Volunteers in Horticulture 2016

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

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

A full copy of this report is available on the WI MG Program website at h p://wimastergardener.org/wisconsin-mg-annual-report/

2 Table of Contents Program Highlights for 2016 ...... 4 Executive Summary ...... 6 Wisconsin MG Program Ofﬁ ce ...... 6 Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (WIMGA) ...... 7 Community Impacts in 2016 ...... 8 Statistical Report ...... 18 County Narrative Reports ...... 20

Adams ...... 21 Lincoln ...... 50 Ashland ...... 22 Manitowoc ...... 51 Barron ...... 23 Marathon ...... 52 Brown ...... 24 Marine e ...... 53 Burne ...... 25 Marque e ...... 54 Calumet ...... 26 Milwaukee ...... 55 Chippewa ...... 27 Oneida ...... 56 Clark ...... 28 Outagamie ...... 57 Columbia ...... 29 Ozaukee ...... 58 Crawford ...... 30 Pierce ...... 59 Dane ...... 31 Polk ...... 60 Dodge ...... 32 Portage ...... 61 Door ...... 33 Price ...... 62 Douglas ...... 34 Racine ...... 63 Dunn ...... 35 Rock ...... 64 Eau Claire ...... 36 Sauk ...... 65 Florence ...... 37 Sawyer ...... 66 Fond du Lac ...... 38 Shawano ...... 67 Forest ...... 39 Sheboygan ...... 68 Grant ...... 40 St. Croix ...... 69 Green ...... 41 Vilas ...... 70 Iron ...... 42 Walworth ...... 71 Jackson ...... 43 Washburn ...... 72 Jeﬀ erson ...... 44 Washington ...... 73 Juneau ...... 45 Waukesha ...... 74 Kenosha ...... 46 Waupaca ...... 75 Kewaunee ...... 47 Waushara ...... 76 La Crosse ...... 48 Winnebago ...... 77 Lafaye e ...... 49 Wood ...... 78

3 Program Highlights 2016

4 The goal of the Master Gardener (MG) Program is to train enthusias c volunteers to assist UW- Extension educators. Historically, Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) served as the front-line to the public by answering home garden related ques ons. MG projects now expand into the community, providing a myriad of services related to gardening and the environment (see Community Impacts 2016 on pages 8-17). Some of the many educa onal projects and ac vi es MGVs conduct throughout Wisconsin include: • Assis ng UW-Extension with consumer hor culture ques ons • Providing valued educa on on numerous topics • Ba ling invasive species and protec ng na ve plants • Crea ng and suppor ng community gardens • Educa ng about compos ng • Restoring historic gardens • Therapeu c hor culture projects • Teaching the public about growing food • Enhancing public spaces • Teaching children about plants, gardening and the environment • Working with the elderly or physically limited adults • Improving water quality and promo ng water conserva on. • Beau fying our communi es to enhance poten al economic development

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

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

5 Executive Summary The Master Gardener (MG) Program is an all-volunteer organiza on sanc oned by the Land Grant ins tu ons in each state and func ons as an extension of the college or university. In Wisconsin, the program is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The MG program originated in Washington State in 1972, and began in Wisconsin in the late 1970’s. Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) are trained volunteers who aid University of Wisconsin-Extension staff by helping people in the community be er understand hor culture and their environment. Local training and volunteer development is hosted by the county UW-Extension offi ce, with support and administra on provided by the State MG Program Offi ce. The Master Gardener Program Offi ce The MG Program Offi ce, housed in the Department of Hor culture on the campus of UW- Madison, is the centralized loca on for administra on of the MG program. The MG Program Director, MG Program Coordinator, and MG Program Assistant work closely together to plan, organize and implement various services for county UW-Extension educators and individual MGVs in Wisconsin: • Support UW-Extension county staff and volunteers in training and volunteer development. • Create educa onal materials and host programs rela ng to hor culture and volunteer development. • Evaluate and report impacts of UW-Extension county staff and volunteers as related to the Master Gardener Program. • Partner with organiza ons to introduce UW-Extension and/or MG Program to new audiences. • Facilitate communica on through monthly e-newsle ers to UW-Extension county staff , volunteers, and administra on, and website management. • Par cipate with na onal ini a ves and commi ees rela ng to MG Programs. Examples of specifi c activities of the MG Program Offi ce in 2016: • Made 14 coaching calls to prepare coun es in delivering training. • Delivered 4 hands-on workshops, including 3 hor cultural therapy and 1 plant propaga on; included one workshop to coach medical and therapy staff on hor cultural therapy. • A ended the Na onal Master Gardener Coordinators The UW-Extension Master Gardener Program Conference. • Ini ated a review and rewrite of YouTube Channel volunteer policy. (all Level 1 and Level 2 training) • Completed the redesign of MG Program website, h p:// 2014 . . . . . 2,552 hours watch me . . . . . 1.3 FTE wimastergardener.org/. 2015 . . . . . 3,264 hours watch me . . . . . 1.6 FTE • Posted 35 educa onal ar cles on the MG website (a new tle every 2016 . . . . . 3,625 hours watch me . . . . . 1.8 FTE 10 days), including 3 new Plants Plus series using repackaged content from previous Level 2 trainings. • Delivered presenta ons for PEOPLE program, 4-H Conference, Women in STEM, others. • Produced monthly County Coordinator’s Update and Volunteer Vibe e-newsle ers. • Ini ated GardenWIse partnership with SNAP-ED (now FoodWIse). • Par cipated in na onal EMG commi ee and lead impact and evalua on taskforce.

6 • Par cipated on the planning commi ee for NaƟ onal Extension Conference on Volunteerism. • Par cipated in Garden Expo and Farm Technology Days. • Produced accessible gardening tools video. • Developed 4 presenta ons for Level 2 training in Landscape Design. • Presented at State MG Conference. • Collaborated with Volunteer Team for con nued development of a uniform UW-Extension Volunteer Policy and Procedure. • Par cipated in Wisconsin MG Associa on board mee ngs and twice yearly Wisconsin MG Advisory Board mee ngs. The 2016 Level 2 Training, Landscape Design for “I think overall it will make me a Master Gardener Volunteers, focused on topics beƩ er volunteer. I now have a beƩ er idea rela ng to design principles, sustainable landscape of sustainability. I will also be able to look design, people/plant interac ons and volunteerism. at a garden and be able to modify it to be Two hundred sixty cer fi ed MGVs registered for the of beƩ er use to the community.” fully online, asynchronous, statewide course. The “I never realized that the concept of program built on the historical course style of pre- sustainability was such a vital part of recorded lectures by including a la carte ac vi es creaƟ ng and designing a viable landscape.” designed to enhance the online learning experience. “I currently coordinate a community Google+ Communi es were u lized for the fi rst me garden in our area. We have to relocate the to provide students with statewide interac on with garden in 2017. I am no longer upset about other MGVs enrolled in the course. One hundred this but am embracing the opportunity seventy seven MGVs (68% of course registrants) to design the garden from scratch with interacted via the Community to complete ac vi es, aƩ racƟ ve, sustainable elements.” share resources, and to ask and answer ques ons. One hundred and two MGVs earned the course comple on cer fi cate.

The Wisconsin Master Gardener Associa on (WIMGA) is an independent, statewide organiza on whose mission is to support and provide leadership to individual MGVs and local organiza ons in their mission to assist UW-Extension in community hor cultural programs through volunteerism, educa on and environmental stewardship. The WIMGA supports 53 local MG associa ons and individual MGVs. WIMGA’s Board of Directors is made up of 15 MGVs, with two Directors from each of six districts plus three Members-At-Large. Several members of the WIMGA Board sit on the WI MG Advisory Commi ee with UW-Extension Hor culture Specialists and Agents to recommend policy for the MG program. Some of the major accomplishments of WIMGA for 2016 include: • Hosted the biennial Upper Midwest Regional MG Conference in Wisconsin Dells, with approximately 200 MGVs a ending. • Awarded a total of $6,450 in 24 Educa on Grants to local MG associa ons (six $100 grants, nine $250 grants and nine $400 grants). • Contributed $1,000 to the WI Junior Hor culture Associa on to help defray the costs of WI youth a ending the Na onal Conference and $750 to the Na onal Jr. Hort. Associa on for program expenses and Contest Sponsorship. • Donated $3,000 to the UW-Extension Master Gardener Founda on Fund. • Provided $4,000 to Wisconsin Public Radio to sponsor Larry Meiller’s Garden Talk program.

7 Master Gardener Volunteers Make a Difference Community Impacts - 2016 Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) in the state’s 72 coun es provide a tremendous resource in solving local issues and providing valued educa on. Their work has an impact on a wide diversity of people and communi es across the state. The following are just some examples of the many ways MGVs throughout Wisconsin are working with people in their communi es. Read more stories about the success of MGVs in speciﬁ c coun es in the individual county reports on pages 21-78.

Growing Gardeners The Master Gardener (MG) Program was originally created to develop a volunteer staff to assist Extension agents in answering gardening ques ons. Over the decades, educa onal eff orts have expanded beyond answering the phone in the county extension offi ce—although this is s ll a component of many local MG programs. MGVs are the face of UW-Extension Hor culture in many coun es, off ering numerous educa onal opportuni es for the public. This educa on involves teaching hor culture in a variety of ways, whether through special workshops or annual seminars, providing research-based informa on at local gardening events or answering ques ons on tradi onal UW- Extension supported garden lines to help others make appropriate decisions to manage pests and problems in home landscapes, make informed choices when purchasing plants and garden related materials, and make judicious and environmentally appropriate decisions for pest management. Educating about Specifi c Gardening Topics MGVs teach classes on various topics or give talks for other community organiza ons. Many local MG Associa ons (MGA) include an educa onal session open to the public at their monthly mee ngs or give talks through other ograniza ons. Many groups write educa onal newspaper or web ar cles and connect with gardeners by many other indirect means to engage them in gardening and to connect with UW-Extension resources. • In Dunn County, each MGA mee ng begins with a training session. Some examples include: a registered die an discussed the nutri ve value of food grown in gardens; a naturalist at Beaver Creek Reserve presented foraging and explained how edible plants are iden fi ed, collected and prepared; and invasive species. • MGVs in Florence County presented a program on grasses and perennials to a local historical society for their annual garden seminar day. • MGVs in Marathon County off ered nine MGVs on University Place educa on programs a ended by 188 MGVs and Wisconsin Public Television has recorded 77 others. seven of the educa onal programs at the • Eau Claire MGVs had an average of 30 people regular monthly mee ngs of the Dodge a ending their mee ngs to learn about such County MGA for the University Place topics as food preserva on, permaculture, and program. WPT’s Media Rela ons Specialist cover crops. described the mee ng topics as “energe c • Programs at Waupaca County MGA mee ngs and interes ng” and “fascina ng to the have been on bu erfl y gardening, bulb plan ng, University Place audience.” In this way, the Chelsea Flower Show, tomato gra ing, and these educa onal programs have reached gardens to visit in Wisconsin. a much broader audience and MGVs have • Sawyer County MGVs made presenta ons received posi ve feedback from around throughout the year at local libraries, garden the state as they have aired. clubs, and senior centers.

8 Assisting UW-Extension with Consumer Horticulture Questions MGVs staff booths at county or area fairs, farmers’ markets, and other community events to answer hor culture ques ons from the general public. They o en answer ques ons during local garden walks, plant sales and many other ac vi es. Many MGVs MGVs trained as Plant Health Advisors (PHAs) answer ques ons in the local county UW-Extension offi ce in person or remotely. • Kenosha and Racine County MGVs trained as PHAs staff the hor culture helpline three mornings per week during the growing season, and a end the Kenosha Harbor Market two Saturdays per month from May to September. • MGVs in Manitowoc County enhanced their Plant Clinic by moving to a more visible spot with signage at the UW-Extension Offi ce and distribu ng fl yers to local businesses about the Clinic. • A er a 12 year absence, the PHA Program returned to Door County. MGVs came to the UW- Extension offi ce to answer homeowner hor culture ques ons during the growing season. • 12 MGVs trained as PHAs work in their own offi ce at the Jeff erson County UW-Extension offi ce, 2 days per week, serving 50 clients who carried in, called, or emailed ques ons and problems. • Dane County MGVs with PHA training answered gardening ques ons from 1,116 people at six area farmers markets, as well as 589 contacts on the seasonal Hor culture Helpline. • In Milwaukee County, the plant diagnos c services were revamped in 2016 to allow county residents to submit plant inquiries at any me and MGVs to respond whenever and wherever they wanted rather than coming in to the Extension offi ce or the UWEX Hor culture Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens, responding to 576 inquiries (slightly increased from previous years). • The Plant Doctor Booth at the Rice Lake Farmers Market is in it’s third year. Volunteers were available with resource materials to answer ques ons on plant problems and diseases. A log book kept track of ques ons and prevalent problems for the area. Providing Valued Education Through Workshops, Seminars, Symposia, and Conferences Several coun es have annual gardening programs with speakers and workshops on a variety of topics. The Wisconsin Master Gardener Associa on hosts an annual conference open to the public, and this year hosted the regional MG Conference for the Upper Midwest. • Grant County MGVs hosted the fi rst DriŌ less Gardeners’ Gathering in collabora on with the the Hor culture club of UW-Pla eville. Nearly 80 people came to hear keynote speaker MGV Lee Somerville on Vintage Wisconsin Gardens: A History of Home Gardens, and other presenta ons. • Portage County’s Garden Dreams was a ended by 147 people who learned about crea ng a Some Other Annual Seminars pollinator paradise, sensa onal shrubbery, Barron Spring Expo indoor gardening and houseplants, and ponds. Columbia Let’s Get Green and Growing • At Ready, Set, Grow, Eau Claire County MGV’s Fond du Lac A Day in the Garden garden seminar, over 200 people had an Florence North Stars Garden Conf. opportunity to learn about various aspects of La Crosse Spring Into Gardening gardening. With 20 plus vendors present there Marathon Garden Visions is also a posi ve economic impact to gardening Marine e Northern Light Spring Conf related businesses in the Chippewa Valley. Sauk Get Ready, Get Set, Garden • Over 90 gardeners a ended the Green County Pierce/St. Croix Garden U MGV’s 9th annual gardening symposium Gardening InspiraƟ ons for All Seasons: Tasteful Gardening for Style and Fun in Monroe. • MGVs from several coun es spent many hours organizing tours, working on the planning commi ee, hos ng sessions, helping with the silent auc on, and numerous other tasks for the Upper Midwest Regional MG Conference held in Wisconsin Dells for over 200 par cipants.

9 Inspiring the Next Generation of Gardeners One of the most common ways MGVs directly engage others in gardening is through youth programs that teach children about growing plants. Many MGVs par cipate in school programs to teach students about growing and using plants. In addi on to these types of school programs, many MGVs work with students in their school gardens to guide the children in prepara on, plan ng and maintenance ac vi es, or assist staff in school gardens that grow produce for dona on or local consump on. Besides school-based programs, MGVs par cipate in many other youth garden programs that let the children get their hands dirty. MGVs’ work with kids isn’t just about gardening. Math, reading, science and problem solving are prac ced while gardening, as are social skills, working coopera vely, listening and communica ng, prac cing following instruc on and cri cal thinking. In some cases entrepreneurship is included. • At Wakanda Elementary School Garden in Dunn County, MGVs lead 3rd grade classes with plan ng in the spring. Students got to enjoy le uce salads before the end of school, while later-maturing produce was donated to the Menomonie Food Pantry. • In Manitowoc County, MGVs worked with the local school district to design an outdoor learning classroom at Riverview School (3K, 4K and Kindergartners) where they will eventually par cipate in future teaching. • MGVs in Door County began a coopera ve program with the Door County Boys and Girls Club, providing gardening educa on to about 70 youth aged 6-12, including topics such as mosaics, worm farms, fl ower pressing, and pollinators in the garden. • A Fond du Lac County MGV maintains a 2,300 2 “I-Spy” Garden at Pier Elementary School which challenges students to discover items placed throughout the garden. Turtles, birds, ceramic tennis shoes and school supplies are hidden among the plants beckoning the students to explore. • The Spooner Elementary School Helping Hands Garden Giants Garden is maintained by third-grade students with the guidance of Washburn County MGVs. The The Garden Giants Program in Price County classes started peppers, tomatoes, and squash from introduces the 4th grade classroom to seed beginning in April. The last week of May/fi rst growing plants, and then the 5th students week of June, the students planted the garden. The bring in the fl ower beds were designed by the third-graders. In “giants” they addi on to nutri ous food crops harvested from the grew for weighing gardens, fl owers and an abundance of tasty herbs and measuring. were enjoyed. There is also • In Waushara County, MGVs partnered with a food tas ng local schools to teach hands-on gardening to over where students 160 children. Each child was provided with choice have to iden fy of fl ower or vegetable seed, along with plan ng the ingredients in medium and mini greenhouse containers. They each of the recipes. Evalua on ques ons were guided on how to plant the seed and took focused on STEM and required math and home their completed project along with care problem solving skills. instruc ons. • The Adams-Friendship Elementary School has a Student Garden where students plant and care for a variety of plants. Adams County MGVs provide assistance for mulching, plan ng, and maintenance throughout the growing season. • MGVs taught children in the Jackson County Boys and Girls Club in a weekly garden educa on program at the Spaulding Road Community Garden. An average of 10 kids in each of the 12 sessions learned about plan ng seeds, how plants grow, and taking care of a garden.

10 • In Dane County MGVs worked at over 70 school and youth gardens to install and maintain the gardens, taught children about growing diff erent crops or used the garden to demonstrate concepts connected with math, science, history, etc. • Ruby’s Food Shelf in Siren hosted a “Li le Sprouts” Mini Gardening Class for children ages 5-10 with the assistance of Burne County MGVs. Thirty “Li le Sprouts”, along with their parents, used detec ve skills to solve various mysteries by examining seeds and leaves of fruits and vegetables. • The Kids Ranch in Rock Springs provides care and programs for at-risk children. Sauk County MGVs started a vegetable garden and a raspberry patch there, but have also incorporated growing fl owers. A story hour related to garden cri ers, plants and soils is also provided. • In Brown County MGVs shared their knowledge and experience at “Healthy Kids Day” in May where close to one thousand children and their families learned about gardening through Bookworm Gardens hands-on ac vi es. This year’s theme was on Bookworm Gardens is a free, two-acre, the importance of pollinators in our gardens. public garden in Sheboygan County • In Waupaca County children enrolled in the with many smaller gardens, each one city recrea on program were taught by MGVs based on classic children’s stories, that weekly throughout the summer in the children’s is maintained and enhanced by MGVs. gardens. Each week highlights a diff erent topic The books that inspire each garden are and the children also get to work in their own laminated and available nearby, where garden plot. visitors are encouraged to read them with • This year Columbia County MGVs took their their children. From the Hansel and Gretel micro-farm to four more classrooms, reaching Learning Co age to the Charlo e’s Web about 230 students in four elementary schools. barn and vegetable garden, children (and Students fi nd that plan ng seeds and growing adults) are transported into the world of them for six weeks, then ea ng their work is a books, plants and gardens. MGVs play very tasty way to learn about plants. storybook characters and serve on the • MGVs in Iron County were instrumental in Bookworm Gardens Board. reinvigora ng the Hurley School garden. They built a deer fence around the garden, added and improved the storage capabili es of the garden shed, and mulched between the garden beds. In addi on to improving the garden infrastructure, volunteers mentored middle school members of the Garden to Market 4-H club. The club grows produce at the garden and then sells it at the Iron County Farmers Market to raise funds for the club. The program allows the students to develop gardening and entrepreneurial skills. • In Walworth County, MGV Susan Hughes partnered with the Just for Kids summer day care program to provide youth, ranging in age from 7 to 11 years old, the opportunity to engage in growing food from seed and connec ng with natural resource conserva on. The group met for 1.5 hours a week and par cipated in 12 weekly lessons that were adapted from the Junior Master Gardener Program Handbook and jmgkids.us online resources. • The Teaching Garden at Columbus School in Appleton is a place where students can grow a themed garden, harvest, and use vegetables. Classroom lessons were conducted by Outagamie County MGVs with an AmeriCorps Farm to School Program Nutri on educator teaching plant parts, plant iden fi ca on, plant care, etc. The children read the book Strega Nona’s Harvest and planted a garden like in the book. The seeds were mixed and sca ered without rows, just as they were in the story. • MGVs in Eau Claire County implemented a Teens Garden Program in partnership with The Boys and Girls Club at the Teaching and Demonstra on Gardens at the UW-Extension offi ce in Altoona. • Jeff erson County MGV’s work with students at several kids gardens, a middle school garden club, and local 4-H clubs.

