Volunteers in Horticulture Annual Accomplishment Report of the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program 2010

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

Program Coordinator — Susan Mahr (608) 265-4504, [email protected] Educational Director — Robert Tomesh (608) 265-4536, [email protected]

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

2 Table of Contents Program Highlights for 2010 ...... 5 Executive Summary ...... 6 Community Impacts in 2010 ...... 8 Special Report: Protecting and Conserving our Water Resources ...... 10 Statistical Report ...... 12 Local Association Narrative Reports ...... 14 Adams County Master Gardeners ...... 15 Ashland-Bayﬁ eld County Master Gardeners ...... 16 Barron County Master Gardeners ...... 17 Bluff Country Master Gardeners (La Crosse Co.) ...... 18 Calumet County Master Gardeners ...... 19 Chippewa Valley Master Gardeners ...... 20 Clark County Master Gardeners ...... 21 Columbia County Master Gardeners ...... 22 Dodge County Master Gardeners ...... 23 Door County Master Gardeners ...... 24 Dunn County Master Gardeners ...... 25 Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners (Eau Claire Co.) ...... 26 Fond du Lac County Master Gardeners ...... 27 Glacial Gardeners (Florence Co.) ...... 28 Grant County Master Gardeners ...... 29 Iowa County Master Gardeners ...... 30 Jefferson County Master Gardeners ...... 31 Juneau County Master Gardeners ...... 32 Lake Superior Master Gardeners ...... 33 Madison Area Master Gardeners (Dane Co.) ...... 34 Manitowoc County Master Gardeners ...... 35 Master Gardeners of the North (Oneida Co.) ...... 36 North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners (Marathon & Lincoln Cos.) ...... 37 North Country Master Gardeners (Burnett, Sawyer & Washburn Cos.) ...... 38 Northeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners (Brown Co. & surrounding area) ...... 39 Northern Lights Master Gardeners (Marinette Co.) ...... 40 Northwoods Master Gardeners (Forest Co.) ...... 41 Outagamie County Master Gardeners ...... 42 Ozaukee Master Gardeners ...... 43 3 Polk County Master Gardeners ...... 44 Portage County Master Gardeners ...... 45 Racine-Kenosha Master Gardeners ...... 46 Range Master Gardeners (Iron Co.) ...... 47 Rock Prairie Master Gardeners (Rock Co.) ...... 48 St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners (Pierce & St. Croix Cos.) ...... 49 Sauk County Master Gardeners ...... 50 Shar-A-Gardeners (Waushara Co.) ...... 51 Sheboygan County Master Gardeners ...... 52 South Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners (Green Co.) ...... 53 Southeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners (Milwaukee & Waukesha Cos.) ...... 54 Taylor County Master Gardeners ...... 55 Thyme Shares Master Gardeners & Friends (Marquette Co.) ...... 56 Vilas County Master Gardeners ...... 57 Walworth County Master Gardeners ...... 58 Washington County Master Gardeners ...... 59 Waupaca County Master Gardeners ...... 60 Winnebago County Master Gardeners ...... 61 Wolf River Master Gardeners (Shawano & Menominee Cos.) ...... 62 Wood County Master Gardeners ...... 63

Local associations that did not submit narrative reports for 2010: Coulee Region (Buffalo, Jackson & Trempealeau Cos.) ...... A Crawford Co. Master Gardeners ...... B Lafayette County Master Gardeners ...... C Rusk County Master Gardeners ...... D

4 Master Gardener Volunteers Make a Difference

Program Highlights - 2010 • There are over 2942 trained MGVs who have certifi ed or recertifi ed for 2010. • Approximately 883 MGVs were trained in 2010 through the MG Program Offi ce and are now working to complete their initial volunteer and certifi cation requirements.

Master Gardener Volunteers in Wisconsin contributed 209,509 hours to UW-Extension and their communities in 2010. The value of their volunteer service is worth more than $4.37 million* throughout the state. (* using an estimated dollar value of volunteer time of $20.85 per hour as calculated by Independent Sector)

10,873 hours in Youth Education 37,851 hours in Community Education 160,784 hours in Support Services • This represents an average of over 71 hours of service per volunteer annually. • MGs also participated in over 74,872 hours of continuing education hours to keep them actively learning and updated. • Outstanding accomplishments in cumulative volunteer efforts through 2010 include:

2,927 with 150 hours of service (338 new this year) 1,826 with 250 hours of service (215) 825 with 500 hours of service (110) 479 with 750 hours of service (67) 302 with 1000 hours of service (47) 61 with 2500 hours of service (15) 17 with 5000 hours of service (1) 2 with 10000 hours of service (0) 1 with 15000 hours of service (0)

• Two local MG associations joined the Wisconsin Master Gardener Association in 2010, bringing the total number of afﬁ liated associations to 53.

5 Executive Summary The seed for the Master Gardener (MG) program was planted in 1972 by Washington State Cooperative Extension. MG Volunteers (MGVs) were trained to extend Extension’s outreach to community residents in educating people about horticulture. The MG program began in Wisconsin through the UW- Extension in the late 1970’s. Local MG groups banded together in 1992 to form the Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (WIMGA). The mission of the WIMGA is to support and provide leadership to individual MGVs and local organizations in their mission to assist UW-Extension in community horticultural programs through volunteerism, education and environmental stewardship. The WIMGA is the communication link between MGVs throughout the state and a voice for ideas and issues relating to the MG program. Several members of the WIMGA Board of Directors sit on the WI MG Advisory Committee with UW- Extension Horticulture Specialists and Agents to recommend policy for the MG program. The WIMGA is a statewide organization that supports 53 local MG associations and individual MGVs. WIMGA’s Board of Directors is made up of 15 dedicated MGVs, with two Directors from each of the 6 UW-Extension districts plus three Members-At-Large. They meet monthly over the WisLine network and at least twice a year face-to-face. Some of the major accomplishments of WIMGA for 2010 include: • Published the WIMGA Annual Accomplishment Report for 2010. • Conducted the 2010 Annual Meeting in Sheboygan, with nearly 250 MGVs attending. • Worked with the WI MG Coordinator on website, bimonthly newsletter and more. • Welcomed two new MG local groups to the WIMGA: Vilas Co. in March and Dunn Co. in October. • Awarded a total of $3,400 in Education Grants to local MG associations: Three $100 grants: Jefferson Co. MGA, Vilas Co. MGA, and Wolf River MGA. Six $250 grants: Barron Co. MGA, Fond du Lac Co. MGA, Jefferson Co. MGA, Vilas Co. MGA Washington Co.MGA, and Winnebago Co. MGA. Four $400 grants: Door Co. MGA (youth program in the community garden); Northern Light MGA (Children’s Learning Garden at Harmony Arboretum); Polk Co. MGA (laptop computer); Wolf River MGA (heirloom rose garden at Heritage Park & Museum). • Contributed $1,000 to the WI Junior Horticulture Association to help defray the costs of WI youth attending the National Conference and $750 to the National Jr. Hort. Association for program expenses and Contest Sponsorship. • Donated $3,000 to the UW-Extension Master Gardener Foundation Fund. • Provided $4,000 to Wisconsin Public Television to sponsor The Wisconsin Gardener program. • Provided $2,000 to Wisconsin Public Radio to sponsor Larry Meiller’s Garden Talk program. • Assisted UW-Extension with a booth at Farm Technology Days.

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

6 Activities of the MG Program Coordinator • Respond daily to inquiries by phone, or email and provide information on the MG program, policies, projects, activities, and training, and general horticulture questions. • Update website weekly with calendar of events, horticulture information and timely educational articles. Thirty fi ve educational articles were posted on the MG website (a new title approximately every 10 days). The site was completely redesigned to make information more accessible. • Participate in monthly WIMGA board meetings and twice yearly WI MG Advisory Board meetings and provide updates on progress of various projects and input on issues. • Publish bi-monthly (six issue/year) 8-page newsletter that is direct mailed to all members of the WIMGA, each county Extension offi ce and others, or sent electronically upon request. • Produce the WIMGA annual accomplishment report. A 64-page report was produced for 2009 and was distributed to all local association board representatives, Extension administrators, and others, with access to anyone as a downloadable fi le on the MG website. • Collect annual volunteer hour reports, tabulate in database, and summarize statistics for reports. • Assist WIMGA in planning annual conference, registration forms and publicity materials. • Develop program policies. • Evaluate and improve training materials. PowerPoints and online, self-directed training modules are being developed for general training to coordinate with the manual (with a committee composed of MGs, Horticulture Agents and Specialists). Learning modules accessible on the website now include Introduction to Leaves, Introduction to Pollination, and Insect Orders. • Provide program supplies to MGs and local Associations (name badges, certifi cates, member cards, banners, displays, etc.). • The MG Foundation Fund established through the UW Foundation in December 2001 had a market value of over $61,500 (last valued June 30). All donors were invited to a special Garden Party at the Coordinator’s home in August as a token of appreciation for their contributions. • Provide information about the MG program. Susan Mahr (608) 265-4504 [email protected]

