi rst Saturday of February. The focus is on providing balanced education on a wide variety of plant related topics, with special emphasis on native plants and community gardening. In 2013, Mike Yanny of Johnson’s Nursery was the keynote speaker. He gave two presentations: Native Trees and Shrubs for Use in Wisconsin Landscapes and The Stories Behind the Plants from Johnson’s Nursery. Sharon Morissey of Milwaukee Co. UW-Extension spoke on Small Space/Small Budget Gardening. The presentations concluded with a speaker panel question and answer period. The more than 200 attendees enjoyed all the sessions and the many vendors.

Highlighted Project: Octagon House The Octagon House in Neenah is the second oldest building in the city. Built in 1856 it is now

the Historical Museum. A team of MGVs has designed, planted, and maintained vegetable and fl ower gardens using heirloom varieties. The vegetable garden plantings are rotated and this year included ‘Paris Market’ carrots, ‘Beaver Dam’ peppers (a Hungarian heirloom brought to Beaver Dam in 1912), and ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’ tomatoes (a 120 year old heirloom from Greenville, Tennessee). as well as many other vegetables such as peas, lettuce, potatoes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and bok choi. The gardens co-mingle vegetables and fl owers similar to farm gardens of the past.

The three sisters garden of corn, beans, and pumpkins replacing the usual squash, was planted with the assistance of a local third grade class. The children had a great time and a bountiful harvest of pumpkins resulted!

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Wolf River Master GardenersThe Wolf River Master Gardener Association is made of 22 members from Menominee and Shawano Counties. There are 16 members certifi ed for 2014.

In 2013 we volunteered 39 hours in youth education 1,192 hours in community education 1,309 hours in support service and participated in 384 hours in continuing education

The Wolf River MGA encompasses both Shawano and Menominee Counties. The group meets monthly to discuss upcoming projects, participate in educational tours, discuss horticultural topics and engage in member-led educational programming. This year’s highlights included a tour of Menominee Tribal Enterprises in Neopit to learn about forest management, as well as lumber utilization practices. Additionally, the group toured Qualheim’s True Value’s gardens, as well as members’ gardens in coordination with monthly meetings. For the fi rst time, the group sponsored the monthly Community Dinner in Shawano. The Dinner is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, with food and labor supplied by community organizations and/or businesses. The Dinner is free to anyone in the community wanting a meal. The Wolf River MGVs donated and served dinner to approximately 80 people in November.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Garden Line. Wolf River MGVs took week long shifts to assist the UW-Extension Offi ce in

Shawano Co. answering horticultural questions. The group served as the lead horticultural contact while the Shawano Co. Agriculture Agent position was vacant.

2. Shawano Co. Fair. The group provided support to horticulture department superintendents to accept, arrange and record placings for 4-H and open class exhibits.

3. Huber Garden. MGV’s assisted inmates with planting, maintaining and harvesting a vegetable garden at the Shawano Co. Huber Center. The produce was used in the inmates’ daily meals.

4. Farmers’ Market. Wolf River MGVs answered horticulture questions at the weekly Shawano Famers’ Market throughout the growing season. Each week a featured project was displayed by an MGV to be educate the public on a timely horticultural topic.

5. Community Gardens. MGVs worked with community members to assist in the planting and care of two community gardens in Shawano and were on-call to help gardeners with their questions. The group assisted families, many fi rst time gardeners, at Zion Luther Church to grow produce for personal use. At Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church, the members aided children in growing produce for the local food pantry.

Highlighted Project: Peer-led Continuing Education ProgramsThe Wolf River MGA engaged its members in developing and delivering hands-on, peer-led

educational workshops at its monthly meetings. Members volunteered to teach two, one-hour workshops during a monthly meeting. The fi rst workshop, on snow gardening, discussed the importance of the vernalization process in the fl owering of some garden plants. During the workshop, the members planted perennial seeds in recycled plastic containers. The MGVs took the containers home and ‘planted’ them in snow banks to prep the seeds for planting in the spring. The second workshop covered the history and sleep benefi ts of dream pillows. The members learned about various herbs and their potential positive and negative impacts on sleep and dreams. The MGVs then constructed their own dream pillows using a variety of member-supplied herbs.

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Wood County Master GardenersWe had 129 members in our association, including 80 certifi ed for 2014 and 10 students in training this fall.


Our membership encompasses two cities located at opposite ends of the county (Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfi eld), as well as other areas, so we alternate locations for the meetings between the two cities, always including an educational program.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our 14th Annual Garden Walk in July featured six gardens, including one of our own MGVs. One

of the gardens was an exceptionally good example of a rain garden and we provided educational handouts to our guests that explained the concept and how they could incorporate one in their own yard. Another new aspect of the Walk this year was to have a Bird Boutique featuring bird-related items for sale as well as a booklet ‘Strictly for the Birds!’ that was written by a member and handed out and included many interesting tips on attracting birds to the garden. Each garden also featured a local artist who displayed his own individual talent. We believe this helps draw new viewers to the gardens as well as providing exposure for the artists.

2. Several trips were offered this year. In February, we chartered a bus to take members to Garden Expo in Madison – this was a fi rst-time experience for many of our members. In July, 12 members carpooled to Waupaca to visit a private Japanese garden that we learned about from our speaker on Chinese Gardens at our April meeting. In August, we took a bus trip to the Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2 nurseries and a beautiful, private quarry garden in Seymour.

3. Our Community Education Team presented educational signage that each project could incorporate in to their project. The signs were partially funded by a WIMGA grant and are very professional-looking, convey a lot of information and reach the public even when an MGV is not present.

4. A member recognition program was initiated four years ago to reward members achieving volunteer hour milestones. Promotional items such as a pen, water bottle, portfolio, bag and shirt are imprinted with “UW Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, XXX hours of Volunteer Service” and presented to the member at our fi rst meeting of the year in March. Awards have been presented for 150, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 2,500 hour levels. This year, we expanded the recognition program to add awards at the 1500, 2000, 3000 and 4000 levels, with various types of merchandise.

Highlighted Project: The Lester Public Library Gardens in VesperThis project originated in 2006 when the new community library was completed. There are 16

garden areas, each with a story and with a theme related to a book. Discarded books are used as name markers in each garden area. The gardens were designed to ensure areas of interest throughout the four seasons and to look good from the parking lot where patrons arrive and also from inside the library, looking out the window. The project team consists of 8 MGVs who meet several times a year to plan their activities. In addition to tending the gardens, they have also planned and presented many garden-related educational programs for both adults and youth. The Butterfl y Garden was a summer project for older youth. Under the guidance of the MGVs, the students chose and planted plants suitable for butterfl ies normally found in Wood Co. They received a journal and researched various butterfl y needs. The students placed a shelter, water source and a fl at rock for sunning to complete the butterfl y habitat. Educational signage and a butterfl y research hand-out educate visitors to the garden.

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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.

volunteers in horticulture - for your information · • made numerous presentations on...

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