11 Contributing to Food Security Hunger and food insecurity are real problems for many Wisconsin families. Statewide, over 573,800 people live in households that do not have access at all mes to enough food for an ac ve, healthy life. This is a par cular problem among the 13.2% of Wisconsin ci zens that live in poverty and even for those whose incomes are considered above the poverty line. It is es mated that 11% of households in Wisconsin are food insecure, 15% have par cipated in the Supplemental Nutri on Assistance Program (SNAP), and 43 percent of public school students in K–12 were eligible for free or reduced price meals (from Wisconsin Ins tute for Research on Poverty, www.irp.wisc.edu). MGVs work in their local communi es to address food insecurity through gardening, to help families gain knowledge and skills to grow some of their own food, and make direct dona ons to food pantries and other organiza ons. Donated vegetables or the ability to grow their own food helps maintain the health of lower income families, seniors, and others experiencing diffi cult economic or personal situa ons. Produce Donations In most coun es there is an exis ng system of food pantries and excess food distribu on systems that MGVs have linked to. MGVs have donated amazing amounts of fresh produce locally. Some of this donated food has been produced through Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) or similar programs. • Portage County MGVs partner with the YMCA to plant, maintain and harvest produce from 26 raised beds located at the YMCA. The 800 pounds of produce was either consumed by the students in classes there, their families or donated to the Aging and Disability Resource Center. • Sheboygan County MGVs partnered with others to help establish, grow and harvest a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for the Meals on Wheels program in Sheboygan County. • La Crosse County MGVs par cipate annually in the two-acre Kane Street Community Garden by plan ng, maintaining, and harves ng the garden. In 2016, 31,543 pounds of fruits and vegetables were harvested and distributed at the garden, at meal sites and pantries in a fi ve county area. • MGVs in Oneida County operate a Community Garden in coopera on with the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry which supplied over 3,000 pounds of fresh produce to the food pantry. • Juneau County MGVs have a vegetable garden solely for the benefi t of the Necedah Food Pantry, with over 800 pounds of fresh produce donated to those in need from this garden.

12 • Polk County MGVs planted and maintained two raised beds at an assisted living home in Centuria. All the produce grown was given to Sophie’s Manor. • Washington County MGVs maintain a plot in each of their community gardens where all produce is donated to the local senior center. This season 650 pounds of produce were donated. Community Gardens All across the state community gardens encourage individuals to become more self-suffi cient by producing some of their own food, and numerous MGVs are involved with crea ng, developing and maintaining community gardens. Many of these community gardens are used by lower income families with no access to garden space in their homes. In many of these community gardens, MGVs not only grow produce, but also assist others to become gardeners by providing materials, informa on, and support. And of course, most of these gardens are mul -purpose, combining educa on with produc on for dona on. In the past few years, as Community Gardens have become more popular, more and more MGVs have used these venues to engage people of all ages in gardening through various programs in these gardens across the state. • MGVs in Clark County coopera vely created, worked and facilitated vegetable gardens in the communi es of Abbotsford, Dorchester, and Neillsville. • Through organizing volunteer groups and providing garden maintenance, Rock County MGVs contributed to the Community Sharing Gardens with Community Ac on Inc. in Beloit to provide a safe, open gardening space for neighbors to harvest and enjoy locally grown vegetables. • Forest County MGVs helped create the Crandon Community Garden in coorpera on with several agencies to provide healthy ea ng choices for residents who par cipate in the Meal Site. • In Calumet County, MGVs constructed 16 raised beds at the Community Garden at Calumet Medical Center, as well as off ering monthly gardening classes at the hospital. • MGVs in Barron County transformed an unused grass fi eld into a fenced-in, fully func onal community garden with 20 400 2 plots, a compost pile, picnic tables, and two water tanks. • MGVs in La Crosse County help plant, maintain and harvest in the Kane Street Community Garden, which produced 31,543 pounds of fruit and vegetables this year. Teaching About Growing Food Growing and dona ng produce only fulfi lls an UWEX Demo & Learning Garden immediate need, and does not off er a long-term This Garden located in River Falls is used solu on to the problem of hunger, food insecurity to produce food for dona on and as an and adequate nutri on. The MG Program educa onal tool to teach local residents emphasizes community educa on as an important how to successfully grow their own food. component of its volunteer mission, and many MGVs plan, plant and maintain the garden groups have educa on programs in this area. which hosts several events throughout • Douglas County MGVs, in partnership with the growing season. Hor culture Educator the Douglas County Housing Authority, hosted Diana Alfuth uses the garden to teach container garden workshops resul ng in two vegetable growing classes for adults and “container community gardens” for seniors in children. This year it included a Presiden al Superior. Garden (elec on year), where visitors could • MGVs in Lincoln Co. organized workshops learn how gardens diff ered in Washington’s, on seed star ng and pollinator plan ng as a Lincoln’s, and Obama’s presidencies, and a partner in a Wisconsin Partnership Program Le uce Checkerboard, with 24 varie es of Grant through the UW School of Medicine and le uce, each with diff erent colors and leaf Public Health to develop a community garden textures, planted in a checkerboard pa ern in Merrill. to show how many op ons there are.

13 Greening Communities Nature is an important part of places that are livable and enhances the quality of life in ci es and towns. Studies have shown that gardens, parks, natural areas, and trees can boost learning, increase personal produc vity, lead to social interac ons, and aid in recovery from stress and anxiety, as well as improve air quality and provide economic benefi ts (see h p://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/). MG volunteer ac vity has expanded into directly engaging in the community through partnerships with schools, municipali es, and nonprofi t organiza ons. While many of these projects and partnerships provide educa onal opportuni es to par cipants, we now recognize these projects also have a larger impact contribu ng to the sense of place to the community, increasing the value of property by helping convert brown space to green, improving the social vibrancy of a neighborhood, and a rac ng tourists and dollars to communi es. Enhancing Public Spaces MGVs maintain fl ower gardens or landscaping in on-going beau fi ca on projects in communi es throughout the state. These projects not only enhance the visual aesthe cs and add value to the landscapes of a community, but are a chance to educate the public. These plan ngs, designed for public viewing, emphasize proper plant care and cul var selec on, off er examples of plants with the best characteris cs for that environment and are an opportunity to provide accurate informa on on specifi c plants or techniques. Frequently these projects include plan ng and maintenance of gardens at fairground, county offi ces or other government buildings. MGVs also assist local organiza ons or ins tu ons in planning or implemen ng their landscaping projects. • The demonstra on garden at the Racine County Visitors Center in Sturtevant created by Racine County MGVs not only beckons visitors through its colorful pathways but off ers a unique relaxa on retreat for weary travellers. The site became a Monarch Waysta on and was awarded a beau fi ca on award by Discover Racine for its bu erfl y garden. • Clark County MGVs maintain fl ower gardens at the Neillsville Library, Clark County Fairgrounds, Clark County Courthouse, and Clark County Humane Society to create pleasant and Beautifying Ozaukee County emo onally sa sfying islands for residents and MGVs in Ozaukee County maintain plan ng visitors to enjoy. beds around the Kuehfuss House, built in • The Memorial Gardens on St. Feriole Island, 1849, located in the heart of Cedarburg’s developed and maintained by Crawford County Na onal Historic Downtown District; MGVs, has become a des na on a rac on and planted herb and rose gardens and wedding venue in Prairie du Chien. maintain other fl ower beds and shrubs at • Wood County MGVs planted Bubble Gum (pink) Pioneer Village near Saukville; redesigned, petunias in the Soo Line Lot Project garden to replanted and maintained the Port support Breast Cancer Awareness this year and Washington Triangle Garden in a highly also developed plan ngs of trees, shrubs, and visible site near the downtown shops, na ve plants surrounding the new bear pen restaurants and marina; and planted period Wildwood Zoo in Marshfi eld. The two Kodiak beds at Tendick Nature Park. bear cubs are a big draw for this garden site. • In Lafaye e County, MGVs planted a colorful fl ower garden at the Lafaye e County Manor for the residents to enjoy. This year they also transformed an area by the Gra ot Village offi ces and Library, which had been neglected since the closing of a school, into an a rac ve space for the 230 residents and visitors, especially those biking through the town on the Cheese Country Trail. • Oneida County MGVs partnering with the City of Rhinelander to present “Yard of the Month” awards to residen al and commercial proper es for the past seven years.

14 • Ashland County MGVs planted over 20 boulevard gardens along Ellis Ave with perennials this year, added more na ve shrubs and plants at Pearson Plaza near City Hall overlooking Lake Superior, and put in over 1,000 daff odil bulbs at these and other loca ons to make their community more a rac ve for residents and tourists from downtown and along US Highway 2. • Shawano County MGVs assisted the city of Shawano in renova ng the plan ngs at Huckleberry Harbor, the city’s primary boat landing on the Wolf River channel to Shawano Lake which is used by several thousand people during the summer months. • In Kewaunee County, MGVs help beau fy Dana Farm, an historic site which is the former home of Ransom Moore, the founder of 4-H in Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Agronomy Department, as well as maintaining garden areas in the ci es of Algoma and Kewaunee. • Jeff erson County MGVs maintain gardens at Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson, the Fort Atkinson Police Department, Old World Wisconsin and local churches. Botanical Gardens Botanical gardens are a signifi cant tourist a rac on, off ering more than just fl owers. Many gardens host interac ve exhibits, art installa ons or special events that encourage repeat visits and have an important local economic impact. For example, over 92,000 people visited the Green Bay Botanical Garden (GBBG) in 2014. A 2010 study by the Wisconsin Arts Board found the average Wisconsin nonprofi t arts and culture event a endee spent $19.06 per person. An economic impact study indicated that with the addi on of indirect and induced eff ects, the GBBG generates 83 jobs and $5.9 million locally in Northeast Wisconsin. Volunteers are instrumental in helping these Gardens achieve their goals and MGVs are especially important to these organiza ons. • Brown County MGVs help maintain many spaces at the Green Bay Botanical Garden. • Rock County MGVs assist with garden maintenance and educa onal programs at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, one of the main tourist draws to Janesville. • Harmony Arboretum, created and maintained by MGVs in Marine e County, has become a des na on for the public to learn about hor culture as a self-guided experience. • Winnebago County MGVs are involved in a variety of ac vi es at the Paine Gardens and Arboretum featuring 20 gardens nestled amidst an historic estate open for public enjoyment and educa on. • MGVs from Milwaukee and Waukesha form The Bloom Team, a project that has been recording the progression of blooming of all perennials and bulbs at Boerner Botanical Gardens for the past 9 years. The compiled data is posted on the What’s In Bloom? page of the Gardens’ website. • In Dane County, MGVs assist in collec ng seeds, restora on ac vi es, invasive species removal, and more at the UW-Arboretum and the Longenecker Gardens. Research Stations The University of Wisconsin Agricultural Research Sta ons are facili es for University of Wisconsin College of Agricultural and Life Sciences staff to conduct research, educa on, and outreach ac vi es. MGVs are an important support partner at many of these loca ons. • Waushara County MGVs partner with staff at the Hancock Agriculture Research Sta on to maintain 5 acres of display garden and grounds containing annuals, perennials, shrubs, small trees fruits, square foot vegetable beds and a raised bed for those who are confi ned to a wheel chair. • The award-winning Teaching & Display Garden at the Spooner Agriculture Research Sta on was designed and maintained with the help of MGVs from Washburn, Sawyer and Burne Coun es. During the growing season the garden hosts many training events and has visitors from schools, garden clubs, and residents of the area. The garden has won na onal awards from the All American Selec ons Landscape Garden Design Contest. • Door County MGVs maintain a public display garden on the grounds of the Door Peninsular Agricultural Research Sta on, which recorded over 6,200 visits over this season.

15 Protecting the Environment Although many people think MGVs only work with fl owers or landscaping, they are also involved in many projects related to a variety of environmental issues. MGVs educate the public about preserving the natural beauty that is such an asset to our state and are ac ve in raising awareness of exo c invasive plants and insects which disrupt na ve habitats and threaten indigenous inhabitants. Garlic mustard, purple loosestrife, gypsy moth, buckthorn and Japanese beetle are just some of the invasive species MGVs respond to with both educa on and ac on. Many MGVs are involved with habitat protec on or restora on projects. They may educate the public about na ve plants and animals, work to maintain na ve plan ngs, or restore damaged areas. • MGVs in Green County assisted with planning, plan ng and maintaining an educa onal prairie garden on the grounds of the Swiss Historical Village Museum in a collabora ve eff ort with Prairie Enthusiasts and New Glarus High School volunteers. The 500 2 area along the side of the Museum’s Farm Implement building and off ers visitors an opportunity to refl ect on landscape of the area at the me immigrants arrived in Wisconsin, in 1845. A MGV who has an extensive prairie plan ng on her own property donated more than 100 plants for the plot. More than 5,000 people visit the museum annually and will be able to learn and enjoy this unique garden. • In Chippewa County, Bluebird Trail volunteers spent another season monitoring nest boxes on Old Abe and Riverview trails. MGVs helped add 52 bluebirds to Chippewa County’s popula on. • Brown County MGVs planted and maintain over 1,200 na ve plants on the Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier in Voyageur Park along the Fox River in De Pere and also maintain a Na ve Garden at Unity Hospice, also in the city of De Pere. • Vilas County’s Na ve Garden project brought Milkweeds for Monarchs together Northern Pines School District students Jackson County MGVs maintain a monarch and staff , Vilas County Conserva on staff , and bu erfl y habitat demonstra on plot at Vilas County MGVs to give gardeners more the Spaulding Road Community Garden op ons for plant species that are not invasive in partnership with the city of Black River and destruc ve to Northwoods habitats and Falls and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. that will benefi t na ve pollinators and fauna Five species of milkweed were planted that depend on na ve plant species for survival. in 2015 to grow • In Crawford County, MGVs are involved with plants for monarch monarch bu erfl y conserva on, promo ng caterpillars and other the diff erent types of milkweed that are best pollinators. This year for this threatened bu erfl y; educa ng others MGVs collected seed about being careful with pes cides; and making from six milkweed species there to shared presenta ons to 3rd graders in area schools. with more than 20 community members so • In Kenosha County, MGVs planted a rain garden they can plant their own milkweeds to help with various na ve plants at the Somers Town encourage survival of the bu erfl ies. Hall. Educa onal signage explains the reasoning behind plan ng a rain garden and off ers sugges ons on plant selec on. • MGVs in Door County and other volunteers planted plugs of na ve emergent plants on the edge of two sec ons of Bradley Lake as part of the Li le Lake Restora on Project, an Engineered Wetland that will divert street runoff or storm water from 260 acres on the northeast side of Sturgeon Bay. • MGVs played a role in a mul -ins tu on project to reduce exposure to lead in urban backyard gardening, par cipa ng in educa onal workshops for residents of two target neighborhoods in Milwaukee, with MGVs answering general gardening ques ons as one of 3 breakout sessions for all par cipants.

16 Pollinator Protection More than three-quarters of the world’s food crops rely on pollina on by insects and other animals. But many of these species are now under threat from disease, pes cides and habitat loss. Globally there are more than 20,000 species of wild bees alone, plus many species of bu erfl ies, fl ies, moths, wasps, beetles, birds, bats and other animals that contribute to pollina on. Na ve pollinators are at risk of disappearing from our landscapes. Lack of consistent food sources throughout the year, parasite challenges, and sensi vity to certain pes cides all contribute to the decline of the current pollinator popula on. In Wisconsin, pollinator-dependent crops account for over $55 million in annual produc on. MGVs are involved in improving public understanding of the role of these benefi cial animals and helping expand the quality and quan ty of habitat for pollinators and minimizing risks. • Marque e County MGVs packaged bu erfl y weed and sunfl ower seeds to distribute to over 65 children and their families at a variety of local events, to plant in their own neighborhoods to help promote more consistent food sources for pollinators throughout the summer. Their 2016 Garden Walk theme was Pollinator Paradise, with UW-Extension publica ons available on pollinators. • North Country MGVS (Washburn, Sawyer, and Burne Coun es) focused on pollinators with seminars at local libraries, garden clubs, and at the Spooner Research Sta on about the value of na ve plants and the eff ects on na ve bees, bu erfl ies and other pollinators. Between The Bee Hotel Project these seminars and their annual symposium, Bee hotels are man-made structures that over 300 people indicated pollinators and provide nes ng habitat for solitary bees. na ve plants were valuable to them. This joint UW-Extension and Walworth • Chippewa County MGVs maintain a na ve County MGV project was designed to plant demonstra on pollinator garden at the engage local youth with educa on at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. MGVs 2016 Farm Technology Days and strengthen collaborated with the Bloomer Middle School the rela onship between schools and Art Club to paint bees and bu erfl ies on the UW-Extension newly painted building behind the garden. hor culture. Overall, Weekly events to the fairgrounds a ract over 16 classrooms and 250,000 people throughout the year and many mul ple individuals enjoy the garden. The MGV’s booth at the signed up to build Fair –all about pollinator gardens, monarchs, bee hotels, including caterpillars and kids—drew hundreds of visitors over 200 youth and this year. 25 adult learners. • In Marine e County, MGVs taught 105 4th UW-Extension staff grade students about benefi cial insects at and MGVs mentored Environmental Field Days. Each child created an classrooms and provided hands-on lessons insect hotel to take home to share with their about pollinators. Many of the hotels can families so they may observe insect ac vity in now be seen at local county parks. their own yard. • A joint project between Winnbago County MGVs and the Neenah Library to create sustainable gardens on the library grounds included a bu erfl y garden that will be registered as a Monarch Waysta on, bee hotels and an emphasis on pollinator educa on. • Sauk County MGVs started a Monarch Trail at the Reedsburg Historical Society last year, which is now a Monarch and Pollinator Trail. Ten bat houses were erected along with bird houses, na ve bee habitats and a two-acre bu erfl y garden. There are also three honeybee hives in pollinator areas. Three-hundred milkweed seedlings and two-hundred dollars’ worth of prairie plants were donated this spring by the Reedsburg Historical Society to add to the Trail.

17 Statistical Report: 2016 MG Volunteer, Continuing Education and Certifi cation Records This informa on represents 3,061 records submi ed by 68 coun es. All hours are listed as whole numbers. Any frac ons were rounded up to the nearest whole number. The Cer fi ed MGVs column represent those MGVs who completed the minimum volunteer and con nuing educa on hours and other requirements for cer fi ca on or recer fi ca on for 2017. The totals by county are also depicted on page 20.