Activities of the Educational Director • Provide general training course during spring, including scheduling, preparing and distributing course materials, coordinating fi ber-optic and WisLine presentations, and developing and maintaining video and CD collections for general training. • Provide specialized training course during fall (Woody Ornamental, Landscapeing and Lawns in 2010), including scheduling, preparing and distributing course materials, coordinating and hosting fi ber-optic and WisLine presentations, and developing and maintaining video collections. • Develop and present advanced training opportunities, including coordinating horticulture fi eld days and special program events at UW-Agricultural Research Stations. • Assist with the organization of MG horticulture demonstration gardens and education booths for Farm Technology Days. • Respond to Agriculture Agent and volunteering MG inquiries and provide continuing horticulture support by phone and email. • Provide Horticulture In-services for new agents, part-time summer agents and MGs volunteering in county UW-Extension offi ces, such as Handling Horticulture Inquiries in the UWEX Offi ce. • Coordinate and participate in continuing horticulture topic updates through weekly WI Horticulture Update teleconferences and transcripts and monthly MG Brown Bag teleconferences. Robert Tomesh (608) 265-4536 [email protected]

7 Master Gardener Volunteers Make a Difference Community Impacts - 2010 Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) in the state’s 72 counties provide a tremendous resource in solving local issues and providing valued education. Their work has an impact on a wide diversity of people and communities across the state. • Assisting UW-Extension with Consumer Horticulture. Manitowoc Co. MGVs staff their Plant Clinic at the UWEX offi ce three times a week to answer homeowner horticulture questions. MGVs in Walworth Co. took special training to become Plant Health Advisors so they could staff a hotline at the UWEX offi ce and better answer questions at events. • Providing Valued Education. Northern Lights MGA (Marinette Co.) held their 15th annual Spring Garden Conference this year, with seven MGAs as presenters. Outagamie Co. MGVs offered a series of free monthly programs at the Appleton Farmers Market on a wide variety of topics, including seed starting, organic gardening, herbs, and vegetables. Wolf River MGVs taught hands-on classes on a wide variety of topics at the Menominee Co. UWEX offi ce in spring and fall. • Beautifying Our Communities. Polk Co. MGVs planted annuals on the grounds of the Polk Co. Justice Center, as well as at three other Polk Co. public buildings in Balsam Lake, and maintained garden beds at Golden Age Manor Nursing Home in Amery, the gardens at the Polk Co. Fairgrounds and the gardens at the Polk Co. Historical Museum. • Teaching Children About Gardening. North Central WI MGVs developed a three part workshop for families to help kids learn about growing and eating vegetables starting with a take-home “Pizza- in-a-Bucket” garden. The Hayward Primary School BloomingKids Garden was a collaboration of North Country MGVs, parents, and teachers in Sawyer Co. Classroom activities and an outdoor garden helped K-2nd grade students grow produce to donate to a local food pantry and have one home-grown lunch. The St. Croix Valley MGA gave the local YMCA a grant to help support their Summer Uproar camp, during which they planted a garden to help kids to learn about vegetables and how to grow them. Several MGAs, including Chippewa Valley and Waupaca Co., participate in the Got Dirt? program to educate teachers on integrating gardening activities in the classroom. • Bringing Gardeners Together. The Northwoods MGA (Forest Co.) organized the fi rst ever Garden Fair in Crandon, bringing numerous vendors to one spot for gardening enthusiasts to purchase plants of all types. • Restoring Historic Gardens. Dunn Co. MGVs have been working for several years on the garden at the historic Wilson Place Museum in Menomonie to replicate the original gardens, but on a smaller scale. When the Iowa Co. Historical Society moved and restored a one-room school house, the Iowa Co. MGA developed a landscape and implemented a design that incorporated the types of fl owers children would have seen while walking to school at that time. At Tendick Park near Saukville, Ozaukee MGVs plant and maintain an area inside of a split rail fence near a log cabin with herbs, fl owers and vegetables similar to what might have been planted by early settlers. • Working with Inmates. Rock Prairie MGVs work with several community gardens, training and supervising HUBER work release inmates in managing the gardens. The Sauk Co. MGA started a community garden for the HUBER center in Prairie du Sac, helping the participants gain an appreciation for growing food and educating them on all aspects of vegetable gardening. • Assisting Habitat for Humanity. Jefferson Co. MGVs created a landscape plan, helped build fl ower and vegetable beds, and donated plants for new homeowners in Jefferson. • Educating about Composting. As part of their Master Composter certifi cation requirements, Ashland-Bayfi eld MGVs taught home composting workshops and developed a composting display 8 for teaching purposes. Their exhibit on composting won a blue ribbon at the Ashland Co. Fair. • Helping the Public Learn about Plants. Calumet Co. MGVs on the Chilton Tree Board completed a project to map, identify and label all the trees in Klinkner Park and produced a brochure for educational purposes. Dodge Co. MGVs author a biweekly Ask a Master Gardener column that runs in three county newspapers to answer homeowner questions. • Providing Scholarships to Encourage Students in Horticulture. Three Green Co. area youth were recipients of $1,000 in scholarships through a new program established by the South Central Wisconsin MGA in 2010. Years of successful fund-raising and prudent investment allowed the Southeast WI MGA (Milwaukee and Waukesha Cos.) to establish endowments at two- and four- year colleges and universities (UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point, Milwaukee Area Technology College and Waukesha Co. Technology College) this year. The $115,000 investment will benefi t horticultural students with fi nancial need in perpetuity. • Battling Invasive Species. Adams Co. MGVs had informational fl yers and posters around town and at the county fairgrounds to help people recognize invasive plants. Iowa Co. MGVs organized an invasive species program on Earth Day at Governor Dodge State Park, with students from Dodgeville High School helping pull invasive garlic mustard. • Supporting Community Gardens. The Madison Area MGA has provided both physical and monetary input in the Monona Methodist Community Garden, building raised beds, speciality gardens and a shed for gardener’s use. All of the 3,400 pounds of produce from the Rhinelander Community Garden, planted and maintained by Master Gardeners of the North (Oneida Co.) and other community volunteers, was donated to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. Range Master Gardeners (Iron Co.) presented a check for $1000 to the new Iron Co. Community Garden in Hurley. The St. Croix Valley MGA’s community garden produce about 2,500 pounds of produce despite blight, rain and crop failures. • Teaching the Public About Growing Food. The Lake Superior MGA partnered with the Douglas Co. Hunger Coalition to host fi ve hands-on training session on plants and growing a home vegetable garden. Washington Co. MGVs had a “Fun Edibles” themed display garden at their County Fair to showcase out-of-the ordinary vegetable varieties and edible fl owers. Shar-A-Gardeners (Waushara Co.) promoted the square foot gardening technique to improve vegetable production in their area. • Hosting Plant Sales. Over 10,000 plants were sold at Ozaukee MGA’s Heirloom Plant and Herb Sale including veggies, herbs and heirloom roses, along with garden gadgets, tools, and books. South Central WI MGVs (Green Co.) sold plants they grew and donated at their annual spring plant sale, along with answering gardening questions. Leftover plants were donated to a local charity or used in project fl ower beds. • Turning Learning into Fun. Northeast Wisconsin MGVs staffed a booth at the annual Green Bay Botanical Garden Fair with a theme of “Good Bug, Bad Bug” to educate the public on benefi cial insects and how to control pests. Northern Lights MGVs (Marinette Co.) assisted UWEX with Salsa Night to educate participants about growing tomatoes and other ingredients, followed by a salsa tasting. The Rock Prairie MGA celebrated its 5th Annual Garden Festival with close to 1,000 visitors who took advantage of numerous educational booths and vegetable tasting (grown by the MGVs). The Taylor Co. MGA participated in their County Fair’s “Amazing Race” event, having contestants plant iris rhizomes — and in the process learned why iris often don’t bloom. • Donations to Local Libraries. Range Master Gardeners (Iron Co.) donated over $250 worth of garden books to libraries in Ironwood, MI and Hurley, WI. The Waupaca Co. MGA has a monthly book review of a book the group has donated to local libraries. • Maintaining Demonstration Gardens. The Eau Claire Area MGA completed a new daylily garden at the Eau Claire Expo Center Demo Gardens this year. North Country MGVs (Burnett, Sawyer and Washburn Cos.) developed and maintain the teaching and display gardens at the Spooner ARS. 9 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Protecting and Conserving Our Water Resources Water is one of Wisconsin’s most important natural resources. Not only is it bordered by two Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, our state has over 15,000 inland lakes covering more than 1.2 million acres, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, and over 5 million acres of wetlands, as well as a vast quantity of groundwater. Healthy water is a key to the overall quality of life for all of the state’s residents — human, plant and animal — and most state residents place a high value on this resource. Water quality affects recreation, aesthetics, the economy, health, and property values. The monetary value of clean, safe, and abundant water is beyond calculation. Runoff Management for Improved Water Quality While rain is often welcomed by gardeners looking for a bountiful harvest of fl owers and produce, and by homeowners who like lush, green lawns, it can also result in runoff that has a negative impact on lakes and other waterways. Runoff is excess water that comes from hard surfaces like roof tops, driveways, parking areas, patios, and compacted soils. Runoff water washes debris, fertilizer, petroleum products, and other pollutants down storm drains, bypassing water treatment facilities and emptying out directly into lakes and rivers where it results in algae blooms, fi sh kill and pollution. Polluted runoff can come from both agricultural and urban sources, and is Wisconsin’s number one water quality problem, negatively impacting an estimated 90% of Wisconsin’s lakes. Urban runoff is one of the largest sources of non-point water contamination, but relatively small, inexpensive projects can reduce the run-off from roofs and pavement. Rain gardens are a popular way for individuals and businesses to reduce polluted runoff. These specialized gardens capture excess water, keeping it on the surface to allow it to slowly fi lter into the ground rather than run off into the storm sewer. They handle stormwater at its source, decrease the velocity of water fl owing from impervious surfaces, improve water quality before it enters a waterway, and can also provide wildlife habitat. Many Master Gardener Associations (MGA) have built rain gardens to manage runoff in various locations. For example, the Fond du Lac MGA redesigned and refurbished an existing rain garden at UW-Fond du Lac. The Southeast Wisconsin MGA (Milwaukee and Waukesha Cos.) has three established rain gardens at the Wisconsin State Fair, The Value of a Rain Garden Havenwoods State Forest and at Pewaukee Public Wood Co. MGVs created a large rain Library. The Pewaukee Public Library rain garden is garden at Anderton Community Park actually a detention area that works well in absorbing in the Town of Sherry. The garden was large rainfalls. Some of their community gardens located between the park and the town hall, also use rain gardens. Racine-Kenosha MGVs have which is lower in elevation. When the area helped develop and care for several public rain gardens experienced a 4 inch rainfall over 2 days including those at the Racine Visitor Bureau, Sturtevant this September, the rain garden captured Village Hall and at the Waterford Public Library along much of the excess water and provided the the Fox River. The rain garden at the Racine Co. relief needed to protect the town building. Food Bank also includes a teaching garden. With the assistance of Root-Pike-Win, a rain garden has also been created in a previously impervious manufacturing area. Bluff Country MGVs (La Crosse Co.) installed a rain garden at the Kane Street Gardens to prevent runoff from pooling in the parking area for this community garden and also to provide an area to grow herbs. The Sheboygan Co. MGA helped transform a poorly drained area near the entrance of Kohler Andre State Park into an educational rain garden with signs to explain the benefi ts of rain gardens. They also prepared a handout listing the plants in the garden.