Sta s cal Informa on for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2016 (as of November 23, 2016)

WIMGA Youth Community Support Total Continuing Certiﬁ ed Members Education Education Services Volunteer Education for County in 2016 Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours 2017

Adams 0 44 68 762 873 363 12 Ashland 12 27 10 673 709 242 11 Barron 68 254 393 1655 2301 997 45 Bayﬁ eld 15 27 10 673 709 242 13 Brown 97 218 192 4024 4434 1054 75 Burnett 9 74 4 288 366 125 7 Calumet 22 138 548 1111 1797 476 26 Chippewa 46 97 206 925 1229 491 26 Clark 18 49 80 524 653 315 16 Columbia 46 131 407 1532 2069 570 32 Crawford 22 46 121 2014 2181 585 16 Dane 311 490 1350 13712 15552 4240 204 Dodge 50 795 751 1456 3001 858 32 Door 125 265 396 7843 8504 2150 108 Douglas 32 62 161 693 916 370 12 Dunn 20 25 170 608 802 327 17 Eau Claire 50 181 652 1901 2733 1126 45 Florence 26 57 166 2726 2949 395 20 Fond du Lac 94 378 527 4161 5065 1922 67 Forest 2 14 289 144 446 116 4 Grant 30 111 464 1604 2179 714 24 Green 40 95 96 1841 2032 621 37 Green Lake 2 0 0 54 54 28 2 Iowa 10 20 47 380 446 236 7 Iron 31 236 125 494 855 310 19 Jackson 3 75 277 620 972 200 12 Jefferson 31 638 645 1795 3078 605 32 Juneau 39 52 115 1585 1752 543 18 Kenosha 38 517 1055 3087 4658 1494 44 Kewaunee 12 13 91 856 960 289 17 La Crosse 59 105 168 2372 2644 777 49 Lafayette 6 0 214 235 449 108 9 Langlade 13 44 44 315 403 229 10 Lincoln 0 13 61 181 254 85 4 Manitowoc 40 14 124 1214 1351 625 29 — table con nued on page 19 —

18 Sta s cal Informa on for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2016 (as of November 23) — cont. WIMGA Youth Community Support Total Continuing Certiﬁ ed Members Education Education Services Volunteer Education for County in 2016 Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours 2017

Marathon 94 38 750 4489 5277 1344 63 Marinette 55 86 322 4120 4529 711 47 Marquette 23 41 301 626 968 506 18 Milwaukee 294 2380 8546 4879 15805 5293 262 Monroe 1 8 14 415 437 113 5 Oneida 24 155 147 1436 1738 513 28 Outagamie 155 434 780 9586 10800 2681 114 Ozaukee 128 186 453 6348 6987 1715 89 Pierce 58 147 408 3165 3720 1156 34 Polk 28 31 46 804 881 379 17 Portage 65 397 1438 1143 2978 928 56 Price 1 296 205 1173 1674 141 9 Racine 94 517 1055 3087 4658 1494 114 Richland 0 8 3 24 35 10 1 Rock 2 461 361 2102 2924 1219 54 Rusk 2 0 2 64 66 23 2 Sauk 59 194 240 2384 2817 1126 37 Sawyer 3 0 89 95 184 35 2 Shawano 19 28 964 866 1858 507 15 Sheboygan 84 121 223 4142 4486 1514 66 St. Croix 142 147 408 3165 3720 1156 103 Taylor 10 2 16 87 105 76 3 Trempealeau 0 16 14 85 115 36 2 Vernon 0 0 0 58 58 24 2 Vilas 18 155 187 426 768 227 14 Walworth 67 309 620 4985 5914 1392 77 Washburn 16 58 197 1018 1273 264 15 Washington 40 160 266 2095 2520 542 31 Waukesha 262 2380 8546 4879 15805 5293 246 Waupaca 35 345 77 2163 2585 555 29 Waushara 48 20 224 1823 2066 539 32 Winnebago 126 240 1322 6269 7830 1949 96 Wood 116 425 300 7576 8301 1587 68 TOTALS 3487 15086 38541 149614 203242 58872 2852

19 915 708 854

708 767

365 1272 183 2949 1673 1737 446 4529 880 2337 65 254 402 104 3720 1229 802 —— 8504 5277 1858 616 3720 2733

2584 4433 960 2977 10799 8301 114 971 1351 873 2065 7830 1797 2643 436 1751 967 54 5064 4485 58 2817 2068 3001 —— 6986 34 2520 2181 15552 15805 ——15805 446 3078 2179 4658 5914 448 2032 2923 4658

Total Volunteer Hours for Coun es par cipa ng in the Wisconsin MG Program, 2016 (as of November 22, 2016)

County Narrative Reports On the following pages are reports for 58 of the 68 coun es that submi ed hours. These reports include sta s cal informa on, including the value of MGV service; three success stories; and a list of places where MGVs are ac ve in the county. These are intended to provide a brief snapshot of some of the most signiﬁ cant ac vi es of MGVs in their county, and relay more about local ac vi es than what is included in the execu ve summary and discussion of community impacts.

20 The Master Gardener Program in Adams County

Adams County UWEX Offi ce 569 North Cedar Street, Suite 3 The Master Gardener Program in Adams County Adams, WI 53910 started in 1997. Over 172 people have been trained adams.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 12 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension staff member facilita ng the MG Volunteer Service in 2016 Program is Lynn Dolata. Youth Ed 44 hours Teaching Children About Plan ng Plants Adult Ed 67 hours Support 761 hours Each spring the local Ace Hardware store invites Total 873 hours children from the county to draw a picture of a fl ower and bring it to a workshop where they can Value* $19,625 receive and plant a free fl ower in a pot to take to Since 2000: 19,822 hours at a value of their mother for Mother’s Day. MGVs teach the over $354,420 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per children how to plant a fl ower of their choosing. This hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. year approximately 300 children took part. Students Learn in School Garden The Adams-Friendship Elementary School has a Student Garden where students plant and care for a variety of plants such as green beans, squash, strawberries, and many types of fl owers. MGVs help guide the students in plan ng, mulching, weeding, and maintenance throughout the growing season, helping them learn about where their food comes from and how plants grow. Plan ngs Improve Quality of Life MGVs, in coopera on with several local groups, plant and maintain decora ve fl ower plan ng throughout the Adams/Friendship community Where you can fi nd activities by including at Moundview Memorial Hospital, Adams MGVs in Adams Co. County Community Center, The Hazel Street Farmers • Adams County Community Center Market, Villa Pines Senior Living Center, Adams • Hazel Street Farmers Market County Senior Center, Adams County Library, and • AF Elementary School Garden the Adams County Fairgrounds to make the areas • Kids Day at AF Middle School more invi ng and pleasant for residents. • Adams-Friendship County Library Scholarships Encourage Students in Hor culture • Adams-Friendship County Fairgrounds • Women’s Night Out Ac vity Fair This year we provided three $500 college scholarships • Villa Pines Living Center to local students who are pursuing degrees in Hor culture, Agriculture, or other related fi elds.

Ashland County UWEX Offi ce 201 Main Street West The Master Gardener Program in Ashland County Ashland, WI, 54806 started in 1992. Over 150 people have been trained ashland.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 11 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Ma Cogger. Youth Ed 27 hours Enhancing Highly Visible Gardens in Tourist Areas Adult Ed 10 hours Support 673 hours Plan ngs in the boulevards on Ellis Ave had been Total 709 hours annuals, but the Kiwanis Club was very much in favor of saving the expense every year. With a dona on of Value* $15,927 $1200 from the local Kiwanis, a variety of new and Since 2000: 10,612 hours at a value of na ve cul vars of perennials were purchased locally over $196,934 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per to plant in over 20 beds ranging from 15 to 20 feet hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. long. A er the City of Ashland prepared the beds and added compost, MGVs and other volunteers on the Beau fi ca on Council completed the plan ngs of ‘Stella D’Oro’ daylilies, liatris, rudbeckia, catmint, achillea, Siberian iris, and ‘Karl Foerster’ grasses, and then maintained the plan ngs throughout the summer. Downtown Gardens A ract A en on Improvements con nued at Pearson Plaza near City Hall, adding more na ve grasses and other plants to this site with a wonderful view of Lake Superior that is supposed to be the heart of the City. MGVs donated $175 for na ve shrubs to re-plant a steep slope that was very dangerous for city crews to mow. Where you can fi nd activities by The plan ngs introduce residents and tourists to a MGVs in Ashland Co. vast variety of fl owers and shrubs, as well as having an economic impact related to tourism. Visitors to • Ellis Ave gardens, Ashland Pearson Plaza, noted in a City tourist brochure, have • Pearson Plaza, Ashland increased drama cally, and the gardens receive • Menard Park, Ashland compliments from locals and tourists alike. Drama c Spring Blooms Expected Next Year MGVs and other volunteers on the Beau fi ca on Council planted over 1,000 daff odils on the Ellis Ave boulevards, in Pearson Plaza, and other very visible loca ons throughout the City this fall, expec ng a big show of fl owers in the spring. The bulbs were a generous dona on from a woman in Iron River. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 22 The Master Gardener Program in Barron County

Barron County UWEX Offi ce 335 E Monroe Avenue, Room 2206 The Master Gardener Program in Barron County Barron, WI 54812 started in 1994. Over 205 people have been trained barron.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 46 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Ag/Hort/Natural Resources Agent Tim Jergenson. Youth Ed 266 hours New Barron Community Garden Created Adult Ed 392 hours Support 1,678 hours With the help of MGVs, an unused grass fi eld was Total 2,337 hours converted to a fenced-in, fully func onal community garden with 20 400 2 garden plots, a compost pile, Value* $52,536 picnic tables, weatherproof message board, two Since 2000: 37,306 hours at a value of water tanks, and elements to a ract honey bees, over $661,3834 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per birds, and bats. This new space allows renters to hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. grow fresh food for themselves or dona on. Pioneer Museum Gardens Enhanced MGVs maintain three educa onal gardens at the Barron County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village Museum, working with students from area schools to plant and clean up the gardens. In addi on, MGVs are available during the annual Heritage Days to talk about the gardens and answer gardening ques ons. This year MGVs helped purchase the remaining plants in the 1,000 2 Rain Garden that serves as a drainage area for four large buildings and a blacktop roadway. A weather-resistant informa on book describes the development and func on of the rain garden, and describes each plant in the garden. Where you can fi nd activities by The annual vegetable garden next to one of the MGVs in Barron Co. log cabins was a “Three Sisters” garden featuring beans, corn, and squash, with informa on signs on • Rice Lake Farmer’s Market compa ble plants. In the Nostalgia Garden, next to • Barron Area Farmer’s Market the Old Toy Shoppe, there are heirloom peonies, • Barron County Fair Grounds rhubarb, golden glow, marigolds, and zinnias. • Pioneer Village Museum • Benjamin’s House, Rice Lake School Sunfl ower Project Engages Students • Barron Community Garden Park Every spring, MGVs distribute sunfl ower seeds to • Spring Garden Expo area elementary 3rd graders in six school districts • Barron Co. MGA Plant Sale in the county to plant. The project supports student interest in plant life and develops gardening skills. In the fall, MGVs return to the schools to measures the sunfl owers and awards prizes to the winners. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 23 The Master Gardener Program in Brown County

Brown County UWEX Offi ce 1150 Bellevue Street The Master Gardener Program in Brown County Green Bay, WI 54302 started in 1979. Over 330 people have been trained brown.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 75 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Vijai Pandian. Youth Ed 218 hours Garden Provides Food for ADRC Adult Ed 192 hours Support 4,023 hours The Brown County Aging and Disability Resource Total 4,443 hours Center (ADRC) Garden Project, located on Adams Street in downtown Green Bay, provides fresh Value* $99,665 vegetables for the hot meals served at the facility. Since 2000: 70,800 hours at a value of Three raised beds totaling less than 100 2 produced over $1,267,855 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per over 150 pounds of fresh food. MGVs provided hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. the technical exper se on garden planning, soil prepara on, seed selec on, pest/disease management, etc., while ADRC volunteers planted, maintained, and harvested the vegetables. Urban Garden Stage for Educa on The community garden at St. Philip Church produced about 300 pounds of produce that was donated to St. Bernard’s food pantry. This garden was featured in the New Leaf Foods Incredible Edible Garden Walk in August which highlighted unique urban agricultural eff orts in the greater Green Bay area that promote local food access and educa on. Event par cipants toured the garden, sampled homemade salsa and vegetables, and visited with MGVs who Where you can fi nd activities by were available to answer ques ons. MGVs in Brown Co. Teaching Children About Growing Food • St. Mark’s Church With the help of MGVs, the YMCA Children’s Garden • St. Philip’s Church produced 285 pounds of fresh vegetables that were • West Side YMCA distributed to the YMCA or to local food pantries. • Green Bay Botanical Garden This is also the site where MGVs off er weekly sessions • Heritage Hill State Park where children get to work hand-in-hand with MGVs • Brown Co. UW-Extension Offi ce to learn gardening principles. At the Healthy Kids • Aging & Disability Resource Center Day in May close to 1,000 children and their families • Na ve Garden at De Pere Riverwalk got to experience hands-on ac vi es related to this year’s theme of the importance of pollinators in our gardens.

Burnett County UWEX Offi ce 7410 County Road K, #107 The Master Gardener Program in Burne County Siren, WI 54872 started in 1999. Over 47 people have been trained burnett.wisc.edu since that me, and there are currently 7 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Kevin Schoessow. Youth Ed 74 hours Fort Folle Avoine Historic Park Gardens Adult Ed 4 hours Support 287 hours MGVs maintain various raised gardens at Fort Folle Total 365 hours Avoine Historic Park near Webster that feature na ve plants, heirloom vegetables, herbs, perennials, and Value* $8,216 cut fl owers. These gardens and other perennial Since 2000: 8,380 hours at a value of landscape plan ngs around the historic buildings are over $147,375 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per an important educa onal part of this County-owned hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. facility. This year na ve plants were featured at the annual plant sale, and along with plan ngs at the park, provided opportuni es to provide informa on to visitors on their value. Burne County Farmer’s Market A community organiza on of local farmers that provides access to fresh, locally grown produce, Burne County Farmers’ Markets (BCFM) began at Siren in 2007. Since that me we’ve been invited to serve 4 addi onal market loca ons. BCFM is a licensed WIC organiza on and authorized vendors accept WIC vouchers. Samples are provided at the Siren market to pique customer interest and to provide new ideas for seasonal foods. For the last Where you can fi nd activities by fi ve years, an MGV has been the manager, and can MGVs in Burnett Co. answer ques ons about growing vegetables. • Forts Folle Avione Historic Park Li le Sprouts Mini Gardening Class • Grantsburg Library Ruby’s Food Shelf, Siren hosted a “Li le Sprouts” • Webster Elementary School Garden Mini Gardening Class for children ages 5-10 with the • Webster Library assistance of MGVs. Thirty “Li le Sprouts”, along • Lake Lutheran Church with their parents, visited fi ve classroom sta ons • Burne County Farmers Market to learn about gardening. The “Li le Sprouts” used • Olsen Drive Project their detec ve skills to solve various mysteries by • Ruby’s Food Shelf examining seeds and leaves in fruits and vegetables. It was a rewarding experience and great opportunity to work with children to spark an interest in gardening. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 25 The Master Gardener Program in Calumet County

Calumet County UWEX Offi ce Courthouse, 206 Court Street The Master Gardener Program in Calumet County Chilton, WI 53014 started in 1991. Over 96 people have been trained calumet.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 26 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 was Ag Agent Eric Ronk (posi on now vacant). Youth Ed 138 hours Coaching Youth to Success Adult Ed 548 hours Support 1,111 hours A MGV coaches the Chilton FFA Floriculture Team, Total 1,797 hours mee ng with the team and prac cing on a weekly basis to assist the team members in iden fying Value* $40,397 diff erent plants, design tools and equipment, and Since 2000: 41,159 hours at a value of more. The team placed 5th out of 10 teams qualifying over $718,856 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per for the at the state compe on in Madison, while one hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. member placed 2nd as individual. Two 4-H members from Calumet County, coached by MGVs, qualifi ed in the WI Plant and Soil Science compe on and along with another from Portage Co. represented Wisconsin at the Na onal Junior Hor culture Compe on in Erie, PA in October, placing 6th in the na on. Calumet County MGVs also donated $500 to help defray some of the costs of a ending the event. Community Garden Grows MGVs constructed 16 new raised beds at the Community Garden at Calumet Medical Center that were used by members of the community and MGVs. Excess produce and sweet corn from the Community Garden was sold at two local Farmers Where you can fi nd activities by Market held weekly on Thursdays and Fridays. MGVs in Calumet Co. Monthly gardening classes were also off ered at the hospital to help others in the community learn • Chilton Flower Bed about growing their own food. • Calumet County Courthouse • Chilton Public Library Plant Sale Supports Projects, Scholarship Fund • Chilton Op mist River Walk This year we held our 23rd annual plant sale at • Calumet County Fairgrounds the Calumet County Fairgrounds a week a er the • CMC Community Garden Chilton FFA’s plant sale, selling their le over plants • Brillion Public Library and hanging baskets in addi on to our own off erings • New Holstein Public Library of vegetable plants, annuals, geraniums, perennials, hanging baskets and other po ed planters. The money raised from the sale supports local MG educa onal projects as well as our Scholarship Fund. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 26 The Master Gardener Program in Chippewa County

Chippewa County UWEX Offi ce 711 North Bridge Street The Master Gardener Program in Chippewa County Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 started in 1999. Over 210 people have been trained chippewa.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 26 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Jerry Clark. Youth Ed 97 hours Educa ng the Public About Pollinators Adult Ed 2065 hours Support 925 hours MGVs added 150 plants to the na ve plant Total 1,229 hours demonstra on pollinator garden at Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds this year and donated Value* $27,628 a sign iden fying the plan ng as a pollinator garden. Since 2000: 26,736 hours at a value of MGVs collaborated with the Bloomer Middle School over $492,309 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per Art Club to paint bees and bu erfl ies on the newly hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. painted building behind the garden. Weekly events at the fairgrounds a ract over 250,000 people throughout the year and many enjoy the garden. MGVs also had an educa onal booth at the Fair about pollinator gardens, monarchs, caterpillars and kids that was visited by hundreds of people. MGVs answered ques ons, made presenta ons, and guided children in making bu erfl y cra projects. 330 pollinator visors were made and whole families listened to the story of monarchs. Community Garden Off ers Space to Grow Food A $6,500 grant from the Edwin and Evelyn Nyhus Centennial Fund through the Community Founda on of Chippewa County allowed MGVs to construct Where you can fi nd activities by a perimeter wildlife fence to keep primarily deer MGVs in Chippewa Co. and rabbits out of the Chippewa Falls Community Garden at Marshall Park. All forty-fi ve garden plots • Annual Think Spring garden seminar were rented in 2016, and more vegetables were • Cornell Outdoor Edventure Ac vity produced with the new fence in place. • Bluebird Monitoring on 2 trails • Northern WI State Fair Pollinator garden MGVs Aid Bluebird Restora on • Library Summer Reading Program MGVs spent another season monitoring nest boxes • Community Gardens on Old Abe and Riverview trails and helped add 52 • Chippewa Herald Green Space ar cles bluebirds to Chippewa County’s popula on (data • Wellness Commi ee plan ng workshop tabulated by the Bluebird Restora on Associa on of Wisconsin). MGVs also answered ques ons from people along the trails who stopped to learn how the birds were doing. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 27 The Master Gardener Program in Clark County

Clark Co. UW-Extension Offi ce 517 Court St. Room 104 The Master Gardener Program in Clark Co. started in Neillsville, WI 54456 1997. Over 115 people have been trained since that www.co.clark.wi.us me, and there are currently 15 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2015. The UW- Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Volunteer Service in 2016 Crops/Soils Agent Richard Halopka. Youth Ed 44 hours Off ering Aff ordable Ac vi es Adult Ed 79 hours Support 492 hours Local MGV-sponsored ac vi es that are free, or Total 616 hours off ered at a very reasonable cost to the par cipants and vendors, provide greater public inclusion. Value* $13,848 Requiring low or no fees for a bus tour, community Since 2000: 21,666 hours at a value of garden plot, plant sale booths, and garden video over $383,703 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per presenta ons resulted in increased par cipa on hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. by Clark County residents and greater exposure to science-based gardening informa on. Ask a Master Gardener Program Inquiries Increase Both seasoned and newly cer fi ed MGVs par cipate in the Ask a Master Gardener program to provide quality responses to garden-related ques ons received from residents in Clark County. Although detailed records were not kept in previous years, the es mated number of inquiries answered of approximately 2 per week during the growing season is a marked increase this year as the public becomes more aware of this local program. Assis ng UW-Extension with MG Training The local UW-Extension Educator involved MGVs in Where you can fi nd activities by student training by u lizing their assistance during MGVs in Clark Co. class sessions. Several members also a ended the • Abbotsford Community Garden fi nal exam session and greenhouse tour hosted by • Clark County Courthouse Garden the Loyal High School agricultural instructor. This • Clark County Fairgrounds Garden valued par cipa on and mentorship allowed current • Clark County Humane Society Garden cer fi ed MGVs to become more acquainted with • Dorchester Community Garden students and provided encouragement for students • Clark County Fair booth to go on to complete training and become cer fi ed. • Neillsville Community Garden • Neillsville Public Library Garden

Columbia County UWEX Offi ce 120 E Conant Street, Suite 201 The Master Gardener Program in Columbia County Portage, WI 53901 started in 1999. Over 220 people have been trained columbia.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 32 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent George Koepp. Youth Ed 130 hours Inspiring the Next Genera on of Gardeners Adult Ed 406 hours Support 1,531 hours MGVs are involving young people in gardening in Total 2,068 hours many ways. The micro-farm was used in four more classrooms, reaching about 230 students in four Value* $46,500 elementary schools; plan ng seeds and growing Since 2000: 25,076 hours at a value of them for six weeks, then ea ng their work is a over $456,449 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per very tasty way to learn about plants. We taught hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. elementary and middle school students in two school gardens about plant care while working side by side with them. One MGV taught 36 students in summer school and Interest Day how garden décor can help our garden eff orts, and had them make refl ec ve animal/bird deterrents out of old CDs. High school honor students work with us at the Pauque e Park in Portage, and Fresh Start (an alterna ve program for youth working on HSEDs) students help mulch in Pardeeville, learning something outdoors. A Fair Way to Share Our Story Our booth at the Columbia County Fair this year focused on container gardens, and included literature and samples of many types of containers Where you can fi nd activities by that can be used to grow vegetables or fl owers. MGVs in Columbia Co. Many comments were made on the purse planted with fl owers cascading out and down the sides! • Columbia County Fair Having a hook to get people to stop at the booth is a • Let’s Get Green and Growing, Rio HS key strategy, and this year it was the opportunity for • Plant Sale at Tractor Supply, Portage kids to make a “seed bomb” to take home. The clay • Fall River 3rd grade classrooms ball was made from wildfl ower seeds and ki y li er. • Pardeeville kindergarten classrooms • St John’s Pardeeville 3-4-5 classroom Let’s Get Green and Growing • Portage Community Garden Over 180 people learned about a variety of garden • Ladies Night Out at Portage Lumber topics, from vegetables and fl owers, to organic growing methods and back care while gardening in 9 concurrent sessions (several taught by MGVs) at our spring garden event. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 29 The Master Gardener Program in Crawford County

Crawford County UWEX Offi ce 225 N Beaumont Rd, Suite 240 The Master Gardener Program in Crawford County Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821 started in 2000. Over 90 people have been trained crawford.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 16 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UWEX staff member facilita ng the MG Program is Volunteer Service in 2016 Karen Snitker. Youth Ed 46 hours Sensory Garden Engages Residents Adult Ed 121 hours Support 2,014 hours A MGV created a sensory garden for residents in Total 2,181 hours Bethel Oaks, a memory care facility, including plants such as cherry tomatoes for taste, lamb’s ear for Value* $49,029 touch, and marigolds and roses for smell. During Since 2000: 24,789 hours at a value of the program from May to mid-September, 11-14 over $459,564 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per par cipants met once a week to engage in ac vi es hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. such as making signs for the plants and placing them on the proper plants, crea ng bamboo wind chimes and helping with plan ng. Many of the par cipants were farmers or gardeners and ac vi es s mulated memories, from which many stories were told. Labels for Memorial Gardens on St Feriole Island Because people visi ng the Gardens o en want to know “What plant is that?”, we implemented a plant labeling program star ng with 500 stakes on which labels with the proper nomenclature could be a ached using a label maker and tape. An overall map of Memorial Gardens was created. Each smaller garden was diagrammed and a list of all the plants in each area was put into an electronic spreadsheet, Where you can fi nd activities by from which labels could be printed. Labeled stakes MGVs in Crawford Co. are placed by the correct plant in the garden and are maintained by MGVs. • Memorial Gardens, St. Feriole Island • Bethel Oaks Memory Care Facility Monarch Bu erfl y Conserva on • Crawford County Fair A er MGV Donna Starkey made a presenta on on • Oktober Fest monarch bu erfl y conserva on to the Associa on, • Annual Plant Sale our group has tried to incorporate these ideas into • Q & A at Tractor Supply (2 days) our projects including growing plants that monarchs • Veteran’s Memorial favor, learning the diff erent types of milkweed, • Downtown Prairie du Chien being careful with pes cides, understanding the life cycle of monarchs, and educa ng others about the plight of the monarchs - including presenta ons to 3rd graders in area schools. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 30 The Master Gardener Program in Dane County

Dane County UWEX Offi ce 5201 Fen Oak Court The Master Gardener Program in Dane County Madison, WI 53718 started in 1981. Over 1,752 people have been dane.uwex.edu trained since that me, and there are currently 2043 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the Volunteer Service in 2016 MG Program is Hor culture Educator Lisa Johnson. Youth Ed 489 hours Providing Valued Hor culture Informa on Adult Ed 1,350 hours Support 13,712 hours MGVs with Plant Health Advisor (PHA) training Total 15,552 hours answer gardening ques ons at six farmers markets throughout Dane County. In 2016 they served 1116 Value* $349,609 individuals. MGV PHAs also answer phone and email Since 2000: 217,644 hours at a value ques ons from May-October on the Hor culture of over $4,0098,149 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per Helpline. In 2016, they made 589 contacts. Lastly, hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Speakers Bureau MGVs give approved presenta ons (designed by MGVs or the Hor culture Educator) to garden clubs, library groups, etc. In 2016, they gave 20 presenta ons, reaching 193 people. Outdoor Classroom for Educa ng About Plants The Dane County UW-Extension Teaching Garden was developed to serve as an outdoor classroom. It is used for MGV training, public educa on and youth gardening ac vi es. Plant labels with QR codes link to a blog (h p://tgplpinfo.blogspot.com/) about each plant. Plant research was done by MGVs with oversight by the Hor culture Educator. In 2016, a new model of garden management was introduced, involving teams of MGVs caring for specifi c areas of Where you can fi nd activities by the garden. This improved the garden’s appearance, MGVs in Dane Co. and MGVs learned more from the experience. • Olbrich Gardens Suppor ng Community Projects • UW Arboretum The Madison Area MG Associa on provided $1500 in • Numerous Farmers Markets grants for community projects. One of the recipients • Allen Centennial Garden was the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. To give • Agrace Hospice Care these kids exposure to the good taste and great • Numerous Community Gardens health benefi ts of vegetables, BGCDC installed • Habitat for Humanity several raised bed gardens. Our grant purchased • Various School Gardens hardware to help increase produc vity: compost bins, tomato cages and trellises. MGVs were involved in designing the gardens and obtaining materials.

Dodge County UWEX Offi ce 127 E Oak Street The Master Gardener Program in Dodge County Juneau, WI 53039 started in 2004. Over 178 people have been trained dodge.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 32 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is the new Crops & Soils Area Agent Dr. Lore a Or z- Youth Ed 795 hours Ribbing. Adult Ed 750 hours Introducing Vegetables to Students with Disabili es Support 1,455 hours Total 3,001 hours MGVs partnered with Life Academy, a transi on (to the working world) program for 18-21-year- Value* $67,462 old students with disabili es, helping the students Since 2004: 22,593 hours at a value of plant, maintain, and harvest a plot of vegetables at over $455,346 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per the Beaver Dam Community Garden. The students hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. shared their bounty with their families and the Food Pantry as well. Students grew a variety of vegetables and herbs, some of which were a fi rst me ea ng experience for the students. WPT Broadcasts Expand Access Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) asked to tape our regular monthly mee ng programs for the University Place program. Their Media Rela ons Specialist described our mee ng topics as “energe c and interes ng” and “fascina ng to the University Place audience.” Seven of the mee ngs have been taped with plans for more as funds allow. In this way, our educa onal programs have reached a much broader audience and we have received posi ve feedback Where you can fi nd activities by from around the state as they have aired. MGVs in Dodge Co. Partnering with SPARK! to Engage Seniors • Administra on Bldg Educa onal Garden MGVs partnered with the Demen a Care of Human • Horicon Pollinator Garden Services and Health Department to provide programs • Green Valley Enterprises Life Academy for their SPARK! program. SPARK! is designed to • Annual Plant Sale engage individuals with early to mid-stage memory • Ask a Master Gardener Help Line loss and their care-givers. Volunteers provide hands- • Dodge County Fair Booth on programs with hor culture themes for individuals • Beaver Dam Food Pantry Garden in quarterly mee ngs. The most popular programs • Gardening for Gold Fall Symposium were seed iden fi ca on and vegetable taste tes ng. They also especially enjoyed a presenta on on raising monarch bu erfl ies and were enthralled with seeing the larva and eggs. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 32 The Master Gardener Program in Door County

Door County UWEX Offi ce 421 Nebraska Street The Master Gardener Program in Door County Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 started in 1995. Over 270 people have been trained door.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 108 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Annie Deutsch. Youth Ed 265 hours Restoring a Wetland to Mi gate Runoff Adult Ed 396 hours Support 7,843 hours Li le Lake (Bradley Lake) Restora on Project is Total 8,504 hours crea ng an Engineered Wetland that will divert street runoff or storm water from 260 acres on the Value* $191,170 northeast side of Sturgeon Bay. On June 29, about Since 2000: 100,581 hours at a value of 20 Master Gardeners, Rotarians, and employees over $1,894,445 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per hour, from the Park and Recrea on Department planted from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. emergent plant plugs at the water’s edge of the South Cell (#1). On July 16, the Middle Cell (#2) was planted with about 950 plugs. Answering Homeowner Gardening Ques ons A er a 12 year absence, the Plant Health Advisor Program returned to Door County. MGVs came to the UW-Extension offi ce to answer homeowner hor culture ques ons. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, 6 MGVs answered 42 ques ons from 34 clients. On a survey sent out at the end of the summer, one client wrote, “[the Plant Health Advisors] off ered prac cal op ons to deal with my gardening problems so I can decide what to do.” Teaching Gardening to Youth Where you can fi nd activities by We provided gardening educa on to about 70 youth MGVs in Door Co. aged 6-12 in a coopera ve program with the Door • The Garden Door County Boys and Girls Club summer program. Topics • Crossroads at Big Creek included mosaics, worm farms, fl ower pressing, and • Heritage Village pollinators in the garden. • Boys & Girls Club Educa ng on Herbs • Li le Lake at Sunset Park • Ellison Bay This year educa onal programs and displays at • Ridges Sanctuary the open house in our public display garden, The • Noble House Garden Door, focused on herbs. MGVs were present to answer ques ons. Nearly 200 members of the community a ended the three-hour event; many were fi rst me visitors to the gardens.

Douglas County UWEX Offi ce 1313 Belknap St, Rm 107 The Master Gardener Program in Douglas started in Superior, WI 54880 1998. Over 286 people have been trained since that douglas.uwex.edu me, and there are currently 12 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW- Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Volunteer Service in 2016 Hor culture Educator Jane Anklam. Youth Ed 61 hours Helping Others Grow Fresh, Local Food Adult Ed 161 hours Support 693 hours The secret to growing our own food in the northland Total 915 hours is not only dealing with a short growing season. We account for transi ons into smaller spaces and the Value* $20,580 desire to stay ac ve during the less mobile stages Since 2000: 29,334 hours at a value of of our lives. In a con nuing partnership with the over $515,410 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per Douglas County Housing Authority, MGVs expanded hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. their mission to extend growing of food to the senior independent housing units by hos ng container garden workshops resul ng in 2 “container community gardens” for seniors in Superior. A Community Resource for Gardening Ques ons MGVs are available to assist with garden ques ons throughout the growing season. There is a well established Tuesday evening Ask a Master Gardener opportunity throughout the summer as they work at the supplemental food garden in Superior. This year MGVs took the show on the road to the Village of Solon Springs at the Fall Equinox Fes val. With a theme of “pu ng your garden to bed”, MGVs reached a new audience away from Lake Superior Where you can fi nd activities by with its diff erent growing condi ons and diff erent MGVs in Douglas Co. management prac ces. • Bird Sanctuary Na ve Plant Garden Addressing Tree Pruning Ques ons • Solid Rock Community Garden The number one ques on among back yard fruit • Fairlawn Public Museum Garden producers is how to prune trees for a successful • Four Corner School Garden harvest. MGVs held a pruning demonstra on at the • Town of Parkland Community Garden Solid Rock Supplemental food garden (which had • Superior Waste Water Rain Gardens cherry and apple trees in need of pruning). Home and • Hayes Court Container Garden community garden fruit growers a ended as UW- • Imogene McGrath Memorial Library Extension specialist Kevin Schoessow demonstrated the art and science of pruning to encourage healthy and whole fruit produc on. The result was 646 pounds of apples from 4 trees this season. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 34 The Master Gardener Program in Dunn County

Dunn County UWEX Offi ce 3001 US Highway 12 East, Suite 102 The Master Gardener Program in Dunn County Menomonie, WI 54751 started in 2010. Over 75 people have been trained dunn.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 17 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Ka e Wantoch. Youth Ed 24 hours MGVs Assist with Local Garden Tour Adult Ed 169 hours Support 608 hours MGVs partnered with Stepping Stones of Dunn Total 802 hours County, a local community services organiza on, to present a garden tour which raised over $23,000 Value* $18,029 to support the food pantry, homeless shelters, Since 2010: 7,353 hours at a value of and other programs coordinated by Stepping over $146,120 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per Stones. Two MGVs opened up their gardens to hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. host approximately 260 a endees of the tour while several other MGVs donated their talents in various capaci es to showcase fi ve local gardens. Students Learn About Gardening With instruc on and supervision by MGVs, third grade classes at Wakanda Elementary planted their school garden in the spring (with plants donated by Baldwin Greenhouse) and got to enjoy le uce salads before the end of school! The garden raised grape tomatoes, onions, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more, with some donated to the Menomonie Food Pantry. In the fall, spaghe made from produce grown in the school garden was served at the PTO Kick Off in September. Where you can fi nd activities by Monthly Sessions Provide Con nuing Educa on MGVs in Dunn Co. MGVs are con nually learning and being kept up-to- • Dunn County Jail Garden date about issues rela ng to gardening in order to • Menomonie Community Garden be er serve their clients and provide educa on in • Wakanda Elementary School Garden their communi es. Each monthly mee ng begins • Stepping Stones Annual Garden Tour with a presenta on that is also open to guests from • Assist with MGV Training the community. For example, in January, a registered • Dunn Co. Vets Memorial Flower Garden die an discussed the nutri ve value of food grown • UWEX Family Night at local schools in gardens. In March a naturalist at Beaver Creek • Annual Spring Begins! seminar Reserve presented foraging and explained how edible plants are iden fi ed, collected and prepared. April brought a speaker on invasive species.

Eau Claire UWEX Offi ce 227 1st Street West The Master Gardener Program in Eau Claire Co. Altoona, WI 54720 started in 1984. Over 538 people have been trained eauclaire.uwex.edu/ since that me, and there are currently 44 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Erin LaFaive. Youth Ed 180 hours Demonstra ng Gardening Methods Adult Ed 652 hours Support 1,900 hours The teaching gardens, planted and maintained Total 2,733 hours by MGVs at the UW-Extension offi ce in Altoona, provides the public with examples of gardening Value* $61,438 methods such as sub-irrigated containers and Since 2000: 56,585 hours at a value of mulching layering technique, as well as a convenient over $1,029,748 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per loca on for teaching and demonstra ng gardening hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. methods. This year a Teens Garden Program was implemented in partnership with The Boys and Girls Club. Over 50 people were educated in 25 sessions or in individual tours with people looking for hor culture-related informa on. Countless self- guided tours take place outside of business hours and when people are walking by. Master Gardener Plant Sale Grows In 2016 MGVs partnered with the Hosta Society to hold their plant sale in June at the Farmers’ Market pavilion. Sales nearly tripled as the new loca on downtown brought in many more customers. MGVs were on hand to answer ques ons and provide quick educa on to customers. The money raised helps Where you can fi nd activities by provide scholarships and support MGV projects in MGVs in Eau Claire Co. the community. • Beaver Creek Reserve Na ve Plant Sale Educa on Programs for All • Schlegelmilch Historic House Gardens Once a month all MGVs and the public are invited • Lakeshore Elementary School Garden to presenta ons on garden-related topics, with an • Ask a MGV Booth, EC Farmers’ Market average of 30 a endees per month. Examples of • Youth Gardens some of the sessions include Food Preserva on, • Eau Claire MGV Newsle er Permaculture, and Cover Crops. Eleven sessions • Eau Claire MGV Garden Seminar provided current informa on from experts in their fi eld and materials that people could take home. Over 200 people had an opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening at the Ready, Set, Grow MGV Garden Seminar held in Eau Claire in February. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 36 The Master Gardener Program in Florence County

Florence County UWEX Offi ce 5628 Forestry Drive The Master Gardener Program in Florence County Florence, WI 54121 started in 1996, and includes par cipants from fl orence.uwex.edu adjacent coun es in Michigan. Over 100 people have been trained since that me, and there are currently 20 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers Volunteer Service in 2016 (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension staff member Youth Ed 57 hours facilita ng the MG Program is Kathy Bednarski. Adult Ed 166 hours Educa on For Northern Gardeners Support 2,726 hours Total 2,949 hours The annual North Stars Garden Conference, a day- long spring conference, a racts people from well Value* $66,294 beyond the area and has provided a place to come Since 2000: 34,722 hours at a value of together to learn and meet like-minded people in a over $669,407 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per fun and educa onal se ng that was not available in hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. the past. In addi on to planning and execu ng the event, some MGVs also teach classes. Plant Sale Supports Students Proceeds from annual spring and fall plant sales have allowed the MGVs to award $15,300 since 2004 to students who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree in a fi eld related to hor culture. Customers line up early to get locally grown plants that can survive the rigors of northwoods gardening. MGVs provide advice on what and where to plant and to answer gardening ques ons, ranging from pest control to when to divide specifi c perennials. Gardens Showcase Great Plants The demonstra on perennial garden, located in Where you can fi nd activities by front of the Florence Community Center, not only MGVs in Florence Co. beau fi es the town’s west entrance, but provides a • Florence Gazebo Garden place where tourists and residents can learn about • Two Na ve Gardens at the Florence plants or just sit and relax on handsome benches. Resource Center Plan ng of this young garden began in 2014, and • Fisher Lake Garden now in its third year plants are beginning to fi ll out, • County Fair Booth new plants have been added, and signage projects • Spring Plant Sale are underway. The plan ngs in the Gazebo Garden • Fall Plant Sale on the main street of Florence also a ract a lot of • November Wreath Workshop a en on. We are partnering with the students at the Florence High School Fab Lab to create signage for the garden to help answer ques ons people have about the plants there. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 37 The Master Gardener Program in Fond du Lac County

Fond du Lac County UWEX Offi ce 400 University Drive, Room 227 The Master Gardener Program in Fond du Lac County Fond du Lac, WI, 54935 started in 1992. Over 419 people have been trained fonddulac.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 67 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is the new Crops & Soils Area Agent Dr. Lore a Or z- Youth Ed 377 hours Ribbing. Adult Ed 526 hours Garden Seminar Provides Valued Educa on Support 4,160 hours Total 5,064 hours Our annual garden seminar A Day in the Garden provided a great opportunity for over 180 people Value* $113,850 to learn about container gardening, pruning and Since 2000: 69,185 hours at a value of more with area experts, including MGV Pa y over $1,281,887 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per Percy. Par cipants appreciated being exposed to a hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. diversity of ideas, learning new and diff erent ways to grow food, and reported gaining knowledge and confi dence in gardening. Garden Engages Students A 2,300 2 “I-Spy” Garden at Pier Elementary School challenges students to discover items placed throughout the garden. Turtles, birds, ceramic tennis shoes and school supplies are hidden among the plants beckoning the students to explore. The theme is changed for each holiday and season, so there’s always something new to see and an opportunity to learn about plants and how they grow. There are bird feeders and a bird bath, and all the plants and trees are labeled — the courtyard serves as a Where you can fi nd activities by sanctuary for students and staff . MGVs in Fond du Lac Co. Sensory Garden S mulates • Rosenow School, Fond du Lac The Free Spirit Riders Sensory Therapy Garden is • Pier School, Fond du Lac planted and maintained by our MGVs, providing a • Free Spirit Riders Sensory Garden space where families and care givers can relax while • Lamar ne Veterans Memorial Garden the clients are in therapy. It includes a bird sanctuary, • Waupun Community Gardens small pond for listening, as well as touch, taste and • UW-FdL Campus Gardens smell areas and a bu erfl y garden and vegetable • Sisson’s Peony Gardens, Rosendale area. This year the MGVs worked with inmates from • Second Ward Memorial Bed Drug and Alcohol Correc ons one day a week— usually a diff erent group every week—teaching and working with them on all aspects of gardening as they generally know li le about growing plants. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 38 The Master Gardener Program in Forest County

Forest County UWEX Offi ce 200 East Madison St. The Master Gardener Program in Forest County Crandon, WI 54520 started in 1996. Over 30 people have been trained forest.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 4 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educators facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2017 are Nutri on Educator Mary Stys and Community Youth Ed 13 hours Development Educator Steve Nelson. Adult Ed 288 hours New Community Garden Created Support 144 hours Total 446 hours The Crandon Community Garden was created this year in collabora on the Wisconsin Nutri on Value* $10,026 Educa on Program, county Health Department, and Since 2000: 7,428 hours at a value of county Offi ce on Aging to provide healthy ea ng over $129,895 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per choices for residents who par cipate in the Meal hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Site provided by Forest County. A grant provided for building materials, garden supplies and produce prepara on costs, while MGVs and other volunteers helped construct raised beds, plant and maintain the vegetables, and harvest the produce. Vegetable starts were raised and sold at the MGV Plant Fair to provide addi onal funds. There has been an increase in the number of people u lizing the Meal Site and par cipants in the garden. Crandon Community Gardens Preserves Garlic The late Victor Sampon, a MGV from Argonne who was originally from France, enjoyed cooking u lizing the harvest from his garden and missed his homeland’s delicious French garlic. Unable to bring Where you can fi nd activities by any bulbs to the US due to import restric ons, his MGVs in Forest Co. only op on was to bring back seeds. Garlic from seed produces very small bulbs, so over 30 years Victor • Crandon Community Garden annually selected the largest bulbs to propagate un l • Plant Fair, held annually in May at the he ended up with a French garlic bulb that was rich Hair-I-Tage, Crandon in fl avor, medium size, and adapted to the climate • Crandon Police Department of Northern Wisconsin. A couple of years before his • Food pantry garden, Crandon passing Steve Nelson got some of Victor’s variety • Forest County Fair and also annually selected the best to replant in his garden. Now this heirloom garlic has been provided to the Crandon Community garden to be grown in memory of Victor and be more widely shared with community residents.