10 MGAs also educate the public about rain gardens. Many MGAs have offered seminars or workshops on developing rain gardens. Shar-A-Gardeners MGA (Waushara Co.) hosted a public presentation on rain gardens, and then two MGVs did another presentation on rain gardens at the annual meeting of a local lake association. In northern Wisconsin, the Glacial Gardeners (Florence Co.) developed a traveling display on rain gardens with photos, instructions on building various types of rain gardens, and handouts on the topic to use at their county fair and in adjacent counties in Michigan. The Grant Co. MGA offered a rain garden talk and tour that focused on using native plants. Water Conservation Even though water is generally plentiful in Wisconsin, recent droughts and local water shortages in parts of the state have brought attention to a potential water crisis and ways to minimize impacts on municipal water supplies. The Vilas Co. MGA had an educational session on xeriscaping, landscaping that conserves water. A Waushara Co. MGV, stimulated by concerns about the potential impact on local lakes and ground water levels when a water bottling business tried to open a plant in the area several years ago, developed a presentation on growing prairie and native plants that thrive without supplemental irrigation. The Racine-Kenosha MGA had two educational programs on the importance of water, including a talk on Water — the Key to Sustainable Design. The Portage Co. MGA’s display used at several events and their Farmer’s Market this year was on water wise gardening practices. Rainwater Harvesting Putting Rainfall to Work Rain barrels are one of several measures of residential water conservation programs. MGVs The Columbia Co. MGA focused on managing have been active in educating the public on how to rainwater runoff in their 3rd annual fi eld day for build and use rain barrels to collect rainwater for homeowners and gardeners. Speakers provided irrigating gardens. Several MGAs, including Clark an overview of groundwater quality and ways Co., Grant Co., and Rock Prairie have offered to minimize runoff; showed how to create rain instructional classes on building rain barrels. A gardens for residential lawns, or larger basins to rain barrel workshop was added to the Chippewa catch rain water from suburban parking lots; and Valley MGA’s annual garden seminar, as well as discussed the practical and environmentally- their spring plant sale, because of so much public sound applications for homeowners’ lawns and interest. A number of MGAs, including Barron gardens. Rain barrels were also available for Co., Juneau Co. and Thyme Shares (Marquette purchase at the fi eld day. Co.), assisted local 4-H clubs with rain barrel projects. Southeast Wisconsin MGVs gave several talks about rain barrels and rain gardens, as well as providing this information at booths at three major shows and on garden walks. The Winnebago Co. MGA installed two rain barrels for use in watering the redesigned Oshkosh Area Humane Society Memory/Tribute Garden, while Southeast Wisconsin MGVs installed rain barrels at two historic sites – the Kneeland-Walker Garden (Wauwatosa) and the ‘Dousman’ Stagecoach Inn (Brookfi eld). The Wood Co. MGA demonstrated how crops can be grown without the use of municipal water through the use of rain barrels at their community gardens. Protecting our Shorelands Education about the preservation and management of shorelines is another area many MGVs have been involved in. For example, Waupaca Co. MGVs worked with their local lake associations to help them learn about restoring shorelines. In Eau Claire Co., homeowners could have their lake shore properties evaluated and were given specifi c recommendations to benefi t water quality. These are just a few examples of the many ways MGVs throughout Wisconsin are working to conserve and protect one of our most valuable natural resources — water. For more examples of how MGVs are making a difference in their counties, please read the individual association pages in the full WIMGA 2010 Accomplishment Report. 11 Statistical Report: 2010 MG Volunteer, Continuing Education and Certifi cation Records This information represents 3,203 records submitted by both local MG associations and other counties that are not presently affi liated with the WIMGA. The non-affi liated counties are shaded in the table. All hours are listed as whole numbers. Any fractions were rounded down to the nearest whole number. The Certifi ed MGVs column represent those MGVs who completed the minimum volunteer and continuing education hours required for certifi cation or recertifi cation for 2011. The records information in the table below is listed by county. The totals by county are also depicted on page 14. However, some local associations include more than one county and some associations have a name different than their county location. These are designated with an asterisk in the table. Statistical Information for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2010 (as of November 23, 2010)

State Youth Community Support Total Continuing Certiﬁ ed Members Education Education Services Volunteer Education for County in 2010 Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours 2011

Adams 45 77 63 1490 1631 543 23 Ashland* 32 102 55 517 674 211 11 Barron 55 135 296 1808 2240 837 38 Bayﬁ eld* 26 8 86 545 639 447 16 Brown * 69 137 390 3681 4208 1609 52 Burnett * 12 12 71 336 419 176 9 Calumet 38 162 934 1795 2891 706 36 Chippewa * 75 52 703 1877 2633 638 27 Clark 36 105 79 1727 1911 511 23 Columbia 55 113 122 1124 1359 495 23 Crawford 31 84 169 1739 1992 605 20 Dane * 363 354 1530 10790 12674 3307 158 Dodge 46 36 183 1386 1606 524 23 Door 91 325 191 6378 6894 2759 84 Douglas * 41 49 166 1549 1765 759 38 Dunn 16 8 11 149 168 92 4 Eau Claire * 87 48 1069 4615 5732 1386 66 Florence * 28 122 570 2098 2791 924 21 Fond du Lac 77 172 173 4429 4775 2375 57 Forest * 6 0 72 602 674 132 4 Grant 34 104 165 1297 1566 713 26 Green * 43 40 161 1682 1844 644 35 Green Lake 4 0 120 50 170 35 3 Iowa 22 18 40 458 516 243 12 Iron * 26 22 35 230 288 121 7 Jackson 7 10 202 460 672 584 8 Jefferson 43 188 783 859 1830 644 27 Juneau 48 77 32 1253 1362 899 27 Kenosha * 51 76 478 2909 3464 1882 49 Kewaunee 29 42 53 971 1066 393 20 La Crosse * 115 192 361 3667 4220 1295 36 Lafayette 13 3 135 143 281 91 6 — table continued on page 13 — 12 Statistical Information for the Wisconsin MG Program, 2010 (as of November 23) — cont.