Grant County UWEX Offi ce 916 E Elm Street, Suite A The Master Gardener Program in Grant County Lancaster, WI, 53813 started in 2002. Over 115 people have been trained grant.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 24 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Crops/Farm Management Agent Ted Bay. Youth Ed 111 hours Promo ng Gardening Adult Ed 465 hours Support 1,603 hours MGVs par cipated in a Mother’s Day Celebra on, Total 2,179 hours which included breakfast, animal pe ng and crea ng a fl owerpot for mom. MGVs assisted children in the Value* $48,984 po ng sta ons to decorate a container and learn Since 2002: 28,425 hours at a value of how to plant pansies, marigolds, and petunias in it, over $527,634 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per and how to care for it at home. At the fi rst Pla eville hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Area Farm Days in July, a ended by over 500 people, MGVs off ered UW-Extension materials on alterna ve gardening styles and answered gardening ques ons. Demonstra ons were off ered for the public on compos ng and straw bale gardening. Gardening for Health MGVs par cipated in Lancaster Community Hospital Week by off ering a session on how to start a garden and small space gardening as healthy op ons for stress reduc on, healthy ea ng and well-being. About 30 people a ended two sessions on plan ng salad bowls, with par cipants plan ng a container with plugs of leafy greens, and leaving with instruc ons on how to maintain and harvest their Where you can fi nd activities by projects. MGVs in Grant Co. Fantas c First Dri less Gardeners’ Gathering • Sugar & Spice, Fennimore On Saturday, April 2, over 70 people gathered for • Ka e’s Garden at Pla eville the fi rst garden conference in this area organized by • Screiner Memorial Library, Lancaster MGVs and the Hor culture Club of UW-Pla eville. • UW-Pla eville Children’s Center Garden The event included educa onal table displays • Lancaster Farigrounds Na ve Garden by MGVs, workshops and talks by MGVs and • Fairy Garden, Ka es Garden, Pla eville other experts, and a keynote presenta on by Lee • Marsden Park, Fennimore Somerville, author of the book Vintage Wisconsin • UW-P/MGV Dri less Conference Gardens: A History of Home Gardens. The students introduced speakers, helped with registra ons, acted as greeters and gave guided tours of the UW- Pla eville greenhouses. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 40 The Master Gardener Program in Green County

Green County UWEX Offi ce 2841 6th Street The Master Gardener Program in Green County Monroe, WI 53566 started in 2004. Over 135 people have been trained green.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 35 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Mark Mayer. Youth Ed 95 hours Historical Prairie Plot Recreates Wisconsin 1845 Adult Ed 96 hours Support 1,841 hours MGVs assisted with planning, plan ng and Total 2,032 hours maintaining an educa onal garden plot on the grounds of the Swiss Historical Village Museum Value* $45,679 in a collabora ve eff ort between MGVs, Prairie Since 2004: 22,618 hours at a value of Enthusiasts, and New Glarus High School students. over $438,362 t2 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per The 500 f area along the side of the Museum’s Farm hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Implement building off ers visitors an opportunity to refl ect on landscape of the area at the me immigrants arrived in Wisconsin, in 1845. One MGV, who has an extensive prairie plan ng on her own property, donated more than 100 plants for the plot. Plants have been labeled and a tour map is being created for educa onal purposes. More than 5,000 people visit the museum annually and will be able to learn and enjoy this unique garden. Plant Sale Funds Scholarships Held to raise funds for youth scholarships, the Spring Plant Sale provides plants for the inexperienced as well as experienced gardeners. MGVs donate home- grown plants and provide plan ng exper se for Where you can fi nd activities by enhancing client’s gardens. Prospec ve gardeners MGVs in Green Co. a ended the event to purchase perennials, vegetable plants, and shrubbery, and obtained garden ps • Pleasant View Nursing Home Gardens from MGVs at the sale. • Green County Jus ce Center Garden • GCMGA Plant Sale Annual Symposium Educates Gardeners • GCMGA Symposium Over 90 interested gardeners a ended our 9th annual • New Glarus Flower Clock Village Gardens gardening symposium Gardening InspiraƟ ons for • New Glarus Historical Prairie Plot All Seasons—Tasteful Gardening for Style and Fun • Albany Community Garden in Monroe in March. Speakers presented ideas to • UWEX Plant Helpline relax and absorb the sights and smells around us; ways to u lize design basics for the garden space; and explored using perennial fl owers and herbs to enhance the garden appearance and taste. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 41 The Master Gardener Program in Iron County

Iron County UWEX offi ce 300 Taconite Street, Suite 118 The Master Gardener Program in Iron County Hurley, WI 54534 started in 1999. Over 75 people have been trained iron.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 19 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Darrin Kimbler. Youth Ed 235 hours School Garden Rebuilt for Kids’ Learning Adult Ed 125 hours Support 494 hours MGVs were instrumental in reinvigora ng the Total 854 hours Hurley School garden. They built a deer fence around the garden, added and improved the storage Value* $19,209 capabili es of the garden shed, and mulched Since 2000: 9,783 hours at a value of between the garden beds. In addi on to improving over $175,536 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per the garden infrastructure, MGVs mentored middle hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. school members of the Garden to Market 4-H club. The club grows produce at the garden and then sells it at the Iron County Farmers Market to raise funds for the club. The program allows the students to develop gardening and entrepreneurial skills. Helping Students Enhance Bessemer MGVs coordinated the City of Bessemer, MI plan ng project. Fi h graders from the Washington School planted a beau ful selec on of fl owers in 18 fl ower barrels and three gardens by the historic City Hall. The young gardeners were assisted by MGVs, who helped them with plant selec on, plan ng design and proper plan ng technique. This was just one of several collabora ve plan ng projects between Where you can fi nd activities by students and MGVs that improved the curb appeal MGVs in Iron Co. of our local communi es. • Western Gateway Trail Extending Informa on to the Public • Hurley School Garden A er a long absence, UW-Extension and MSU • Ironwood Pocket Park Extension hor culture educators partnered with • Iron County Fair MGVs to staff educa onal booths at the Iron Co., • Iron Horse Trailhead WI and Gogebic Co., MI county fairs. Extension and • Iron County Community Garden volunteer educators answered ques ons on wide • Iron County Farmers Market ranging hor cultural topics from fair a endees. They • Ironwood Depot Park provided guidance and literature on topics such as: soil tes ng, compos ng, and on how to encourage pollinators. These programs greatly increased the visibility of extension in our communi es. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 42 The Master Gardener Program in Jackson County

Jackson County UWEX Offi ce 227 S 11th Street The Master Gardener Program in Jackson County Black River Falls, WI 54615 started in 2000. Over 100 people have been trained jackson.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 12 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Trisha Wagner. Youth Ed 74 hours Teaching Children About Gardening Adult Ed 277 hours Support 620 hours MGVs taught children in the Jackson County Boys and Total 971 hours Girls Club in a weekly garden educa on program at the Spaulding Road Community Garden. An average Value* $21,839 of 10 kids in each of the 12 sessions learned about Since 2000: 7,560 hours at a value of plan ng seeds, how plants grow, and taking care of over $149,335 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per a garden. hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Growing Milkweeds for Monarch Bu erfl ies As par cipants in the US Fish & Wildlife Service Partners Program, MGVs con nued to maintain a plot of milkweed in an eff ort of providing habitat for threatened monarch bu erfl ies. This year MGVs collected seed from six species from the plot and shared with over 20 interested community members so they can plant milkweeds to help encourage survival of the bu erfl ies. Enhancing Elder Care MGVs worked with an adult day care facility that has raised bed planter boxes for residents to use. MGVs guided par cipants in plan ng and maintenance ac vi es and provided assistance to facility staff to Where you can fi nd activities by further the program for their clientele. MGVs in Jackson Co. Helping People Find Fresh Produce • Spaulding Road Community Garden • Jackson County Farmers Market MGVs assisted with the produc on of the 2016 Map • Jackson County Fair of Jackson County Produce Farms. This publica on • Jackson County Dairy Breakfast on the provides informa on and a map of produce farms Farm across the county where county residents can • Jackson County Green Life Expo fi nd fresh produce convenient to their loca on. A • Jackson County Boys and Girls Club generous external sponsorship allowed the map to • Black River Falls Garden Clubs be published in the county-wide free newspaper that is delivered to all residents, in an eff ort to increase access to fresh produce.

Jefferson County UWEX Offi ce 864 Collins Road The Master Gardener Program in Jeff erson County Jefferson, WI 53549 started in 1995. Over 236 people have been trained http://jefferson.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 31 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Lavern Georgson. Youth Ed 638 hours Plant Health Advisors Answer Ques ons Adult Ed 645 hours Support 1,795 hours A group of specially trained Plant Health Advisors Total 3,078 hours work in their own offi ce at the Jeff erson County UW-Extension offi ce 2 days per week from May Value* $69,193 through September, for 2 (or more) hours per shi , Since 2000: 29,965 hours at a value of answering homeowners’ ques ons about all aspects over $578,069 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per of gardening. This year, MGVs spent over 140 hours hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. to serve 50 clients who carried in, called, or emailed ques ons and problems. Students Learn in Aquaponics Program This program was facilitated by a MGV at St. Joseph School in Fort Atkinson. Fi h graders demonstrated both plant and animal growth environments in a 10-gallon aquarium. The class grew several small freshwater fi sh and a variety of plants from le uce to radishes, onions, houseplants and herbs. When algae started to cloud the water, one of the students suggested the introduc on of a cleaning species of fi sh. The water clarifi ed in several days. Addi onal plant projects were conducted from “seed to seed” using a four-shelf lighted plant/seed shelf unit. Where you can fi nd activities by Educa ng at Local Farmer’s Markets MGVs in Jefferson Co. MGV’s staff ed a booth at local winter and summer • Rotary Park in Jeff erson Farmers Markets to educate the public about the MG • Hoard Historical Museum, Fort Atkinson Program and our local projects, answer gardening • Seasonal Farmers Markets ques ons, and provide contact informa on for • Fort Atkinson Police Department those who may be interested in upcoming training • Jeff erson County Fair courses. A hands-on ac vity on tree iden fi ca on • Jeff erson Schools showed sample branches and cones from diff erent • Rock River Community Garden, Jeff erson species to demonstrate that “All Green Trees are • Lake Mills Kid’s Garden not Pines“. We also showed how to use coir fi ber blocks as an alterna ve to peat moss and other non- renewable materials in soilless plan ng medium and had coir blocks available for purchase. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 44 The Master Gardener Program in Juneau County

Juneau County UWEX Offi ce 211 Hickory Street The Master Gardener Program in Juneau Co. started Mauston, WI 53948 in 1995. Over 157 people have been trained since juneau.uwex.edu that me, and there are currently 18 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Craig Saxe. Youth Ed 51 hours Maintaining Gardens at Boorman House Adult Ed 115 hours Support 1,585 hours Boorman House is the County Museum and an Total 1,751 hours historic house located on a main street in Mauston. The house receives many visitors, and o en off ers Value* $39,374 open houses which draw the public. The gardens Since 2000: 14,249 hours at a value of are on display all year round and many can be seen over $279,347 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per from the road, while others located a quiet walk hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. away from the house off er respite from sun and noise. MGVs can be found working and educa ng the public in the gardens throughout the year, enhancing the experience of visitors to the Museum and residents of Mauston. Suppor ng a Small Town Library Like many small town libraries, the New Lisbon Library is in need of expansion and upda ng. This year a New Lisbon Library Garden Tour was organized by MGVs to help raise money for the library building fund. The team not only organized the walk, publicity and promo on, but also hosted two gardens, and had MGVs at all garden loca ons to answer ques ons. Although the day was hot, the Where you can fi nd activities by tour was a huge success, surpassing the expecta ons MGVs in Juneau Co. of the commi ee in raising funds. • Boorman House Dona ng Fresh Produce to Necedah Food Pantry • Carl W. Nelson Animal Shelter There are fi ve food pantries in Juneau county and • Dave Brendle Park MGVs contribute monetarily and donate fresh • Grayside Community Garden produce to them all. However, the Necedah Food • Mauston Food Pantry Flower Beds Pantry is diff erent because there is a vegetable • Necedah Wildlife Refuge garden maintained by MGVs solely for the benefi t • Adopt-A-Highway Projects of the pantry. This year over 800 pounds of fresh • Hospital Healing Garden produce was donated to those in need from this garden alone, providing Necedah area residents with fresh, wholesome produce.

Kenosha County UWEX Offi ce 19600 75th Street, Suite 2 The Master Gardener Program in Kenosha County Bristol, WI 53104 started in 1994. Over 240 people have been trained kenosha.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 44 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Interim Hor culture Educator Jeanne Hilinske- Youth Ed 517 hours Christensen. Adult Ed 1,055 hours Arboretum Informa on Updated Support 3,087 hours Total 4,658 hours Along the shores of Lake Michigan, MGVs tend the gardens at the Kemper Center and the Andersen Value* $104,712 Art Center. A unique a rac on at the Kemper Since 2000: 74,488 hours at a value of Center is an arboretum of uncommon, unfamiliar over $1,373,877 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per trees. In 2016, old or missing signage was updated hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. or replaced, as MGVs iden fi ed the trees, labeled them, and created a helpful visitors guide useful as a reference while strolling through the arboretum. Hor culture Helpline Answers Gardening Ques ons MGVs trained as Plant Health Advisors (PHAs) staff the hor culture helpline three mornings per week during the growing season. With recent changes to both the UW-Extension staff and county support staff , the PHAs have really been relied upon this year to share their knowledge and exper se. They have been able to keep the helpline opera ng smoothly during the transi ons. PHAs also take their show on the road to the Kenosha Harbor Market two Saturdays per month from May to September. Where you can fi nd activities by Sustainability Suits Somers MGVs in Kenosha Co. A rain garden planted with various na ve plants • Chiwaukee Prairie greets visitors to the Somers Town Hall. Educa onal • Hospice Medita on Garden signage explains the reasoning behind plan ng a rain • “Spring into Gardening” Event garden and off ers sugges ons on plant selec on. • Kenosha County Fairgrounds MGVs who tend this garden have off ered to train • Hor culture Helpline municipal personnel on how to care for rain gardens • Kenosha Harbor Market and are currently developing a manual describing • Kenosha Achievement Center Garden the history of this garden as well as how to maintain • Elementary School Gardens it. The placement of this garden gives it high visibility, and off ers terrifi c publicity for promo ng both an environmentally-friendly and sustainable garden and our MG program. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 46 The Master Gardener Program in Kewaunee County

Kewaunee County UWEX Offi ce 810 Lincoln Street The Master Gardener Program in Kewaunee Co. Kewaunee, WI 54216 started in 1996. Over 90 people have been trained kewaunee.uwex.edu/ since that me, and there are currently 17 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Educator Aerica Bjurstrom. Youth Ed 13 hours Preparing for Farm Technology Days 2017 Adult Ed 91 hours Support 856 hours The Greenscapers Commi ee is a blend of MGVs and Total 960 hours other community members formed to serve as the landscaping and hor culture educa on commi ee Value* $21,581 at Farm Technology Days, scheduled for July 2017 Since 2000: 14,501 hours at a value of in Kewaunee County. The group has met to discuss over $257,886 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per the landscaping needs of Farm Technology Days, hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. including educa onal needs and opportuni es, quan ty of fl owers, ornamental grasses, vegetables, plus mulch and wood chips needed. A volunteer opportunity for Greenscapers is to help plant 200 pots as well as placing them at the event in July. Organizing for a Barn Quilts Exhibits Inspired by the Sac County, Iowa Barn Quilts project, the Kewaunee County Area Barn Quilt project began in January 2008. Over 125 area 4-H and FFA students worked with the community designing and pain ng 18 quilts for historically-signifi cant barns. MGVs along with others are con nuing the tradi on by pain ng barn quilts for the 2017 Kewaunee County Farm Technology Days event. These barn quilts will Where you can fi nd activities by then be sold a er the show as a fund raiser for the MGVs in Kewaunee Co. Kewaunee County Garden Club. • Kewaunee Community Garden Beau fying Our Communi es • Algoma Community Garden Kewaunee County has a wonderful recrea onal area • Luxemburg Community Garden at Dana Farm. This historic site is the former home of • Dana Farm Ransom Moore, the founder of 4-H in Wisconsin and • Annual plant sale the University of Wisconsin Agronomy Department. • Ag Heritage Days MGVs and the Kewaunee County Garden Club plant and maintain fl ower beds at this loca on. MGVs also do similar projects in garden areas in the ci es of Algoma and Kewaunee to make those space more enjoyable for all residents.