State Youth Community Support Total Continuing Certiﬁ ed Members Education Education Services Volunteer Education for County in 2010 Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours 2011

Langlade 8 22 35 220 277 174 6 Manitowoc 52 20 403 1629 2053 882 32 Marathon * 124 43 397 5803 6243 1856 90 Marinette * 57 6 229 2855 3090 742 36 Marquette * 23 68.5 325 2381 2775 837 22 Milwaukee * 480 1996 11742 7805 21543 11620 362 Monroe 4 12 26 344 383 180 7 Oneida * 63 95 181 3081 3357 823 43 Outagamie 146 446 1303 7243 8993 2782 102 Ozaukee 154 37 263 6317 6617 2322 103 Pierce * 68 36 389 1801 2227 728 47 Polk 31 50 143 636 829 268 20 Portage 113 114 812 3542 4468 1877 83 Price 9 12 9 409 430 248 7 Racine* 151 997 1514 6245 8756 3597 142 Richland 17 6 70 256 332 148 8 Rock * 159 649 734 8972 10356 3084 113 Rusk * 7 7 85 533 626 313 14 Sauk 115 194 713 2184 3091 918 48 Sawyer * 10 195 116 265 577 145 8 Shawano * 16 26 142 546 715 515 14 Sheboygan 81 48 2522 5182 7752 1475 67 St. Croix * 153 187 310 3912 4410 1585 86 Taylor 19 1 33 504 538 251 13 Trempealeau 9 4 9 62 76 10 2 Vernon 6 82 16 83 181 81 4 Vilas 23 68 365 801 1234 895 16 Walworth 73 358 276 3163 3797 1164 67 Washburn * 33 209 94 978 1281 444 25 Washington 66 137 212 2038 2387 569 28 Waukesha * 68 191 1932 1148 3271 1440 53 Waupaca 62 500 201 4554 5255 1130 52 Waushara * 58 13 256 2148 2418 1212 40 Winnebago 126 979 2366 5024 8370 2219 78 Wood 145 182 116 5493 5792 1711 81 TOTALS 4395 10873 37851 160784 209509 74872 2942 * part of a multi-county group or one with noncounty name. These counties and their groups are: • Brown Co. = Northeast Wisconsin (NEW); also includes members from surrounding counties • Burnett, Sawyer and Washburn Counties = North Country MGs • Chippewa Co. = Chippewa Valley • Dane Co. = Madison Area (MAMGA); includes some members from surrounding counties • Douglas Co. = Lake Superior; includes some members from surrounding counties • Eau Claire Co. = Eau Claire Area; includes some members from surrounding counties • Florence Co. = Glacial Gardeners; includes some members from adjacent counties in Michigan • Forest Co. = Northwoods • Green Co. = South Central Wisconsin • Iron Co. = Range Masters; includes members from Gogebic Co., MI 13 • Kenosha Co. = part of Racine-Kenosha MGA • La Crosse Co. = Bluff Country; includes some members from adjacent counties in Minnesota • Marathon Co. = North Central Wisconsin; includes some members from Lincoln Co. • Marinette Co. = Northern Lights • Marquette Co. = Thyme Shares MGs & Friends • Milwaukee Co. = Southeast Wisconsin (SEW); includes members from Waukesha Co. • Oneida Co. = Master Gardeners of the North; includes members from surrounding counties • Pierce Co. = St. Croix Valley MGs; includes MGs from St. Croix Co. and adjacent counties in Minnesota • Rock Co. = Rock Prairie • Rusk Co. = North Country Millennium Gardeners • Shawano Co. = Wolf River; includes members from Menominee Co. • St. Croix Co. = St. Croix Valley MGs; includes MGs from Pierce Co. and adjacent counties in Minnesota • Trempealeau Co. = Coulee Region; also includes Buffalo and Jackson Counties • Waukesha Co. = Southeast Wisconsin (SEW); includes members from Milwaukee Co. • Waushara Co. = Shar-A-Gardeners

1,765 639 288

674 1,234

419 1,281 577 2,791 430 3,357 674 3,090 829 2,240 626 277 538 4,410 2,633 168 —— 6,894 6,243 715 1,911 2,227 5,732

5,255 4,208 1,066 4,468 8,993 5,792 76 672 2,053 1,631 2,418 8,370 2,891 4,220 383 1,362 2,775 170 4,775 7,752

181 3,091 1,359 1,606 —— 6,617 332 2,387 1,992 12,674 3,271 ——21,543 516 1,830 1,566 8,756 3,797 281 1,884 10,356 3,464 Total Volunteer Hours for Counties participating in the Wisconsin MG Program, 2010 (as of November 23, 2010) Local MG Association Narrative Reports On the following pages are reports for 49 of the 53 WIMGA-afﬁ liated local MG associations. These reports include a brief summary of the major activities of each group, highlighting one key project in greater detail. These summaries are intended to provide greater detail about local activities than what is included in the executive summary and short list of community impacts.

14 Adams County Master Gardeners We’ve grown to 82 members, with 21 certifi ed for 2010. In 2010 we volunteered 77 hours in youth education 63 hours in community education 1,490 hours in support service and participated in 543 hours in continuing education The Adams Co. MGA meets monthly with education emphasized. We always invite the general public to participate in the educational lessons. In addition to our winter lessons, we hold tours of member’s gardens or community locations. Some of our winter topics included “Seeds and State Nurseries”, “Growing Mushrooms”, “Proper Mechanics for the Gardener and Tools to Make Gardening Easier”, “How to Establish Your Small Fruits and Plants” and “Native Pollinators”. During the warmer months we hold tours to individual’s homes and gardens, including touring the plantings at the Adams Co. Historical Society Museum and tours at the Hancock Research Station. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Adams Co. MGA helps maintain plantings at several gardens, parks, and other places. For example, we weeded and divided Stella D’Oro daylilies at the industrial park; planted and maintained planters around each entrance and walkway at the Moundview Memorial Hospital; and removed buckthorn at the Adams County Humane Society. 2. MGVs directed the students in planting and maintaining the elementary school garden. This summer grapes and perennials were added to the “Sunfl ower Fort” and Butterfl y Garden. 3. We have a small fruit plant and tree sale as a major fundraiser each year, along with other fundraising activities. The profi ts from these events allowed the MGA to offer three $500 scholarships to area youth and to donate landscape plants to a Habitat For Humanity family. 4. MGVs set up a gardening section at the Adams Co Library and maintained the plants there. We donated a copy of Invasive Plants of the Upper Midwest by Elizabeth Czarapata to the library. 5. Continued our “In the Zone” theme with news articles and planting times in the newsletter and talks at an area farmers’ market. We also had fun activities for “kids’ day” and staffed informational booths at the Adams Co. Fair and Women’s Night Out.

Highlighted Project: Unwanted Invasive Plants This project was conducted in collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR and DOT. We had informational fl yers and put up “Wanted—DEAD” posters around town and the Adams Co. fairgrounds to help people recognize invasive plants. MGVs wrote short articles with pictures and descriptions in our newsletters. We continued this theme for our 20-foot booth display that we staffed at the Adams Co. Fair. The booth had large, colored “wanted” posters, we handed out fl yers and had some examples of the different undesirables. Our goal was to raise the awareness and identifi cation of invasives and instruct people on what to do if they identify an invasive plant on their property. Feedback from fairgoers indicates that we succeeded.

15 Ashland/Bayfi eld County Master Gardeners There are 35 members in our organization, which includes members from Ashland and Bayfi eld Counties, with 27 certifi ed for 2011. Twenty two students took MG general training in 2010 and we expect many will join our association. In 2010 we volunteered 110 hours in youth education 141 hours in community education 1,062 hours in support service and participated in 658 hours in continuing education Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Winter-Spring Garden Series. An annual series, this year’s speakers presented special programs entitled Shrubs for Northern Gardens by a land conservation specialist and member, All About Houseplants by an Ashland fl orist and Totally Tomatoes by our Ag Agent, Jason Fischbach. The public was invited to attend all presentations and attendees received handouts, plants and/or seeds. 2. Garden Tours. Several members hosted garden tours for the enjoyment of members and the public. One tour included a huge fl ower and vegetable garden, an orchard and a bee-keeping operation. Another took place at a lake home where guests toured with the homeowners (both MGVs) and a former MG instructor, then enjoyed a barbeque dinner and home tour. Several members assisted at the annual Bayfi eld in Bloom Garden Tour at the home of two of our members, both MGVs. Their gardens were featured in Midwest Living Magazine in March-April of 2010. 3. “Ask the Master Gardeners”. Our association answered questions at several large public events. The Bay Area Farm and Garden Show in Ashland took place in March. A Bayfi eld in Bloom event at the Bayfi eld Lakeside Pavilion featured Larry Meiller’s live broadcast of Wisconsin Public Radio’s Garden Talk in May. Jason Fischbach was one of three guests that day. We had a booth at the event with MGVs available to answer questions, share information and present Larry with his annual original birthday card, designed and signed by our association members! 4. Field Trips. Members visited two greenhouses this year. In the spring we brought our own containers and purchased plants to fi ll the containers at Whittlesey Creek Farm and Greenhouse. In the fall we participated in a half-day Collecting Seeds workshop at Wild Flower Woods in Washburn. 5. Community Gardens. MGVs design, plant and maintain various community gardens and parks in Namakagon, Cable, Barnes, Ashland and Bayfi eld. These gardens and parks are open to the public.

Highlighted Project: Master Composter Program In April, over 20 people attended an all-day workshop with program instructor Joe Van Rossum from Madison. The workshop was presented at the AERC, formerly the Ashland Agriculture Research Station, to attendees from Ashland to Appleton! We were one of four locations in the state to offer this training. In May, 12 trainees attended Wisline training at UWEX in Washburn. Each trainee needed to ultimately complete fi ve steps in order to become a certifi ed Master Composter (MC). MCs organize and teach home composting workshops and offer compost demonstrations in their communities. Presentations and displays were offered to the public at the Ashland library, a hospital health fair, a county fair and a member’s home. The largest composting exhibit was displayed at the Ashland Co. Fair where we received a blue ribbon. Our MC “Demonstration Box” is stored at UWEX at the Ashland Co. Courthouse and may be signed out for teaching purposes. The Ashland/Bayfi eld Co. area emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship so we expect to see many more composters as a result of this project!

16 Barron County Master Gardeners There are over 41 active members in our association with 38 certiﬁ ed for 2011 and 25 in-training. In 2010 we volunteered 135 hours in youth education 296 hours in community education 1,808 hours in support service and participated in 837 hours in continuing education Our meetings include educational speakers from our ranks and nearby counties and garden tours in the summer with pot-luck meals. The BCMGA major fundraiser is a Spring Plant Sale held at the Barron Co. Fairground. This year, a Fall Plant Sale was held as well. These sales are the major source of funding for our education workshop, Spring Garden Expo. The expo presents speakers on a variety of garden topics, especially gardening in northwest Wisconsin.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Barron Sesquicentennial Garden was completed this summer in time for Barron’s Annual Celebration. Several MGVs were involved in the design and planning of this park which includes a path, gazebo and perennial display. Many attractions were added by the community including a “Barron Bears” sculpture on an existing tree stump. 2. One of the MGA fundraisers was a cookbook that was featured for sale at events like our Spring Garden Expo in April, the Annual Plant Sale in May and the Barron County Fair in July. The cookbook featured many favorite recipes of volunteers and tips for gardening in the area. 3. Three newsletters were issued this year, focused on horticultural issues in the area such as an update on gypsy moth spraying and news of hail damage in the County. All the newsletters included information about the WIMGA and were available to the public at several events. 4. Five MGVs attended a Plant Advisor Training in the spring and assisted Extension Agent Tim Jergenson during the summer with a Horticulture HotLine. As the Extension Offi ce prepares for the 2013 Farm Technology Days being hosted by Barron County, they will be looking for more horticultural help in the offi ce. MGVs also assisted the Extension Offi ce in conducting a market survey of area Farmers Markets. This information will be compiled and shared to help promote Farmer Markets in our area. 5. For the 4-H Discovery Days Program BCMGVs meet monthly to teach young people gardening techniques and environmental education. These classes are balanced between education and fun. Many completed projects are featured at the Barron County Fair. Along with judging horticultural projects there, the BCMGA has a booth and rest area with a special theme. This year’s theme was a garden tea party and included a quiet area for nursing mothers.

Highlighted Project: 4H20 Replenish Barron Co. was one of 16 counties in Wisconsin that received a grant from the 4-H Foundation’s

4H20 Replenish Program for water conservation projects – rain gardens and rain barrels. MGVs implemented the project in Barron Co. by helping families build and install rain barrels. Seven families participated in the fi rst training session using 50-gallon plastic barrels donated by a local cheese factory. The project included an overview of water conservation from the St. Croix Basin Educator. Additional classes are being planned for the coming year. 17 Bluff Country Master Gardeners There are 81 members in this association (which includes members from La Crosse, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Vernon, Monroe and Houston, MN counties), with 70 recertifi ed for 2010 and 28 interns. In 2010 we volunteered 192 hours in youth education 361 hours in community education 3,667 hours in support service and participated in 1,295 hours in continuing education Throughout the year BCMGVs provided community education and support services to the general public through a variety of on-going projects too numerous to list. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Spring Into Gardening. One of our largest efforts each year is the workshop we organize and host for the public in Western Wisconsin. This year’s workshop, held in March, presented 6 sessions with speakers, plus a keynote speaker. Almost 200 attended the 7-hour workshop. 2. La Crosse County Interstate Fair 2010, MG Booth. The BCMGA once again staffed an educational booth at this fair for 21 hours from Thursday through Sunday. The theme was “Common Insects in Your Garden or Backyard” featuring 12 insects. The focus was on how to identify an insect; its impact on the home environment; and preferred methods for prevention and control. We also promoted the MG program and had 25-30 people sign up for more information on the next class. 3. Riverside International Friendship Gardens. RIFG added a Norwegian themed garden to the existing four gardens representing China, France, Germany and Russia. MGVs researched and helped select and plant trees, shrubs and perennials that are native and or common/typical to La Crosse’s 5th sister city, Forde, Norway. This included the University of MN hardy shrub roses named Ole, Lena and Sven; ‘Grefsheim’ Spirea and the National fl ower of Norway (Digitalis or Foxglove). The featured element in the garden was designed in the likeness of a well-known waterfall, ‘Huldefossen.’ Each Wednesday evening, MGVs and other volunteers worked on the garden, followed by a short educational program presented by a MGV. 4. Downtown Main Street, Inc. Project—“Adopt a Planter”. This new project, requested by the Executive Director of Downtown Main Street, Inc., got a late start but 65 planters were still ready for July 4th. Seven MGVs were involved in designing and planting the 3’ x 3’ concrete planters located in the downtown area.

Highlighted Project: Kane Street Gardens Kane Street Gardens was established in 1998 on city-owned (La Crosse) property and began with producing 5,000 lbs. of vegetables the ﬁ rst year. The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse is the main recipient and distributes the harvest. Today, the garden produces tens of thousands of pounds of produce each year which is distributed to people needing food assistance. Volunteers and the community are also invited to take home free, fresh produce. This year we installed a rain garden at the Kane Street Gardens. The main goals were to utilize the water runoff, create a beautiful view and grow culinary herbs for disbursement at the garden. The intention was to slow the water runoff which pools in the street where people park, while protecting the new graveled drive area. Perennials and annuals were interplanted with culinary herbs. Two workshops were presented including Installing and Planting a Rain Garden and Harvesting and Using Herbs. MGVs, along with other volunteers, helped to install and maintain the rain garden. The rain garden added to the volume of edible harvest and created a pleasant entry view while capturing water runoff. Next season, we will continue to reﬁ ne this garden.

18 Calumet County Master Gardeners Our membership has remained constant at 40 members, with 36 recertifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 162 hours in youth education 934 hours in community education 1,795 hours in support service and participated in 706 hours in continuing education As in the past, we have tried to make our meetings fun, educational and relaxing. We now have our Board Meeting right before the membership meeting, thereby eliminating one meeting and doing it all in one night. We have had some inhouse classes on herbs again this past year, watched the video Food, Inc. which stimulated a lot of discussion. As a fun project, our group planted thirty different kinds of dried beans and we will display them this fall at our County Fair. We will also create a cookbook with all bean recipes this year to go along with that display. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our annual plant sale, held on May 15, was again a huge success. This is our major funding effort of the year and the proceeds go towards our scholarship program and funding for our yearly educational events and library book donations for our three local public libraries. 2. This year we awarded three $500 scholarships. One was a new scholarship awarded to a young lady enrolled in the Ornamental Horticulture Program at UW-Platteville. The other two scholarships were renewals for two young men that are attending UW-River Falls. 3. Our group sponsored a bus tour for our members and the general public this summer to tour Growing Power and the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee. 4. We continue to plant and maintain numerous fl ower beds around the county including the City of Chilton, Calumet Co. Courthouse, Calumet Co. Fairgrounds, Homestead Care Center fl ower beds and the Optimist Riverwalk Beds. 5. Members are involved in various projects in the City of Chilton, including planting of hundreds of seedling trees in the school forest. Elementary and middle school students planted hardwood trees and conifers, with MGVs supervising to make certain the students planted the trees correctly. 6. We continue using biological control against purple loosestrife in Calumet Co. Sometimes it seem like we are fi ghting a losing battle, as just as we get one area under control, another new infestation appears.

Highlighted Project: Chilton Klinkner Park One of the projects that the Chilton Tree Board, of which several of our MGVs are members, undertook this year was to identify all of the trees in Klinkner Park. Many of the trees are memorials given in memory of deceased family members. A Wisconsin DNR grant funded this project. MGVs assisted with identifying the trees. Another Tree Board Member created a map and brochure listing all of the trees in the Park. We assigned each tree a number and a wooden 4x4 post was placed near each tree with a permanent number attached. A brochure was produced listing each tree with its corresponding number and location in the Park. The brochures are in a mailbox near the Park Shelter so anyone can take a walking tour of the Park and easily identify each tree. There are over 70 individual trees in this Park. If the public response to this is positive, this same project will be done in several other parks in the City of Chilton. This is a great example of the collaborative effort of several different groups working together to better our communities.