La Crosse County UWEX Offi ce 400 4th Street North, Room 3140 The Master Gardener Program in La Crosse County La Crosse, WI 54601 started in 1995. Over 340 people have been trained lacrosse.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 48 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension staff member facilita ng the MG Volunteer Service in 2016 Program is Vicky Kast, Offi ce Supervisor. Youth Ed 104 hours Garden Feeds the Community Adult Ed 167 hours Support 2,371 hours The Kane Street Community Garden, a two-acre Total 2,643 hours garden in the heart of the northside of La Crosse operated by the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, was Value* $59,426 started in 1998. MGVs have contributed every year Since 2000: 49,351 hours at a value of since 2001 by plan ng, maintaining, and harves ng over $939,023 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per the garden. With over 25% of La Crosse residents hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. below the poverty level, this garden helps feed the community: survey data showed that more than 600 individuals received produce from the garden. More than 31,500 pounds of fruits and vegetables were distributed at the garden and at meal sites and pantries in a fi ve county area. New this year was a Biodiversity Demonstra on Garden that includes numerous species na ve to the region to encourage gardeners to make more na ve plan ngs. Plan ngs Demonstrate Benefi ts of Plants Located at the edge of the La Crosse Marsh, Myrick Park Center is used by the public for educa onal programs, mee ngs, and other public ac vi es. MGV projects here include a large rain garden, a pollinator Where you can fi nd activities by garden and a landscaped walkway to educate about MGVs in La Crosse Co. how these plants benefi t the environment. This year MGVs worked in consulta on with Prairie • Riverside Interna onal Friendship Garden Enthusiasts to add forbs to a na ve grass area. • Myrick-Hixon Ecopark • Kane Street Gardens Gardening Conference Educates • Spring into Gardening annual seminar More than 80 people a ended the annual conference • YWCA Adap ve Garden Spring Into Gardening, organized by MGVs. • Evergreen Garden Club, Holmen Par cipants learned about Growing a Midwest • Earth Fair, Myrick Park Garden and Landscaping with Unique Annuals with • Onalaska Public Library Edward Lyon, Director of Reiman Gardens, Ames, Iowa. Breakout sessions on Herbs, Oils and Healing; Children’s Gardening; and Edible Landscaping were well a ended with posi ve feedback. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 48 The Master Gardener Program in Lafayette County

Lafayette County UWEX Offi ce 627 Washington Street The Master Gardener Program in Lafaye e County Darlington, WI 53530 started in 2002. Over 61 people have been trained lafayette.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 9 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension staff member facilita ng the MG Volunteer Service in 2016 Program is Lisa Carpenter. Youth Ed 0 hours Flower Bed For Nursing Home Residents Adult Ed 214 hours Support 234 hours MGVs plant the raised bed garden in the front lawn at Total 448 hours the Lafaye e County Manor every year with colorful annual fl owers. A large window in the si ng room Value* $10,082 on the second story of the building looks right out Since 2002: 6,134 hours at a value of onto the fl ower bed for all of the residents to enjoy. over $113,586 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per This year the zinnias especially were very vibrant hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. and full from the abundance of rainfall. Neglected Former Garden Reclaimed A large area by the Gra ot Village offi ces and Library, which once had been a garden at Blackhawk Middle School, had been neglected since the closing of the school. MGVs cleared the area of weeds and volunteer trees, then replanted it with colorful fl owers and lower maintenance plants. Since the garden is in the center of town, having an a rac ve space again was encouraging to the 230 residents and makes the town more invi ng to visitors, especially those biking through the town on the Cheese Country Trail. Gardening Informa on Extended at County Fair Where you can fi nd activities by MGVs have an informa on booth at the Lafaye e MGVs in Lafayette Co. County Fair annually with a diff erent theme each • Wiota School House year. This year’s theme was Fairy Gardens to engage • Lafaye e County Manor visitors with this popular miniature gardening • Yellowstone Church trend—which is a great way to get both children and • Gra ot Library adults interested in plants and nature (there were • Argyle Library many Fairy Gardens entered in the Fair for judging • Argyle Post Offi ce also). Over 65 people stopped with ques ons and • Corner Stone Church comments about the several unique ny decorated • Wiota Lutheran Church gardens on display. An informa on sheet with the History of Fairy Gardens was available to hand out. MGVs also answered ques ons on many other gardening problems and concerns as well. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 49 The Master Gardener Program in Lincoln County

UWEX offi ce 801 N Sales Street The Master Gardener Program in Lincoln County just Merrill, WI 54452 started in 2014. Over 14 people have been trained lincoln.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 4 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Development Educator Dan Marzu. Youth Ed 13 hours Seed Library Expands Access to Seeds Adult Ed 60 hours Support 180 hours Since 2014 the Lincoln County UW-Extension offi ce Total 254 hours has collaborated with the TB Sco Free Library in Merrill to develop an heirloom seed library. In 2016, a Value* $5,710 MGV took ownership of the program which included Since 2014: 570 hours at a value of new seeds to fi t our growing season and hos ng an over $12,738 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per orienta on workshop in the beginning of the season. hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Nineteen residents par cipated in the workshop. TB Sco Library also allows for non residents from surrounding communi es and coun es to “check out” seeds through an inter-library loan program. Teaching About Gardening In the fall of 2015, the Lincoln County Health Department, Lincoln County UW-Extension, and the Live Sustainable, Lincoln County Home and Community Educa on group received a Wisconsin Partnership Program Grant through the UW School of Medicine and Public Health to develop a community garden in Merrill. As part of the grant the MGVs organized workshops on seed star ng and pollinator plan ng as well as invi ng Dr. Brian Smith, Where you can fi nd activities by UW Small Fruit Specialist, to talk to the gardeners. MGVs in Lincoln Co. Elders Engaged in Gardening • Tall Pines Community Garden Another aspect of the community garden grant was • Pine Crest Nursing Home to develop gardening programming for the county • Grace Lutheran Garden of Giving nursing home. MGVs used grant funding to purchase • Kinship of Tomahawk Garden eleven containers for the residents to use. Ac vi es • Pine River Middle School were planned every other week with the nursing • TB Sco Library home ac vi es director that included plan ng, • Boy Scouts watering, and harves ng the vegetables. This • Live Sustainable, Lincoln Co. HCE group growing season twelve residents par cipated. Plans are to have a garden every week next season and to develop a mentoring program to include more community members. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 50 The Master Gardener Program in Manitowoc County

Manitowoc County UWEX Offi ce 4319 Expo Drive The Master Gardener Program in Manitowoc County Manitowoc, WI 54221 started in 1994. Over 260 people have been trained manitowoc.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 29 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator responsible for the MG Volunteer Service in 2016 Program is Dairy/Livestock Agent Sco Gunderson. Youth Ed 13 hours Promo ng Our Plant Clinic Adult Ed 123 hours Support 1,214 hours MGVs have had a Plant Clinic in Manitowoc County Total 1,351 hours for years, but this year worked to enhance and expand access. The Clinic moved to a more visible Value* $30,370 spot with be er signage at the UW-Extension Offi ce. Since 2000: 42,683 hours at a value of Flyers about the Plant Clinic were distributed to local over $750,103 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per gardening and nursery related businesses so that hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. they can easily refer people there when they have ques ons in an a empt to increase the number of ques ons answered and ci zens helped. County Fair Garden MGVs redesigned, planted and maintained a garden at the County Expo Offi ce, with a completely diff erent layout from previous years. Located right outside the Fair Main Offi ce, this highly visible loca on is visited throughout the year. During the County Fair, MGVs answer ques ons and promote the MG program. Plants are iden fi ed with signs so even when MGVs aren’t present people can learn what the plants are. Outdoor Learning Classroom Educates Students MGVs worked with the local school district to Where you can fi nd activities by design an outdoor learning classroom at Riverview MGVs in Manitowoc Co. Early Learning Center, a school for preschool and • Plant Clinic kindergarten students. This was a large project with • Garden Walk many contribu ons from the community. Along • Lincoln Park Zoo with giving guidance during the design process, • Maribel Caves MGVs donated and planted perennials along the • Manitowoc County Fair fence line to keep grass mowing as low maintenance • Woodland Dunes as possible and donated a Li le Library to have in • Downtown Manitowoc Planters the Outdoor Classroom. This new site will be an • Mariners Trail Gardens opportunity for teaching children about gardening and plant-related subjects in the future.

Marathon County UWEX Offi ce 212 River Drive The Master Gardener Program in Marathon County Wausau, WI 54403 started in 1995. Over 345 people have been trained marathon.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 54 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Dairy Agent, MGV Advisor and Home Hor culture Youth Ed 38 hours Advisor Heather Schlesser. Adult Ed 750 hours Vegetable Awareness at the County Fair Support 4,489 hours Total 5,277 hours Our Veggie Riddles—originally developed for Bud’s ‘n Sprouts for the Havenwood State Park project— Value* $118,627 were the highlight of our Wisconsin Valley Fair Since 2000: 71,101 hours at a value of booth. Brightly colored paper daisies on each of nine over $1,297,928 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per small doors on a standing 4x6 foot panel a racted hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. a en on. The center of each daisy held a riddle describing a vegetable. The six inch doors could be opened to reveal pictures of the correct vegetable behind the doors to engage children, teens and adults in learning about vegetables. Providing Valued Educa on MG mee ngs are an opportunity for socializing and educa on, and our programs are very popular with the gardening residents of Marathon County and beyond. Nine educa on programs open to the public, held before our general mee ngs, were a ended by 188 MGVs and 77 non-MGVs. Our annual Garden Visions Conference with mul ple speakers a racted 360 par cipants. Where you can fi nd activities by Le ng Everyone Know Who We Are MGVs in Marathon Co. We want our community to know who we are by • Rib Mtn State Park Wildfl ower Project adver sing with our Master Gardener logo and • Monk Botanical Garden Extension logo. When MGVs are working on a public • Yawkey House Museum project, our project chairs set up a large 24” X 18” • Woodson History Center sign that reads, “Master Gardeners at Work”, with • Weston Farmers Market large color images of both our logo and Extension’s. • YMCA, Wausau and Weston Our signs let observers know who maintains the • Habitat Garden at UW-Extension gardens at public museums, our history center, • Rothschild Village Hall Garden and Rib Mountain State Park—and also that we are available to answer their gardening ques ons at our local farmers markets or at the County Fair.

Marinette County UWEX Offi ce 1926 Hall Avenue The Master Gardener Program in Marine e County Marinette, WI 54143 started in 1991. Over 263 people have been trained marinette.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 47 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture and Hor culture Agent Sco Reuss. Youth Ed 86 hours Teaching Kids about Benefi cial Insects Adult Ed 322 hours Support 4,120 hours MGVs taught 105 4th grade students at Environmental Total 4,529 hours Field Days about benefi cial insects, why they are so important, and how and why we need to encourage Value* $101,812 them to stay in our gardens. Students also learned Since 2000: 52,231 hours at a value of that each one has a diff erent preference for a home. over $975,850 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per For a hands-on learning experience, each child hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. created an insect hotel to take home to share with their families so they may observe insect ac vity in their own yard. Engaging Those With Disabili es Wausaukee Enterprises provides work experiences, life skills, training and support services to maximize poten al for individuals in rural Marine e County with disabili es or other barriers. MGVs hosted a day trip at Harmony Arboretum for these individuals to par cipate in nature ac vi es and other educa onal opportuni es the gardens have to off er. They created garden art, insect hotels, and a bird feeder; got hands dirty with po ng fl owers; and experimented with the sundial while enjoying the sensory garden. Where you can fi nd activities by Many were quiet and reserved upon arrival but a er MGVs in Marinette Co. a day with MGVs they were excited to share what they learned. • Harmony Arboretum • Amberg Community Center Art Event Expands Knowledge of Gardening • Field of Faith Community Garden New audiences learned about the MGV program • Linda’s Garden at Spies Library and services of UW-Extension by a ending Art in • Isaac Stephenson Memorial Statue Garden, an event for both adult and youth. Diff erent • West Shore Fishing Museum aspects of gardening were explored by crea ng • Marine e Chamber of Commerce various art projects and an up-cycled garden art • Annual Garden Walk contest. Many par cipants came for the Art aspect but le with an expanded knowledge of what MGVs do for their community and the resources to expand their gardening beyond the arts. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 53 The Master Gardener Program in Marquette County

Marquette County UWEX Offi ce 480 Underwood Avenue The Master Gardener Program in Marque e County Montello, WI 53949 started in 1998. Over 130 people have been trained marquette.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 18 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Educator Lyssa Seefeldt. Youth Ed 41 hours Promo ng Pollinators Adult Ed 301 hours Support 625 hours As pollinators are at risk in our landscapes, over 65 Total 967 hours pollinator packages (bu erfl y weed and sunfl ower seeds) were given to children and their families at Value* $21,749 local events to plant in their own neighborhoods to Since 2000: 27,311 hours at a value of help provide food sources for pollinators. Several over $494,036 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per events this year had pollinator elements to increase hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. awareness, including the 2016 Garden Walk with the theme of Pollinator Paradise, with UW-Extension publica ons available on pollinators. Focus on Growing Food Many of our ac vi es incorporated informa on on growing fruit and vegetables. Each year we host a fruit tree and small food plant sale, with over 1000 trees and 5000 small food plants sold at economical prices to an average of 140 families to help our community achieve be er food security. At Family Adventure Day, 150 tomato, pepper, and le uce plants were donated to kids and their families, and 74 beans were planted by kids to take home to start their own garden. At the Endeavor Sharing Where you can fi nd activities by Supper, 38 Plant-a-Row packets with free seeds MGVs in Marquette Co. were distributed to encourage dona on to local food pantries and senior dining centers. Growing Marque e Co. Historical Soc. Gardens and preserving fruits and veggies was highlighted at Marque e County Fair the Brakebush Health Fair, where MGVs answered Family Adventure Day ques ons, demonstrated proper pruning techniques, Fish N’ Fun Fes val and distributed over 90 UW-Extension publica ons. Brakebush Health Fair Endeavor Sharing Supper Learning About Hybridiza on Marque e Co. Interac ve Nature Trail This year’s spring outreach program featured Nate Marque e County Garden Walk Bremer of Solaris Farm, a re red science teacher who hybridizes daylily and peony plants. Twenty fi ve people a ended to learn about the science behind the hybridiza on process. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 54 The Master Gardener Program in Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County UWEX Offi ce 9501 West Watertown Plank Road The Master Gardener Program in Milwaukee County Wauwatosa, WI 53226 started in 1977. Over 1,084 people have been milwaukee.uwex.edu trained since that me, and there are currently 262 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. UW-Extension Consumer Hor culture Agent Volunteer Service in 2016 Sharon Morrisey facilitates the Program. Youth Ed 2,380 hours Helping Reduce Exposure to Lead in Soil Adult Ed 8,546 hours Support 4,879 hours MGVs’ played a role in a mul -ins tu on project to Total 15,805 hours reduce exposure to lead in urban backyard gardening. Over two years 19 educa onal workshops have been Value* $355,291 held for residents of two target neighborhoods in Since 2000: 183,755 hours at a value Milwaukee, with MGVs answering general gardening of over $3,398,446 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per ques ons as one of 3 breakout sessions for all hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. par cipants. Other MGVs conducted garden related ac vi es for children of the par cipants. Growing Gardeners Through the S.E.E.D. Ini a ve UW-Extension led this county funded community gardening ini a ve to add 1 million 2 of gardens in food deserts in Milwaukee. At two of the 8 sites where Extension constructed raised bed gardens for communi es, MGVs helped conduct classes on beginning vegetable gardening for residents while they waited for their new beds to be completed. A MGV mentored the gardeners by volunteering there every Saturday to advise, answer ques ons and demonstrate gardening techniques. Plant Health Advisors Answer More Inquiries Where you can fi nd activities by Revamped plant diagnos c services in 2016 allowed MGVs in Milwaukee Co. county residents to submit plant inquiries at any me • Fox 6 TV Green Thumb Garden and MGVs to respond whenever and wherever they • West Allis, Fox Point, Greenfi eld Farmers’ wanted. As a result more MGVs now serve as PHAs, Markets with many of them doing it without even coming • Ronald McDonald House, Wauwatosa in to the Extension offi ce or the UWEX Hor culture • Havenwoods State Forest Gardens Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens. In 2016, 20 • Firefl y Ridge Community Garden MGVs served as PHAs responding to 576 inquiries • Local garden walks which is slightly increased from previous years. We • Milwaukee County Zoo Heritage Garden expect next year to be even be er with this new system in place.

Oneida County UWEX Offi ce 3375 Airport Road #10 The Master Gardener Program in Oneida County Rhinelander, WI 54501 started in 1999. Over 318 people have been trained oneida.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 28 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension staff member facilita ng the MG Volunteer Service in 2016 Program is Merry Lehner. Youth Ed 155 hours Supplying Fresh Produce to the Food Pantry Adult Ed 146 hours Support 1,436 hours MGVs operate a Community Garden in coopera on Total 1,737 hours with the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. Over 3,000 pounds of fresh produce grown in the garden was Value* $39,059 donated to the food pantry. The Garden also provides Since 2000: 42,668 hours at a value of an opportunity for educa on about hor culture over $771,605 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per and nutri on. This year about a dozen educa onal hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. tours were conducted, including a special tour for UW-Extension Chancellor Cathy Sandeen and Vice Chancellor Aaron Brower. Awards Inspire Residents MGVs have partnered with the City of Rhinelander to present Yard of the Month awards for the past 7 years. The purpose of the program has been simply to inspire residents and businesses to maintain an a rac ve and appealing presence and fostering a sense of pride in the Rhinelander community. Each month during the summer, a team of MGVs drives through the city to view the nominated proper es. Residen al awards are TradiƟ onal Yard of the Month and Blooming Yard of the Month; each receives a $50 Where you can fi nd activities by water u lity credit. There is also a Commercial Yard MGVs in Oneida Co. of the Month award. All winners receive a cer fi cate signed by the mayor and city administrator and a • Rhinelander Area Community Garden Yard of the Month sign, and their photo appears in • Rhinelander Area Food Pantry newspapers and newsle ers. Greenhouse • Old School Arts & Learning Center Free Plants Distributed to Needy Families • Stevensport Square In coopera on with the Rhinelander Area Food • Oneida County Courthouse Garden Pantry, MGVs grow vegetable bedding plants in a • Crescent School Garden greenhouse for clients to use in their home gardens. • City Hall Garden MGVs also provide educa on on growing vegetable gardens as the plants are distributed to clients. This year we distributed over 2,500 plants to gardeners in an eff ort to help families a ain food security. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 56 The Master Gardener Program in Outagamie County

Outagamie County UWEX Offi ce 3365 W Brewster Street The Master Gardener Program in Outagamie County Appleton, WI 54914 started in 1999. Over 513 people have been trained outagamie.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 114 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Crops, Soils and Hor culture Agent Kevin Jarek. Youth Ed 434 hours Par cipa ng in UW Research Adult Ed 779 hours Support 9,586 hours A community garden plot was donated by Goodwill Total 10,799 hours Grows to conduct the UW Vegetable Crop Trial. Diff erent varie es of onions and peppers were Value* $242,773 sown indoors in March and then transplanted in Since 2000: 124,677 hours at a value early June whereas beets were directly sown into of over $2,359,818 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per the garden site. Data, including taste tests, were hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. collected on each variety. This informa on will be analyzed by UW Hor culture Professor Julie Dawson and fi nal results shared with chefs, plant breeders and farmers around the state. Seed Lending Library Shares Heirloom Seeds In April 2016, the Community Seed Lending Library opened at the Appleton Public Library. This local program allows gardeners access to heirloom seeds to grow food, learn to save seeds, and strengthen our local seed diversity. The library provides the opportunity for people to trade and save seeds, while MGVs provide educa on, inspira on, and growing seed stock. Other eff orts to expand seed access and food security included helping organize a Where you can fi nd activities by seed swap and partnering with St. Joe’s Grow A Row MGVs in Outagamie Co. program. • Appleton Memorial Park Gardens Children Learn About Gardening • Timber Ra lers Community Garden The Teaching Garden at Columbus School in Appleton. • HearthStone Historical House is a place where students can grow a themed • Habitat for Humanity/Rock the Block garden, harvest, and use vegetables. Classroom • Marigold Mile lessons were conducted with an AmeriCorps Farm • UW-Extension Learning Garden to School Program Nutri on educator teaching • Appleton and Kaukauna Farmers Market plant parts, plant iden fi ca on, plant care, etc. The • Fox Ci es Book Fes val children read the book Strega Nona’s Harvest and planted a garden like in the book. The seeds were mixed and sca ered without rows, just as they were in the story. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 57 The Master Gardener Program in Ozaukee County

Ozaukee County UWEX Offi ce 121 W Main Street The Master Gardener Program in Ozaukee County Port Washington, WI 53074 started in 2000. Over 500 people have been trained ozaukee.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 89 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Stephanie Plaster. Youth Ed 186 hours Plan ngs Refl ect Ozaukee County in 1800’s Adult Ed 452 hours Support 6,348 hours Pioneer Village is a living history museum located Total 6,986 hours just north of Saukville with 20 restored and authen cally furnished houses, barns, outbuildings, Value* $157,057 and the original Cedarburg Railroad Depot, all of Since 2000: 82,648 hours at a value of which show how pioneer Ozaukee County residents over $1,557,500 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per lived in the 1800’s. MGVs planted herb and rose hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. gardens and maintain other fl ower beds and shrubs throughout the village, many consistent with the period refl ected by the museum. Gardens Enhance Museum The Kuehfuss House, built in 1849, is located in the heart of Cedarburg’s Na onal Historic Downtown District. MGVs are responsible for the plan ng beds in the back and both side yards. Besides general cleanup and maintenance of the plan ng beds, we have transplanted hydrangeas to help hide a fence and make room to enlarge the restored herb garden. We have also revitalized the rose garden using restora on pruning techniques, established a compost pile, grouped exis ng hostas into a single Where you can fi nd activities by garden for greater impact, and relocated a cast iron MGVs in Ozaukee Co. fountain to be used as a focal point. • Ozaukee County Fair, Cedarburg Beloved Garden Renovated • Port Triangle Garden, Port Washington The Triangle Garden in the heart of downtown Port • Webster Middle School, Cedarburg Washington, on the corner of Franklin and Jackson • Lasata Care Center, Cedarburg streets at the base of St. Mary’s Hill, is a highly • Kuhefuss House Museum, Cedarburg visible site near the downtown shops, restaurants • Pioneer Village, Saukville and near the marina. It includes a donated memory • Wash. Co. Comm. Garden, West Bend bench for people to sit and enjoy the garden and • Tendick Park, Saukville downtown ac vity and sights. When taken over by MGVs recently, the garden needed to be redesigned, replanted and maintained regularly. The current design is a mix of trees, shrubs and perennials. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 58 The Master Gardener Program in Pierce County