19 Chippewa Valley Master Gardeners There are 49 members in our association, including 5 newly certifi ed for 2011 and 16 currently in training. A total of 27 are certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 52 hours in youth education 703 hours in community education 1,877 hours in support service and participated in 638 hours in continuing education The Chippewa Valley MGA meets regularly with educational topics and tours. This year’s program had an environmental slant with presentations from the Chippewa Co. Land Conservation Department, Veolia Environmental Services, and a tour of the work being done to clean up aquatic invasives on Lake Wissota. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. As interest in community gardens are growing in Chippewa County, a decision was made to mentor a family in each of those gardens. The idea was to promote healthy nutrition and fi tness by having families eat what they grew. CVMGA sponsored the plots and provided seeds and plants to the families. 2. This year’s Think Spring Garden Seminar was the most successful ever with nearly 200 people including attendees, volunteers, and vendors. New vendors were added this year to provide even greater selections for attendees to purchase and a great selection of sessions to choose from. An added feature was a rain barrel workshop where people were able to construct their own rain barrel and take them home with them. The number was limited due to the availability of barrels and space. However, it was very popular and people were welcome to sit in and listen. 3. A committee was formed to organize the annual plant sale. Members divided plants from the group’s community beautifi cation projects and members dug plants from their gardens to overwinter at a MGV’s home. With these and additional donations in the spring there were hundreds of plants for sale. A rain barrel workshop was also added as an extra feature at the plant sale. 4. Booths continue to be a way to promote the MG Program. This year CVMGA had booths at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, Earth Day, and a garden-themed one-day festival in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market. 5. Community beautifi cation projects are ongoing at the Chippewa Falls Visitors’ Center, Senior Center, and the lily gardens. Proposed changes to the intersection at the Visitors’ Center will mean an end to that bed. When that happens more time will be channeled in to other projects.

Highlighted Project: Got Dirt? The Got Dirt? Program is designed to create an environment to increase children’s physical activities and their consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. The class provides teaching aids for teachers and childcare providers to develop the skills they need to teach children about gardening and good nutrition. CVMGA has participated in the Got Dirt? program as part of their yearly program since 2007. The training workshop explains the educational materials provided by the program plus hands- on material covering plant propagation, starting seeds, and transplanting. Information on building rain barrels was also offered as a part of the program this year. This year the CVMGA received a $250 grant from Wal-Mart to build and accessorize a “microfarm” cart. The cart was given away in a drawing from all the teachers and childcare providers who had taken the training workshop so that they could teach gardening and nutrition year round. The winner of the microfarm cart also planned to start seeds to be used for a school garden in a neighboring school.

20 Clark County Master Gardeners We currently have 24 members, with 23 certifi ed for 2011. There were 14 participants in the general training class in 2010, and fi ve have completed the requirements for certifi cation already. In 2010 we volunteered 105 hours in youth education 79 hours in community education 1,727 hours in support service and participated in 511 hours in continuing education The Clark Co. MGA formed as an organization open to the public called “Over the Garden Gate.” While we encourage everyone to become a MGV, anyone who enjoys gardening is welcome at our meetings. We meet the fourth Monday of the month at the Clark Co. Courthouse at 6:00 p.m.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We organize a plant swap every year the Saturday before Mothers’ Day. It is not a fundraiser for our group. We reserve the building, set up tables and provide advertising, and then individuals or groups can sell or swap their plants. This is very well attended with people lining up before the doors open at 7:30 a.m., and sold out by 11:00 a.m. During this time the MGVs coordinate an educational workshop for any children who are interested in attending. The completed projects are gifts to give to their mothers. Various 4-H groups take turns providing refreshments each year as their fundraiser. Next year we plan to hold an additional plant swap the second Saturday of September so the fall plants can be divided and shared. 2. We organized an Ask the Master Gardener session every other Wednesday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are available at that time to help answer any horticulture questions from the public or questions received by the UW-Extension Agent throughout the week. 3. MGVs started cuttings of plants and transplanted them into small pots so that children coming to the Family Fall Festival this year could take home and care for their own indoor plant. 4. MGVs volunteer their time and expertise working at public gardens around town, including The Highground where there is a clean-up session in the spring and fall.

Highlighted Project: Rain Barrels This year we offered an instructional class to teach others how to make their own rain barrels, which they could then take home at a cost of $15 for the class and rain barrel. We continued to make rain barrels for sale at various events as a fundraiser event, selling at $20 a barrel. While this year the rain barrels were mostly overﬂ owing because of all the rain, they will be very helpful for years to come to conserve our other water sources.

21 Columbia County Master Gardeners There are 45 members in our organization, with 23 certiﬁ ed for 2011 and 10 who took general training in spring 2010. In 2010 we volunteered 113 hours in youth education 122 hours in community education 1,124 hours in support service and participated in 495 hours in continuing education The Columbia Co. MGA meets monthly, except in December, with speakers for continuing education. Members participate in a wide variety of beautiﬁ cation, educational and hunger prevention projects.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Along with support from the local Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, MGVs were instrumental in developing an ornamental community garden at the Historic Indian Agency House in Portage. The original request was for an orchard with historic varieties of fruit trees. After MGVs helped planners consider the challenges of creating and maintaining such a garden, the MGVs were invited to help design a more sustainable garden that could become a public gathering space, for special events such as weddings and concerts. MGVs provided fi nancial support as well as help with installation. 2. Local food is the theme for Columbia County’s Savor and Sample Fest, held this year at Lapacek’s Orchard. MGVs provided education on growing apples, raspberries and blueberries at home, helped direct visitors, and provided one of the chef cooking demonstrations using seasonal produce. 3. MGVs helped the UW-Extension offi ce provide education to gardeners at a new community garden in Columbus, at a “green energy” event in Cambria, and helped facilitate some of the MG training sessions, as well as talking to trainees about volunteer opportunities. 4. The UW-Extension offi ce hosted a reception featuring all aspects of local food prior to the September Columbia Co. Board meeting. The MGVs showcased the local food guide that they have worked with the Tourism committee to publish and distribute.

Highlighted Project: Gardening 101 Seminar After building a portable “micro-farm” in 2009 with WIMGA grant funds and using it with third-graders at Rusch Elementary School, the principal and teachers asked if every classroom could experience the micro-farm. From January through May, several MGVs conducted four-week sessions with students in kindergarten through 6th grade. Each session began with a planting day, where MGVs taught or reviewed how seeds grow and what is needed for a healthy plant. The youngest students just sprinkled seeds over the surface of the planting mix, while older classes made plant markers and planted their seeds in tiny rows. The micro-farm is equipped with grow-lights on a timer so the fast-growing plants receive enough light. The biggest challenge was getting the student-farmers to water their crops suffi ciently. They didn’t want to fl ood them out, but as the MGVs stressed watering more strongly each session, the plants looked healthier each time. At the end of the four weeks, the MGVs returned with scissors and salad fi xings, and the students harvested and ate their produce. Some children sampled leaves individually and in the classes where the rows had been labeled, had great fun in identifying different fl avors. They learned that carrot tops taste just like carrots, even though they are green and fern-like. One enthusiastic taster said “I never ate salad before!” The teachers were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the experience, and what a difference it made in children’s willingness to try new foods. The project received good publicity in the local paper, and two additional schools have asked to be part of the program. The biggest result, though, was that Rusch Elementary School implemented a salad bar to enable the students to have healthy choices of fresh vegetables and greens every day. 22 Dodge County Master Gardeners In 2010 we added 20 new members for a total of 48 MGVs. Twenty three are certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 36 hours in youth education 183 hours in community education 1,386 hours in support service and participated in 524 hours in continuing education We meet the fourth Thursday of each month at our county administration offi ce in Juneau. Members are kept informed through a newsletter. A website is maintained for the public. Our UW-Extension Agent, Matt Hanson, offered a general training class for future Master Garden Volunteers.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Dodge Co. residents can now avail themselves of MGV expertise through email at [email protected]. Three county newspapers run a biweekly “Ask a Master Gardener” column in which timely questions are answered by a variety of MGVs. 2. Over the last two years members of our association have worked tirelessly to restore and enhance the gardens at the Seippel Center Homestead and Center for the Arts. 3. Members successfully undertook the massive Clearview Garden relocation project along with the regular maintenance of these gardens. 4. A number of members again participated in the Waupun Home Show which included several educational activities for the beneﬁ t of the community. 5. MGVs continued to work on previously established projects, some of which include an annual May plant sale, annual garden trip, landscaping and gardening education at Daybreak group homes in Waupun and Horicon, Old Time Gathering booth, Horicon and Beaver Dam city planters, Kekoskee Spring Fling booth, Mayville Historical Society Gardens, Horicon Satterlee Clark Historical Garden, Beaver Dam Charter School, as well as numerous schools, churches, and public parks.