Pierce County UWEX Offi ce 412 West Kinne Street The Master Gardener Program in Pierce County Ellsworth, WI 54011 started in 1997. Over 401 people have been trained pierce.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 34 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Diana Alfuth. Youth Ed 147 hours Producing and Teaching About Vegetables Adult Ed 408 hours Support 3,165 hours The UW-Extension Demonstra on and Learning Total 3,720 hours Garden located in River Falls is used to produce food for dona on and as an educa onal tool to teach local Value* $83,626 residents how to successfully grow their own food. Since 2000: 47,722 hours at a value of MGVs plan, plant and maintain the garden which over $882,440 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.84 per hosts several events throughout the growing season. hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Hor culture Educator Diana Alfuth uses the garden to teach vegetable growing classes for adults and children. This year it included a Presiden al Garden (elec on year), where visitors could learn how gardens diff ered during Washington’s, Lincoln’s, and Obama’s presidencies, and a Le uce Checkerboard, with 24 varie es of le uce, each with diff erent colors and leaf textures, planted in a checkerboard pa ern to show how many op ons there are. Visitors were able to taste test the diff erent varie es to see which they liked best, as well as learn how easy it is to grow le uce at home. Over 450 pounds of produce grown in the garden was donated to food pantries and other organiza ons. Where you can fi nd activities by Educa ng on Gardening In Our Communi es MGVs in Pierce Co. MGVs staff ed booths at both the St. Croix and Pierce County fairs, where they provide youth and adult • Pierce County Fair educa on opportuni es and ac vi es. This year’s • River Falls Farmers Market main theme at the fairs was invasive species, along • UWEX Demo and Learning Garden with smaller educa onal displays about growing • River Falls Grow to Share Garden tomatoes, and current pests such as Japanese Beetle • Plum City Schools and Emerald Ash Borer. MGVs also staff educa onal • Ellsworth Community Ed booths at local farmers markets and other events. • Elmwood Village and Schools • Kinnikinnic River Area Enhancing Local Organiza ons MGVs awarded grants up to $250 to organiza ons in many of the small towns in the coun es. See the St. Croix County report (page 68) for more details. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 59 The Master Gardener Program in Polk County

Polk County UWEX Offi ce 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 190 The Master Gardener Program in Polk County Balsam Lake, WI 54810 started in 2001. Over 150 people have been trained polk.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 17 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UW-Extension staff member facilita ng the MG Volunteer Service in 2016 Program is Wendy Linke. Youth Ed 31 hours Assisted Living Home Gets Fresh Produce Adult Ed 46 hours Support 803 hours MGVs planted and maintained two raised beds at Total 880 hours Sophie’s Manor, an assisted living home in Centuria. They grew pumpkins, squash, carrots, tomatoes, Value* $19,794 and green beans. Whenever residents were outside Since 2001: 10,876 hours at a value of they were encouraged to come to the garden and over $195,289 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per MGVs engaged them according to their abili es. All hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. the produce grown was used in the facility by staff and residents. Contribu ng to Research on Plants for the Area The St. Croix Valley MG Associa on has conducted seed trials for the last four years to evaluate vegetable, herb, and fl ower varie es to determine their suitability for growing in western Wisconsin. Evalua on data includes germina on rate, growing habits, fl avor, size, color and texture. This year MGVs in Polk County par cipated in the seed trials. Most had successful plan ngs but other seeds did not even germinate. The informa on and observa ons gathered in this research project will enable MGVs to make be er recommenda ons about which Where you can fi nd activities by varie es to grow (or avoid) in home and community MGVs in Polk Co. gardens locally. • Garfi eld Park Gardens Community Garden Produces • Polk County Fair Grounds, St. Croix Falls MGVs planted and maintained two raised beds in a • Endeavors Greenhouse community garden near the Amery Hospital & Clinic. • Sophie’s Manor In addi on to growing an abundance of vegetables, • Balsam Lake Library they also were available to answer ques ons and • Luck Campground educate other gardeners maintaining plots there. • Luck Library All of the produce from the two beds was donated • Balsam Lake Signs to the Amery Food Shelf and Riverbend, an assisted living facility in Amery that provides daily meals for residents.

Portage Co. UW-Extension Offi ce 1462 Strongs Ave The Master Gardener Program in Portage Co. Stevens Point, WI 54481 started in 1991. Over 317 people have been trained portage.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 56 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. UW-Extension Agriculture Agent Ken Schroeder Volunteer Service in 2016 facilitates the MG Program in Portage Co. Youth Ed 397 hours Suppor ng Hor culture Educa on Adult Ed 1,437 hours Support 1,143 hours Each year money raised through our plant sale not only supports our ac vi es but also allows us to help Total 2,977 hours other organiza ons that promote gardening in our Value* $66,934 area. This year we donated money to the local 4-H Since 2000: 63,105 hours at a value of program to help students learn fl ower arrangement; over $1,135,988 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per to the Boston School Forest which educates every hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. student in the Stevens Point School District about environmental and forest management; helped send a local high school student to the Na onal Junior Hor culture Compe on; and provided two scholarships to UW-SP students in hor culture. YMCA Giving Garden In partnership with the YMCA, MGVs planted, maintained and harvested produce from 26 raised beds located at the YMCA. In addi on, every Tuesday and Thursday approximately 60 students spent me in the garden learning about growing vegetables and healthy ea ng. The 800 pounds of produce was either consumed by the students, their families or donated to the Aging and Disability Resource Center. Where you can fi nd activities by Helping Other Organiza ons Thrive MGVs in Portage Co. This year money raised through a container raffl e, • Stevens Point YMCA Giving Garden quilt raffl e and cket sales for our Garden Parade • Rosholt Fair was donated to two local groups. The Green Thumb • Golden Sands Home and Garden Show program of the Boys and Girls Club of Portage Co. • Portage County Libraries will use the funds for supplies and programming in • Stevens Point Farmers Market their fi ve gardens teaching skills and healthy ea ng. • Portage County Parks The Hunger & Poverty Preven on Partnership works • MGV Annual Plant Sale with Giving Gardens throughout the county to supply • Portage County Aging Centers fresh produce to those in need. In 2015, over 1,828 pounds was donated. Our dona on will be used to build a shed to house all their garden supplies.

Price County UWEX Offi ce 104 S Eyder Ave The Master Gardener Program in Price Co. started Phillips, WI 54555 in 1999. Over 130 people have been trained since price.uwex.edu/ that me, and there are currently 9 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW- Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program is Volunteer Service in 2016 Hor culture/Agriculture Educator Jodi Podmolik. Youth Ed 295 hours Building Community: Gardening Center Educates Adult Ed 205 hours and Boosts Local Food Produc on Support 1,173 hours Total 1,673 hours The Flambeau River Community Growing Center (FRCGC) located in Park Falls, WI teaches residents Value* $37,620 of Price County of all ages how to garden. MGVs Since 2000: 9,384 hours at a value of u lized the greenhouse for hands-on experience over $184,473 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per with classes on perennials, annuals, pruning, fruits, hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. vegetables, general gardening and landscape design. Once the greenhouse opened up for the season, MGVs planted seeds, watered and transplanted. They worked with Price County 4-H youth leaders to beau fy their garden at the entrance to the Price County Fair. They learned cost savings, how to calculate plan ng space, and work together. Students Learn about Vegetables As an extension of the Garden Giants program that introduced how to grow plants in the 4th grade classroom, the Price County Hor culture Educator, along with MGVs, provided a harvest lesson to the 5th grade students. Students brought in the “giants” they grew for weighing and measuring. Produce was Where you can fi nd activities by also brought in for tas ng, and students iden fi ed MGVs in Price Co. the ingredients in each of the recipes. Evalua on ques ons were used that focused on STEM and • Fred Smith House required math and problem solving skills. • Phillips Nursing home complex • FRCGC Greenhouse, Park Falls Beau fi ca on of the Phillips Public Library • Garden Giants Program When the local library needed revitaliza on of the • St. Anthony’s Garden of Eat-um grounds, MGVs removed old plant material and • Phillips Public Library created a landscape design that encouraged outdoor • Home garden tours educa on. The Price County Hor culture Educator taught lessons on drainage, design, fl exibility of landscape uses and how to work with diff erent partnerships. MGVs met about once a week to work on the project that took nearly a year to fi nish. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 62 The Master Gardener Program in Racine County

Racine County UWEX Offi ce 209 North Main Street The Master Gardener Program in Racine County Burlington, WI 53105 started in 1994. Over 447 people have been trained racine.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 114 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Interim Hor culture Educator Jeanne Hilinske- Youth Ed 517 hours Christensen. Adult Ed 1,055 hours Beyond the Shelves at Graham Public Library Support 3,087 hours Total 4,658 hours In Union Grove, a small town library extends its educa onal energy beyond its building to the Value* $104,712 gardens which border it. Informa onal signage is Since 2000: 74,488 hours at a value of prominently displayed within carefully maintained over $1,373,877 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per perennial and ornamental beds. MGVs post the hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. mes they are scheduled to work in the gardens to no fy patrons when they are available to off er plant advice or to converse about gardening. This “Hor culturist On Duty” approach is well received. Reality Gardening at “Real Racine” The demonstra on garden at the Racine County Visitors Center in Sturtevant not only beckons visitors through its colorful pathways but off ers a unique relaxa on retreat for weary travellers. The site became a Monarch Waysta on and was awarded a beau fi ca on award by Discover Racine for the crea on of its bu erfl y garden. Items not tradi onally used for gardening have been repurposed and displayed within the garden. Where you can fi nd activities by Colorful painted posts off er informa onal and MGVs in Racine Co. educa onal signage throughout the garden. • Botany in the Classroom The Vintage Advantage • Garden of Giving Located adjacent to the historical cabin in • The Teaching Garden Burlington’s town square is the MG Pioneer Cabin • Racine County Fair Vintage Garden. Plants with historical signifi cance • Wind Point Lighthouse predominate the fenced vegetable garden as well as • WI Veterans Home, Union Grove the surrounding gardens. This park also serves as the • Green Works loca on of the weekly Farmer’s Market, so the cabin • Gardens of De Koven Center and gardens receive a lot of a en on during the growing season. Plants are labelled, and refl ec ons of the past are shared. Area schools visit the site as part of their history curriculum. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 63 The Master Gardener Program in Rock County

Rock County UWEX Offi ce 51 S Main Street The Master Gardener Program in Rock County Janesville, WI 53545 started in 1985. Over 360 people have been trained rock.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 54 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Christy Marsden. Youth Ed 461 hours Encouraging Neighbors to Grow, Eat Vegetables Adult Ed 361 hours Support 2,101 hours MGVs contributed to Community Sharing Gardens Total 2,923 hours with Community Ac on Inc. in Beloit, a project to provide a safe, open gardening space for neighbors Value* $65,720 to harvest and enjoy locally grown vegetables. Since 2000: 76,952 hours at a value of MGVs assisted by organizing and direc ng volunteer over $1,402,325 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per groups, providing community outreach, and guiding hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. garden maintenance to help provide fresh produce to neighbors and surrounding community members. Keeping Rotary Botanical Gardens Vibrant As one of the main tourist draws to Janesville, garden maintenance goes a long way towards keeping the pres ge of the Rotary Botanical Gardens high. MGVs not only work in the garden beds, but also assist with all areas of educa on. MGVs serve on commi ees, help organize programs and events, and provide educa onal exper se and teaching experience. From the annual pumpkin program to summer fi eld trips, MGVs bring learning out into the garden with everyone from the smallest of gardeners to those with decades of experience. Where you can fi nd activities by RECAP Helps Inmates Learn and Succeed MGVs in Rock Co. Several MGVs par cipate in the Rock County • Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden Educa on Criminal Addic on Program, RECAP. Every • Welty Environmental Center in Beloit year, this program donates thousands of pounds of • Farm Tech Days produce to local food pantries, community centers, • Community Sharing Gardens and senior living facili es. With a fresh-market and • Boy Scouts CSA component, program par cipants learn how to • Rotary Botanical Gardens grow for markets and for the benefi t of surrounding • Rock County Parks communi es. MGVs teach inmates about garden prac ces and guide plan ng, maintenance, and harvest of the vegetables, with many par cipants learning new skills to make them more employable and be er ci zens upon their release. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 64 The Master Gardener Program in Sauk County

Sauk County UWEX Offi ce 505 Broadway The Master Gardener Program in Sauk County Baraboo, WI 53913 started in 2003. Over 280 people have been trained sauk.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 37 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Phyllis Both. Youth Ed 193 hours Ge ng People to Grow Tomatoes Adult Ed 239 hours Support 2,384 hours A major focus this year was “Terrifc Tomatoes”, Total 2,817 hours several projects centered around helping people to learn about and grow their own tomatoes. Value* $63,326 MGVs partnered with the Baraboo Public Library to Since 2000: 37,189 hours at a value of conduct a Growing Terrifi c Tomatoes in Wisconsin over $705,180 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per class for 40 people. MGVs grew tomato plants from hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. seed to sell, as well as making 5 foot high tomatoes cages from concrete-rebar for a fund raiser. There was a 20’ by 20’ Terrifi c Tomatoes Test Garden on the MATC - Reedsburg campus with 29 tomato plants that were used in a Tomato Tas ng Event later in the summer. About 44 people a ended the tas ng which included a sampling of recipes using tomatoes, tomato-related door prizes, and a coupon for a tomato plant in 2017. Helping Threatened Bu erfl ies and Pollinators MGVs started a Monarch Trail at the Reedsburg Historical Society and joined the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge last year to help preserve the habitat for bu erfl ies, birds, bats and other Where you can fi nd activities by pollinators. Ten bat houses were erected along MGVs in Sauk Co. with bird houses, na ve bee habitats and a 2-acre bu erfl y garden. The society donated 300 milkweed • Reedsburg Area Hist. Society seedlings and $200 worth of prairie plants this spring • Circus World Museum to add to the area. • Kids Ranch • Mid-Con nent Railway Museum Teaching Children about Growing Plants • Weber Park, Baraboo The Kids Ranch in Rock Springs provides care and • Reedsburg Community Garden programs for at-risk children. MGVs started a • Prairie du Sac Community Garden vegetable garden and a raspberry garden and have • Boys & Girls Club garden, Baraboo also incorporated growing fl owers. A story hour related to garden cri ers, plants and soils is provided to help children learn about how plants grow and where food comes from. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 65 The Master Gardener Program in Sawyer County

Sawyer County UWEX Offi ce 10610 Main Street, Suite 194 The Master Gardener Program in Sawyer County Hayward, WI 54843 started in 1999. Over 65 people have been trained sawyer.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 2 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Kevin Schoessow. Youth Ed 0 hours Garden Demonstrates Plants for the Area Adult Ed 88 hours Support 95 hours MGVs contribute signifi cantly to the Spooner Total 183 hours Agriculture Research Sta on Teaching and Display Garden, helping design and maintain plan ngs. Value* $4,125 During the growing season the garden hosts many Since 2000: 6,333 hours at a value of training events and has visitors from schools, over $110,763 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per garden clubs, and residents of the area. Featured hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. in the garden this year was organic vegetables, All America Selec ons annual fl owers, and a perennial display. The garden has won na onal awards from the All America Selec ons Landscape Garden Design Contest. The vegetables are donated to local food shelves and the Senior Resource Center in Hayward. Senior Center Greenspace Expands Access When the Senior Resource Center in Hayward created a greenspace and pa o area, MGVs donated funds for raised beds, benches, and other needed improvements. The space allows visitors an opportunity to help grow vegetables that are used in meals there. MGVs also assisted in trainings at the Resource Center including Small Space Gardening Where you can fi nd activities by and HorƟ culture Therapy. The space is also a quiet MGVs in Sawyer Co. refuge for those who otherwise would be inside on a nice day. • Hayward Public School Gardens • Sawyer County Fair Hayward Flower Displays Brighten The Community • Winter Public School Garden MGVs who are also part of the Hayward Garden • Hayward Library Natural Area Club have made a diff erence in the community with • Hayward Library Enrichment Program plan ngs at the Post Offi ce, at a major crossroads in • Sawyer County Senior Center the center of town, at the Hayward Library, and at the • Hayward Post Offi ce and Chamber Sign Hayward Food Shelf. Perennials were provided and • Hayward Food Shelf used by the Hayward Garden Club at the Chamber of Commerce garden bed as well as the annual plant sale. Addi onally, some plants were used at the Hayward Food Shelf sign as a stand-alone project. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 66 The Master Gardener Program in Shawano County

Shawano County UWEX offi ce 311 N Main Street The Master Gardener Program in Shawano County Shawano, WI 54166 started in 2007. Over 52 people have been trained shawano.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 15 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Jamie Pa on. Youth Ed 28 hours Sharing the Harvest Adult Ed 964 hours Support 866 hours The Shawano Community Dinner is a monthly event Total 1,858 hours designed to provide a free, hot, nutri ous meal to anyone without charge. MGVs planned, cooked and Value* $41,768 served the November meal, preparing dishes using Since 2007: 16,983 hours at a value of the boun es from their own gardens. This was also over $342,202 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per an opportunity to educate others of the benefi ts of hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. gardening. Over 120 people were provided a meal, seeds and educa onal materials on gardening. Vegetable of the Week Working with Shawano-Menominee FoodWIse, MGVs introduced the “Vegetable of the Week” at the Shawano Farmers Market. For the 17 weeks of the market, informa onal cards on the featured vegetable were distributed to venders selling the par cular produce. Market customers were encouraged to take the free, informa onal cards to learn more about the proper selec on and storage of the vegetable, as well explore several easy recipes provided on the back of the card. The vegetable was also highlighted at the MGV market booth where Where you can fi nd activities by associated literature was distributed and ques ons MGVs in Shawano Co. answered. More than 500 cards were distributed over the market season. • Safe Haven • Shawano County Chamber of Commerce Engaging Youth in Gardening • Huckleberry Harbor MGVs worked with regional 4-H clubs to teach about • Shawano Farmer’s Market designing a fairy garden, up-cycling junk as garden • Shawano County Fair decora ons, seed saving, star ng transplants, • Navarino Nature Center compos ng, and soil organisms. Kids were • Heritage Park Garden encouraged to dive into projects, get dirty, to learn • Pine Manor Health and Rehabilita on the science behind growing plants, and use their crea ve abili es to beau fy their environment with natural and recycled materials. More than 200 kids were encouraged to fuel their passion for gardening! University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 67 The Master Gardener Program in Sheboygan County

Sheboygan County UWEX Offi ce 5 University Drive The Master Gardener Program in Sheboygan County Sheboygan, WI 53081 started in 1988. Over 397 people have been trained sheboygan.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 66 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Mike Ballweg. Youth Ed 120 hours Delivering Educa onal Programs Adult Ed 223 hours Support 4,142 hours The MGV Educa on Commi ee developed an Total 4,485 hours extensive off ering of educa onal programs reaching more than 300 people. Eight programs ranged Value* $100,834 from bus trips to presenta ons about phenology, Since 2000: 64,251 hours at a value of beekeeping and perennial plant communi es. over $1,204,572 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per Garden Engages Kids in Plants and Reading hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. Bookworm Gardens, a free, two-acre, public garden supported by MGVs, 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 Co age to the Charlo e’s Web barn and vegetable garden, children (and adults) are transported into the world of books, plants and gardens. MGVs help maintain the storybook gardens, play storybook characters, and serve in leadership posi ons on the Bookworm Gardens Board. Enhancing End of Life Pa ent’s Well-being The Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice Where you can fi nd activities by accepts end of life pa ents regardless of their ability MGVs in Sheboygan Co. to pay. An integral part of the Hospice’s philosophy is • Bookworm Gardens, UW-Sheboygan that pa ents and their families fi nd peace, tranquility • Genera ons, Plymouth and healing when surrounded by the beau ful things • John Michael Kohler Arts Center in nature. MGVs have been enhancing the landscape • Kohler Andre State Park, Town of Wilson and aesthe cs of the hospice grounds (nurturing • Marsh Park Tower, Elkhart Lake the rose garden and plan ng 500 daff odil bulbs) • Plymouth Art Center, Plymouth and have introduced the concept of “hor cultural • A Closer Look on Community TV therapy”. The beau ful fl ower gardens provide an • UW Sheboygan Campus, Sheboygan environment that creates tranquility and healing to enhance the well-being of pa ents, their caregivers and the hospice staff .