Highlighted Project: 2010 Garden Photography Contest The Dodge Co. MGA hosted their fi rst annual Garden Photography Workshop & Contest on June 19, 2010. After months of advertising, event promotion and preparation, 126 photos were submitted in fi ve categories. Three impartial photographers got together the weekend prior to the event to choose fi ve winners in each category. Ribbons and certifi cates were awarded for 1st through 3rd place and certifi cates were awarded for two honorable mention submissions. A “Best of Show” selection was made from the winning photos and the photographer received a beautiful ribbon and $50 cash prize. Winning photos were on display on the day of the workshop. Eileen Herrling, award winning nature and travel photographer, conducted a 2½ hour digital photography seminar offering advice on getting the most from your digital camera as well as seeing the world through the eye of a photographer. Photos submitted were also critiqued by Eileen, with suggestions for how to improve the technical aspects of photography, impact, composition, originality and creativity. The event received rave reviews. The winning photos were put on display at the Seippel Homestead and Center for the Arts, in Beaver Dam, as part of their summer exhibit. 23 Door County Master Gardeners This year we had 100 members including 6 newly certifi ed members. In 2010 we volunteered 325 hours in youth education 191 hours in community education 6,378 hours in support service and participated in 2,759 hours in continuing education This past year two of our members, Barbara and Doug Henderson were the fi rst of our group to reach the 2,500 volunteer hours level. They have had an impact in almost every area of our organization including education; starting the very popular Pesto Festo; many features in The Garden Door; starting the Garden Next Door, our community garden; and the plant sale. They were also instrumental in starting the Volunteer Opportunities Coordinator position and adding the education awards program to our annual banquet.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We have a Volunteer Opportunities Coordinator who helps match the desires and talents of members to the various jobs or needs of the organization. The coordinator compiles and publishes an annual listing of volunteer opportunities which is included in the newsletter and emails. 2. We also have a Publicity Coordinator to make sure information about our education programs and other events gets to the public through the newspapers, radio, ﬂ yers and bookmarks. The bookmarks advertise our education programs on one side and our three main public events—the plant sale and the two open houses—on the other. They are distributed through the public library system. 3. This year’s training class revamped the butterﬂ y garden, one of the oldest areas at The Garden Door, which had become overgrown and weedy. They moved the perennials, killed any remaining vegetation, added compost, then replanted the perennials and mulched the area. A massive stone, over 2½ tons, was arranged for and moved to the garden by one of the class members—especially appropriate as this is the Year of the Escarpment and the stone is from the Door Co. escarpment. 4. One of our education activities this year was silk scarf dyeing with Shelley Ryan using natural materials from The Garden Door, The Garden Next Door and participants’ gardens to dye the scarves. Some participants later dyed and donated scarves for cancer patients. 5. Each year we hold two public events at The Garden Door: The Open House in July and the Taste of The Garden Door in September. This year we added artists to the Open House and grilled vegetables to the Taste of The Garden Door. Over 70% of our members helped in some way at these events. We even had just over three hundred visitors on a cold and rainy September day.

Highlighted Project: Banners to Enhance the MGA’s Visibility We now have several large banners to advertise our events and boost our visibility in the community. The fi rst set of banners was made to advertise our plant sale. A 4x10 ft. plant sale banner is placed by a set of stoplights in Sturgeon Bay on the highway going to the research station where the sale is held. The other banner is a ‘V’ shaped sign by the research station itself. Another set of banners promoting our July Open House and the September Taste of The Garden Door/Pesto Festo at The Garden Door are set up in the same places. The banners are easy to roll and store for the next year. We also purchased two similar vertical banners, one for indoors on a spring set-up, and the other for outdoor events. These banners have our Door Co. MG logo and the state MG logo on the top with the words “University of Wisconsin Extension” in smaller letters above “Door County Master Gardeners.” Below is a picture of a trillium in the woods and under that our website URL. We will use these at our education programs and other events to give us greater recognition in the community. 24 Dunn County Master Gardeners We are a brand new association formed from a base group who received their training in the spring of 2010. We are joined by MGVs who were either active or lapsed members of MGAs in surrounding counties but live in Dunn Co. We had 18 paid members as of October 2010 and 4 certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 8 hours in youth education 11 hours in community education 149 hours in support service and participated in 92 hours in continuing education Those of us who took training this spring were not required to report hours this year, and others sent their hour into other counties where they were formerly affi liated, so very few hours were reported for Dunn Co. for 2010. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs have been working at the garden at the Wilson Place Museum in Menomonie for several years. The privately owned Wilson Place is a Historical Home in Menomonie that has housed a museum in recent years. The gardeners and the owner are trying to replicate on a smaller scale the magnifi cent gardens that used to surround this home. 2. One of our members consulted with a group of citizens who helped the county jail start a vegetable garden this year. This successful garden has provided food for the food pantry, but more importantly it has been an opportunity for the prisoners to get outside, get some exercise, and do something useful for the community. We plan to have one of the organizers do a presentation about this project at one of our meetings. 3. One of our Dunn Co. MGVs helped maintain a garden in Local Park near the Government building where we meet. This is one of three corner gardens in this park where our local community band plays in the summer so it is very visible. The garden was sponsored originally by our former mayor but developed and maintained by private citizen groups. This corner was originally planned by a family with small children who got too busy to care for their garden, so we have taken over its care. 4. A couple of our members were involved with the development of Menomonie’s fi rst community garden before becoming members of the Dunn Co. MGA. We plan to continue to be involved in the Community Garden in the upcoming year. 5. Many members are involved in other independent projects throughout the county.

Highlighted Project: Becoming an Offi cial MGA This year was spent organizing the structure of our new association, developing by-laws, and petitioning to become members of the WIMGA. At the October Board Meeting we were admitted as the 53rd association. As a new organization we are open to any advice established MGAs may have for us. We have our slate of offi cer for next year. They are busy trying to fi ne tune our by-laws based on recommendations that we received from our district organization. It is amazing how much time it takes to fi gure out how to plan a meeting and then run the meeting. Finding interesting speakers with no budget is a challenge. But our biggest task is to fi gure out who we are, why we are meeting and what we want to accomplish. None of the organization’s leaders have been active MGV leaders before. The Dunn Co. UW-Extension Offi ce has been going through staff changes in the past year, so we will be establishing and defi ning our working relationship with the Extension offi ce this coming year. We started off with 20 plus people at that fi rst meeting now we are down to the loyal 6 plus 3 or 4 others who have attended our most recent meeting. Wish us luck!!

25 Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners The Eau Claire Area MGVA has 66 volunteers from Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, and Trempealeau counties that are certifi ed for 2011. Twenty-fi ve people took General Training in 2010. In 2010 we volunteered 48 hours in youth education 1,069 hours in community education 4,615 hours in support service and participated in 1,386 hours in continuing education Our volunteers worked on community beautifi cation projects in numerous municipalities, taught gardening and composting, maintained Demonstration Gardens at the Eau Claire Co. Exhibition Center, and published a monthly newsletter.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We maintained an “Ask a Master Gardener” booth at the Phoenix Park Farmer’s Market in downtown Eau Claire. This year we had 13 volunteers staffi ng the booth, compared to only 6 in 2009, with twice as many hours (180 vs. 90 hours in 2009). 2. Bolton Refuge House, a shelter for domestic abuse victims, obtained a new location where landscaping was desperately needed. Eight MGVs spent 30 hours working to install plants left over from the ECAMGA’s Annual Plant Sale that were donated to the project. One MGV commented that this project “ was fun and the grounds look more inviting.” 3. MGV Patricia Andress is the Commissioner for the Lower Long Lake District Protection and Rehabilitation District (LLLPRD), a group formed with a WI-DNR grant for lake protection and rehabilitation. Property owners get free education from a shoreland specialist to help make an ecologically-wise plan that will benefi t water quality and fi sh and wildlife habitat as well as protect the shoreline from erosion. Forty homeowners had their lakeshore properties evaluated and specifi c recommendations were provided. Twenty two of these homeowners completed recommended practices to improve their landscape to minimize negative environmental impacts. LLLPRD created and maintains a demonstration site, conducts rainbarrel workshops, monitors aquatic invasives and uses GPS technology to track; conducted a “Clean boats clean waters workshop”; and hosted a Long Lake day for families. Photos are located at http://www.lllprd.org/photo_gallery.htm 4. This year the ECAMG association staffed an Ask-A-Master-Gardener Booth at the Eau Claire County Fair for 2 days. One MGV also judged the fruits and vegetables entries at the fair.

Highlighted Project: Daylily Garden at the Eau Claire Expo Center A new Daylily Garden was completed at the Eau Claire Exposition Center Demonstration Gardens. An enthusiastic crew of 10 people placed these beautiful plants into their new home. A year ago this area was a plot of vacant land and now there are about 135 unique varieties of daylilies residing there. This has been a big project and it could not have occurred without the efforts of many people. One MGV created an elaborate garden plan and 3 volunteers organized the planting day. Both were done so well the planting day was completed earlier than planned. A local landscaping company not only gave us good prices on blocks, soil for fi ll, and boulders, but they also gave much appreciated advice. A local nursery had a special on bare root fl owering crab apple trees that fi t right into our plans. A volunteer donated a Troy-Bilt rototiller to our group and tilled the garden that day. The MGV self- described as the “daylily collector” donated the 135 daylilies. Stone benches and sturdy pathways were also added. Next year the daylily garden will be ready to educate the public on daylily varieties.