St. Croix County UWEX Offi ce 1960 8th Avenue, Suite 140 The Master Gardener Program in St. Croix County Baldwin, WI 54002 started in 1997. Over 401 people have been trained stcroix.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 103 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2016. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Diana Alfuth. Youth Ed 147 hours Providing Educa on to the Public Adult Ed 408 hours Support 3,165 hours Garden U is a day-long educa onal program hosted Total 3,720 hours by MGVs each year. Over 165 par cipants fi lled the room this year to hear 3 high-quality expert Value* $83,626 speakers discuss mely informa on to help them be Since 2000: 47,722 hours at a value of successful gardeners and good stewards of the land. over $882,440 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per Because of the con nued success of this community hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. program, MGVs were able to add the profi ts to their community grant program (see below). Researching the Best Plants for Local Home Gardens In the 4th year of a variety trial program, MGVs provided 4 varie es each of diff erent species of vegetables and fl owers for par cipants to grow in their home gardens and evaluate for a variety of traits, including germina on, produc on, fl avor and overall success. The goal is to collect data which can be used to make recommenda ons about which varie es are best for home gardeners in western Wisconsin so residents can be more successful in their eff orts to grow their own food. Plant Sale Proceeds Support Community Programs Where you can fi nd activities by The annual plant sale hosted by the St. Croix Valley MGVs in St. Croix Co. Master Gardener Associa on of St. Croix and Pierce Hudson Farmers Markets Coun es features plants divided out of members’ • St. Croix County Fair gardens or planted from seed. A huge community • Baldwin Community Garden following makes the sale a highly an cipated event • New Richmond Community Garden each year, with customers wai ng at the curb for • CCH Nursing Home Therapy Garden the opening, some mes in pouring rain. This year • St. Patrick School Garden was another year of record profi ts, which are then • City of Hudson Parks distributed through a community grant program. In • Houlton School Garden 2016 over $6,000 was given in grants to 36 diff erent projects across the two coun es, such as to school gardens, therapeu c gardens, hunger preven on eff orts and community beau fi ca on projects. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 69 The Master Gardener Program in Vilas County

Vilas County UWEX Offi ce 330 Court Street The Master Gardener Program in Vilas County Eagle River, WI 54521 started in 2010. Over 130 people have been trained vilas.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 14 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Summer Hor culturist/Nutri on Educator Mary Youth Ed 154 hours Stys. Adult Ed 187 hours Educa ng About Na ve Plants Support 426 hours Total 767 hours The Na ve Plant Demonstra on project has developed slowly over the years as a collabora ve Value* $17,253 eff ort of Northland Pines High School students and Since 2010: 12,961 hours at a value of staff , Vilas County Conserva on Staff , and MGVs over $237,266 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per to spread knowledge of using na ve plant species hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. in landscaped garden designs. Students are being exposed to concepts of na ve plant gardening, plan ng techniques, garden design principles. Insects are using the plants as pollen sources and breeding habitat. MGVs sponsored a public presenta on and tour of the Garden in September. Garden Walk Benefi ts School Bee Project Over 105 people visited seven private gardens in July at the Vilas Co. MGA Garden Walk to benefi t the Northland Pines Middle School “Hive Alive! Sweet Science” Honeybee Project. $850 was donated to further educa on on the importance of bees to our food and plant pollina on. In the fall the students extracted and bo led honey, giving away small jars Where you can fi nd activities by of honey to community members who a ended the MGVs in Vilas Co. open event. • Northwoods Children’s Museum Garden Bicycle Planters Enliven Downtown • Northland Pines Schools MGVs spray painted three adult and one child’s bikes • Eagle River Mainstreet planters to incorporate into the city landscaping to highlight • Eagle River Farmers Market our beau ful bike trails that pass through the • Land o’ Lakes Community Garden downtown area. They were placed in the gardens at • Arbor Vitae Community Garden the old train Depot and at the Chamber of Commerce • MGV Monthly Garden Presenta ons building to welcome visitors to our community. Wire • Olson Memorial Library Seed Library baskets on the handle bars and over the back res were lined with moss and planted with fl owers that ed in with the bright pink and orange color scheme used in the city’s hanging baskets and pots this year. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 70 The Master Gardener Program in Walworth County

Walworth County UWEX Offi ce 100 W Walworth Street The Master Gardener Program in Walworth County Elkhorn, WI 53121 started in 1999. Over 404 people have been trained walworth.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 77 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Chrissy Wen. Youth Ed 309 hours Just for Kids Teaches Gardening to Children Adult Ed 620 hours Support 4,958 hours MGV Susan Hughes partnered with the Just for Kids Total 5,914 hours summer day care program to provide youth ranging in age from 7 to 11 years old the opportunity to Value* $132,947 engage in growing food from seed and connec ng Since 2000: 50,793 hours at a value of with natural resource conserva on. The group met over $980,670 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per for 1.5 hours a week and par cipated in 12 weekly hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. lessons that were adapted from the Junior Master Gardener Program Handbook and jmgkids.us online resources. Between 9-13 youth par cipated weekly. Garden Walk Supports Local Scholarships Nearly 400 individuals par cipated in the biennial Garden Walk. The event raised $5,807 that will be used toward a sustained scholarship fund for Walworth County students pursuing an educa on in hor culture, agriculture, or natural resources. The Walworth County Master Gardener Volunteer Associa on provides two $1,000 annual scholarships. Bee Hotel Project Helps Threatened Species Bee hotels are man-made structures that provide nes ng habitat for na ve solitary bees that are Where you can fi nd activities by threatened because of habitat loss. The project MGVs in Walworth Co. engaged 16 classrooms and mul ple individuals • Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy who signed up to build bee hotels, including over • Lake Geneva Farmers Market 200 youth and 25 adult learners. A team of UW- • White River County Park Extension staff and MGVs mentored classrooms and • Walworth County Government Center provided hands-on lessons about pollinators. The • Genoa City Library hotels were featured on Pollinator Lane, an area at • Walworth County Fair the 2016 Farm Technology Days held in Walworth • Darien Elementary School County that highlighted pollinator friendly na ve • Open Arms Free Clinic plants and the impact of hor culture in Wisconsin. Hundreds of people visited this area and connected with MGVs over three days. Many of the hotels can now be seen at local county parks. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 71 The Master Gardener Program in Washburn County

Spooner Ag Research Station W6646 WI-70 The Master Gardener Program in Washburn County Spooner, WI 54801 started in 1999. Over 154 people have been trained spooner.ars.wisc.edu/ since that me, and there are currently 15 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Kevin Schoessow. Youth Ed 57 hours Mini-Master Gardeners Adult Ed 197 hours Support 1,018 hours We hosted a Mini Master Gardener Short Course Total 1,272 hours for youth and their families. Twenty-four youths and 16 adults par cipated in two sessions held at Value* $28,606 a local greenhouse and the Spooner Agriculture Since 2000: 18,395 hours at a value of Research Sta on. Par cipants explored the secrets over $336,541 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per of soil, incredible edibles, seeds, sprouts and shoots, hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. compos ng, weeds, waste free watering, ver cal gardening, and small space gardens. Award Winning Teaching & Display Garden The Spooner Agriculture Research Sta on Teaching and Display Garden is designed and maintained with the help of volunteers. During the growing season the garden hosts many training events and has visitors from schools, garden clubs, and residents of the area. Featured in the garden this year was a revamp of the perennial display garden into a cer fi ed Monarch Way Sta on with na ve plan ngs. The garden has won na onal awards for the past four years from the All American Selec ons Landscape Garden Design Contest, this year winning Where you can fi nd activities by second place with the theme of Pollinator Educa on. MGVs in Washburn Co. Third Graders Learn In School Gardens • Spooner Agriculture Research Sta on The Spooner Elementary School Helping Hands Teaching and Display Garden Garden is maintained by third-grade students under • School Gardens in Spooner, Shell Lake the guidance of MGVs and other adults. The classes • New Ventures Garden Seminar, Minong started peppers, tomatoes, and squash from seed • Stone Lake Lions Park beginning in April and planted the garden last week • Washburn County Family Fest of May/fi rst week of June. In addi on to nutri ous • Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary food crops harvested from the gardens, fl owers • Washburn County Fair fi lled beds designed by the third-graders and an abundance of tasty herbs were enjoyed. This garden as well as the Experiences Garden in the Middle School are open to the community. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 72 The Master Gardener Program in Washington County

Washington County UWEX Offi ce 333 East Washington Avenue The Master Gardener Program in Washington County West Bend, WI 53095 started in 2009. Over 155 people have been trained washington.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 31 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Educator Stephanie Plaster. Youth Ed 159 hours Community Gardens Address Elder Food Deserts Adult Ed 266 hours Support 2,094 hours Although lack of access to fresh produce frequently Total 2,520 hours occurs in inner city loca ons, this situa on exists in many other communi es. To assist the many seniors Value* $56,650 who cannot a end a farmers’ market, or won’t Since 2009: 19,741 hours at a value of purchase items at the grocery bagged in amounts over $403,586 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per too large for a single person, MGVs maintain a plot hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. in each of our community gardens to donate all of the produce to the local senior center. This season 650 pounds of produce was delivered during the growing season, for seniors to take home for free. Off ering Informa on in Our Communi es We have a booth at several community func ons, including the West Bend Farmers’ Market, the Washington County Fair, and the Mother Earth Fair. People approach our booths with ques ons about their gardens — pests bothering their plants, what successes they have had, and ques ons about the MG program. We also invite the public to our mee ngs that include an educa onal talk on gardening topics. Using Facebook to publicize these Where you can fi nd activities by programs has resulted in an increase in a endance MGVs in Washington Co. since using social media. • Germantown Community Gardens Answering Ques ons at the Farmers’ Market • West Bend Community Gardens Our booth at the West Bend Farmers’ Market off ers • Washington County Fair & Fairgrounds a reliable opportunity for people to get accurate • Har ord Park “Jumping Cows” garden informa on on growing plants and controlling • West Bend Farmers Market pests. New MGVs work alongside seasoned MGs at • Threshold Adap ve Gardening Plot the booth to fi nd informa on for ques ons. If the • Mother Earth News Fair ques ons need more research, we off er to take • Plant Health Hot Line an email address or phone number to get back to the person. We have off ered starts of plants at the beginning of the season, like chives, for gardener “newbies” to try. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 73 The Master Gardener Program in Waukesha County

Waukesha County UWEX Offi ce 515 W Moreland Boulevard The Master Gardener Program in Waukesha County Waukesha, WI 53188 started in 1998. Over 1,084 people have been trained www.waukeshacounty.gov/uwex/ since that me, and there are currently 246 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Consumer Hor culture Educator Ann Wied. Youth Ed 2,380 hours Community Values Garden Talks & Demo Garden Adult Ed 8,546 hours Support 4,879 hours The Master Gardener ProHealth Care WMH- Total 15,805 hours Kitchen Garden and Garden Talk Series provides the Waukesha Memorial Hospital community many Value* $355,291 opportuni es to learn about gardening. 175 people Since 2000: 183,755 hours at a value a ended six free gardening presenta ons by MGVs of over $3,398,446 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per throughout the growing season at the hospital. In hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. addi on, MGVs have a vegetable demonstra on garden located in the courtyard of the hospital. Each presenta on ends in the garden so par cipants can also learn from the garden. Over 336 pounds of vegetables were donated to a local food pantry. County Fair Exhibit Educates Youth and Adults MGVs provided three hands-on ac vi es and gardening informa on for youth and adults the Waukesha County Fair. Par cipants learned about plan ng seeds, invasive plants and insects, compos ng, and vegetables. MGVs also answered gardening ques ons and off ered educa onal literature on a number of topics. Booth space was shared with UW-Extension 4-H who were happy to Where you can fi nd activities by have addi onal educa onal ac vi es at their site. MGVs in Waukesha Co. Vegetable Garden Feeds the Homeless and Hungry • Waukesha County Fair Green Power Garden is located in Waukesha on a • Brookfi eld Farmer’s Market six-acre property. Four acres are lled and planted • Eble Park with vegetables. MGVs plant and tend the garden • Oconomowoc Arts Center and provide educa on to youth groups, community • St. James Community Gardens groups, and others who come to volunteer at the • Pewaukee Library Rain Garden garden. In 2016, over 3,275 pounds of produce were • Community Outreach Events harvested and donated to two local organiza ons. • North Lake Town Hall Library Produce dona ons helps one organiza on provide free meals at their outreach center meal program and day center. Produce is also donated to a local food pantry. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 74 The Master Gardener Program in Waupaca County

Waupaca County UWEX Offi ce 811 Harding Street The Master Gardener Program in Waupaca County Waupaca, WI 54981 started in 1994. Over 195 people have been trained waupaca.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 29 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Greg Blonde. Youth Ed 345 hours Garden Walk Showcases Growing Plants Adult Ed 77 hours Support 2,162 hours Nine unique gardens in and around the City of New Total 2,584 hours London on a garden walk hosted by MGVs were the se ngs to provide informa on and educa on to Value* $58,100 205 gardeners. The very diverse gardens included a Since 2000: 63,853 hours at a value of fruit and vegetable farm, a trout farm, a children’s over $1,145,580 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per garden, several with large perennial gardens, and hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. one emphasizing container gardens. At each garden ar sts demonstrated and sold their cra s. MGVs were on hand to answer ques ons or provide UW- Extension Fact Sheets pertaining to the diff erent types of gardens. Teaching Youth About Plants MGVs work with the 4-H Program and other youth in several ac vi es. They par cipated in the Super Saturday project learning opportunity, teaching young 4-H members how to make plant cu ngs. Children enrolled in the city recrea on program were taught by MGVs weekly throughout the summer with the children’s gardens. Each week highlights a diff erent topic and the children also get Where you can fi nd activities by to work in their own garden plot. MGVs also help MGVs in Waupaca Co. with the Waupaca County Fair, helping par cipants in the Junior division who don’t know how to display • Waupaca County Fair Grounds their entries learn how to present them to the best • Budwit Garden advantage. • New London Children’s Garden • Waupaca Head Start Garden Providing Hor culture Educa on to the Community • New London Franklin Park MGVs off er an educa onal program at each of the • Waupaca Children Garen monthly MG Associa on mee ng. Most of these • Waupaca County Fair events are open to the public at no charge. Topics are • Home Show Informa on Booth diverse, including bu erfl y gardening, bulb plan ng in the fall, the Chelsea Flower Show, tomato gra ing, and gardens to visit in Wisconsin. An average of 6 non-MGVs a ended these programs each month. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 75 The Master Gardener Program in Waushara County

Waushara County UWEX Offi ce 209 S St Marie The Master Gardener Program in Waushara County Wautoma, WI 54982 started in 2001. Over 165 people have been trained waushara.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 32 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Agriculture Agent Ken Williams. Youth Ed 19 hours Demo Garden Shows Possibili es Adult Ed 223 hours Support 1,822 hours MGVs partner with Hancock Research Sta on staff Total 2,065 hours to maintain 5 acres of gardens containing annuals, perennials, shrubs, small trees fruits, square foot Value* $46,432 vegetable beds and a raised bed for those who can’t Since 2001: 30,136 hours at a value of bend or are confi ned to wheel chair. These can easily over $570,172 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per be seen from the Interstate as well as viewed up hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. close any me from dawn to dusk. The plants have signage for iden fi ca on and demonstrate what plants can be grown in our zone and local soils. At the annual open house MGVs are on hand to answer ques ons and provide extension materials on wide variety of hor cultural topics. Educa ng the Public MGVs educated over 800 people through answering ques ons and providing extension materials on a wide variety of hor cultural topics at our annual plant sale, open house and tour at Hancock Research Sta on, throughout the four days of the Waushara County Fair, at a community fair in the beginning of October and at the Employee Health Fair at the Where you can fi nd activities by Redgranite Correc onal Ins tu on. Our par cipa on MGVs in Waushara Co. at that last event makes our educa onal off erings more accessible to those employees since their • Waushara County Fair Booth work schedules make it diffi cult for them to a end • Redgranite Raised Bed Comm. Gardens our other educa onal programs. • Covered Bridge Park Gardens • Plan ng Booth at Blue Ribbon Kids Day Teaching Kids About Plants • Plant Sale and informa on booth MGVs partnered with local schools to teach hands- • Community Fair, Wautoma on gardening to over 160 children. Each child was • Hancock Research Sta ons Gardens provided with choice of fl ower or vegetable seed, • Plainfi eld Square Garden along with plan ng medium and mini greenhouse containers. They were guided on how to plant the seed and took home their completed project along with care instruc ons. University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 76 The Master Gardener Program in Winnebago County

Winnebago County UWEX Offi ce 625 E County Road Y The Master Gardener Program in Winnebago county Oshkosh, WI 54901 started in 1990. Over 533 people have been trained winnebago.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 96 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Kimberly Miller. Youth Ed 239 hours Cul va ng a Tribute Garden Adult Ed 1,322 hours Support 6,268 hours The Oshkosh Area Humane Society has a memorial Total 7,830 hours and tribute garden they created to remember pets and people in our community. MGVs work with Value* $174,063 exis ng memorial structures and use plants to Since 2000: 104,154 hours at a value create a serene, medita ve garden space. New to of over $1,936,745 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per the garden area this year are mul ple signs that hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. explain such things as “Crea ng a Monarch Habitat and “Na ve Trees are a Shelter Too”. It also served as the site of a shade tree pruning workshop. Enhancing Omro’s Library Carter Memorial Library, in the heart of Omro adjacent to a busy highway that runs through the town. MGVs worked with the library director to renovate and enhance the landscape around the library. The area appeals to all age groups and func ons as an educa onal site. MGVs are not only improving their own hor culture skills as they maintain the plan ngs, but also educate library visitors at the same me on subjects such as pruning techniques, general gardening prac ces and na ve Where you can fi nd activities by perennials. MGVs in Winnebago Co. Suppor ng the Paine • Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh MGVs are involved in a variety of ac vi es at the • Neenah Octagon House Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh. The estate • Oshkosh Farmers Market features 20 gardens nestled amidst an historic estate • Park View Health Center that are open for public enjoyment and educa on. • Winchester Historical Society Na ve and perennial plants hardy to Wisconsin are • Winnebago County Fair featured in all of the gardens. Sheila Glaske, Curator • Neenah Sha uck Park and Public Library of Hor culture at the Paine, guides MGVs in using • WHBA Home & Outdoor Living Show their talent to beau fy the gardens and educate the community. MGVs also host an Ask the Master Gardener booth at their annual spring plant sale.

Wood County UWEX Offi ce 400 Market Street The Master Gardener Program in Wood County Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 started in 1997. Over 425 people have been trained wood.uwex.edu since that me, and there are currently 68 cer fi ed Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension Educator facilita ng the MG Program Volunteer Service in 2016 is Hor culture Educator Jeremy Erickson. Youth Ed 420 hours MGVs Focus on Public Educa on Adult Ed 300 hours Support 7,544 hours MGVs reached 6,035 adults and 6,965 youth through Total 8,264 hours 31 diff erent projects throughout Wood County at garden sites, libraries, fes vals, parks, seminars, Value* $185,755 and mee ngs. Our educa onal topics varied from Since 2000: 106,589 hours at a value (hands-on) renova on of a bu erfl y garden site to a of over $1,946,266 * using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per virtual tour of an English Garden. Over 2,000 youth hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates. visited our indoor veggie garden displays in April and walked away with a sunfl ower kit to grow at home. Bears in Gardens...Oh My! MGVs helped two Kodiak bear cub siblings feel more at home in the new bear pen at Wildwood Zoo in Marshfi eld by surrounding the area with trees, shrubs, and many na ve plan ngs. Pumpkins were also planted for the public and the bears to enjoy this fall. The bears are a big drawing card for this park displaying North American animals in natural se ng as at mes the cubs are just a few feet away... watching the gardeners work. This is also the site of our Fall Plant Sale held during Maple Fest. Sensory Gardens off ers Seniors Serenity Where you can fi nd activities by Located close to the Wisconsin River, the garden at MGVs in Wood Co. Edgewater Haven Nursing Home in Port Edwards • Wood Co. Libraries caters to the needs of the residents, with a cement • Farmer’s Markets path enabling wheelchairs to roll freely. MGVs have • Central Wisconsin State Fair created a place of beauty, serenity, and peace where • Q & A at the UW-Extension Offi ce residents can reminisce about the “olden days” • Hort. Educa on Center, WI Rapids Zoo while picking strawberries and blueberries from • Pi sville Historical Society raised gardens and interac ng with the MGVs who • Lowell Senior Center maintain this site. Flowers are for smelling and or • Annual Garden Walk picking. Benches and tables create an invi ng space for residents and visitors to sit and enjoy the birds, fl owers, and visit with each other.

University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. 78 The mission of the Wisconsin Master Gardener Association is to support and provide leadership to individual master gardeners and local organizations in their mission to assist UW-Extension in community horticultural programs through volunteerism, education and environmental stewardship.