26 Fond du Lac County Master Gardeners We have 63 members, 14 honorary members, plus 25 new members who took general training last spring. In 2010 we volunteered 172 in youth education 173 hours in community education 4,429 hours in support service and participated in 2,408 hours in continuing education We normally meet the second Tuesday of each month except for December and July. We were involved in numerous community beautifi cation projects; planned and helped to plant a vegetable garden at the women’s shelter in Fond du Lac; helped organize the Agnesian Garden Walk; assisted with the WIMGA Annual Conference; helped in various aspects of Prairie Fest; mentored new gardeners at the Community Gardens; judged fl owers at the County Fair; taught composting; and served on the Waupun Beautifi cation Committee. As usual, extensive work was done on the UW Fond du Lac fl ower beds with $900 budgeted to purchase fl owers in addition to what was donated by our members. Work on the UW campus began with Earth Day clean up and continued into October.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Horticulture Helpline is a valuable resource for area gardeners and homeowners, with over 170 telephone inquiries and a number of emailed questions answered. The Helpline is staffed Monday, Wednesday and Friday from April 12 through September 29. We promote the Helpline by providing a handout with the phone number and email address at the check-out table of our plant sale. 2. Our Junior Master Gardener program offered activities for a regular group that helped with the garden plan and planting, and a group from the Boys & Girls Club every week during the summer months to help with weeding and harvesting. Each week something different was harvested for the kids to prepare and eat. They really enjoyed picking ﬂ owers, arranging them, and helping deliver them to a nursing home. During the year-end celebration, they made salad and soup for the staff in the UW-Extension ofﬁ ce. Also, about 62 pounds of vegetables were taken to Solutions Center. 3. We donated $500 to the City of Fond du Lac to purchase prairie plants to replace annuals at Lakeside Park. Our members also donated about $1000 worth of plants. An article and photo appeared on the front page of the Fond du Lac County Action Advertiser. 4. We awarded two $500 scholarships to horticulture students and have another application which was approved for the next semester. 5. Our Day in the Garden seminar was a huge success with 145 people attending. Melinda Myers was our keynote speaker, along with Mark Dwyer, Dave Wanninger, and Anita Carpenter.

Highlighted Project: Riverside School Garden Will Allen of Growing Power made an appearance at the colleges in town to spark interest in helping children learn to garden. Beginning in March, MGVs paired up with classes to help with seed starting. Teachers helped the children care for the seedlings until they sprouted (after which the seedlings were transported to the high school greenhouse) and added gardening curriculum into their classrooms. In April the garden bed was prepared, and at the end of May potatoes and seeds were planted along with the plants from the greenhouse. The school garden ended up producing more than they expected. During the summer months, the Boys and Girls Club picked produce and used what they could for snacks and meals, but plants were crowded and produce went to waste. This was a learning experience and they will make adjustments next year. There are now two more city schools that want to start a garden next year.

27 Glacial Gardeners We now have 32 members in our association. Twenty one are certifi ed for 2011, and four are Friends of MG. In 2010 we volunteered 122 hours in youth education 570 hours in community education 2,098 hours in support service and participated in 924 hours in continuing education Glacial Gardeners is made up of MGVs from Wisconsin and Michigan counties. Some of the Michigan people took their MG training with Wisconsin, others took it in Michigan and then switched their membership to Wisconsin, some remain as MGVs with Michigan, and one maintains dual membership by splitting her hours, putting in enough to qualify for both programs. There is not a strong Michigan MG program presence in the area so we welcome them as members and collaborate on projects in our border communities. We work hard to gain local recognition for our association, making sure we publicize all our activities in local newspapers, such as maintaining several community plantings, including two native gardens, and the landscaping on a Habitat for Humanity house. We also sponsor thirteen weeks of “Victory Garden” on PBS where our name is given before and after each program, and we sponsor a one-mile section of highway with the WIDOT “Adopt A Highway” Program so our name is on the sign on both ends of that mile on a major highway. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We participated in the 4th annual North Star Garden Conference in partnership with other area groups to hold a day-long conference attended by 140 people. In addition to physical assistance, we obtained a WIMGA grant and added further funds for the conference. 2. Some of our other educational activities included displays at three county fairs, a booth at the grand opening of a new incubator kitchen, assisting or leading gardening programs at a local garden center, and a wreath workshop. 3. This spring we moved our annual fundraiser plant sale to a new, bigger location. We had a little less in sales with the move but increased our profi ts on our 50/50 newspaper ad so broke even. Many local people wait for our sale to buy their plants, then head to local garden centers to fi nish their shopping. 4. Proceeds from the plant sale and other fundraising activities were used to provide three-year magazine subscriptions to six local libraries; give out fi ve Growing with Children grants; and offer a $500 scholarship for a college-bound student. 5. We worked with the 2012 WIMGA state conference committee to explore the possibility of, and ultimately were awarded, the 2012 WIMGA conference to be held in the Northern District!

Highlighted Project: Funding a Summer Horticulture Assistant Each year our local UW-Extension ofﬁ ce hires a Summer Horticulture Assistant, and last year the position was split between Wisconsin and Michigan. This year, Michigan was unable to fund the position at all and Wisconsin didn’t have enough money to fund all of their share. Glacial Gardeners donated the money to UW-Extension so that we could have the Summer Horticulture Assistant at least part-time to answer questions for the public. This county also only has a very part-time Agriculture Agent, so having someone to work with the public was of great concern. The Summer Horticultural Assistant answered many questions on plant identiﬁ cation, insects, and diseases, assisted at the county fair and wrote newspaper articles.

28 Grant County Master Gardeners We have 28 members with 26 certiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 104 hours in youth education 165 hours in community education 1,297 hours in support service and participated in 713 hours in continuing education We hold monthly business meetings, with educational programs and tours open to the public on the third Thursday ten months of the year. Our major fundraiser is our plant sale that supports scholarships and local grants for community projects.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Plant Sale. Our Annual plant sale has almost 100% participation by our membership. Our repeat customers look forward to our sale of perennials and annual bedding vegetable plants each year. 2. Talk on Native Plants and Tour of Rain Gardens. Our August meeting included a talk by a water conservation expert and tour of two homes where he had designed the rain gardens for water runoff control. This meeting was our most well attended by non-members, and probably will be repeated because of the interest in water quality and use of native plants in their landscaping. 3. Workshop on Rain Barrels. In April, 3 MGVs hosted a workshop on how to make a rain barrel with minimal effort. They researched and created directions with exact material needed to make one on your own or make one at the workshop. We sold three decorated barrels and could have sold more if we would have known they would be a popular item at our plant sale. 4. Bus Tour. July found 45 interested gardeners heading to Madison on bus tour to visit the Allen and Olbrich gardens, Susan Mahr’s garden, and the Flower Factory. Our evaluations were very satisfactory and it was a great opportunity to interact with other fellow gardeners. 5. Display at Grant Co. Fair and Belmont School Fair. Our display at the county fair offered material on how to control a wide range of plant pests. Two or three MGVs staffed the booth in every shift during the 14 hours the booth was open for questions. At the Belmont school fair, we offered free seed packets and an informational brochure on when to plant (donated by Olds Seed Company) for the young gardeners.

Highlighted Project: Katie’s Garden Bed Replacement One of the garden beds of daylilies and bulbs at Katie’s Garden in Platteville needed to be renovated to eliminate the need for weeding and cleanup of bulb foliage. We wanted to create a bed that would be a balance in the landscape and fi t with the fl owers in other beds. MGVs researched alternative planting possibilities, then planned and implemented the new planting. We selected shrubs according to their bloom time and size, as well as individual sun and moisture requirements. We used ‘Miss Kim’ lilac, ‘Pee Wee’ hydrangea, ‘Wine & Roses’ weigela, and yews to provide color, offer seasonal specimens, and complement the walkway. The Grant Co. MGA provided funding to cover the costs, and the Chamber of Commerce approved the plans. The Chamber was grateful for our initiative, as the results will be enjoyed by many visitors. Our fi rst step was to remove the 1,000 daffodil and tulip bulbs and prepare them for storage, and dig, divide, and pot the daylilies. We donated daylilies to other projects and sold plants to the public. The next step was to amend the soil and plant the shrubs and a small hydrangea tree, replant ‘Stella d’Oro’ daylilies and transplant marigolds. Our fi nal step was mulching with natural-looking hardwood mulch and labeling the plants. 29 Iowa County Master Gardeners The Iowa County MGA is a small group, with 12 members certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 18 hours in youth education 40 hours in community education 458 hours in support service and participated in 243 hours in continuing education This year our Association had several educational meetings which were all well attended. MGV Resha Wyman gave a talk on composting techniques. In May we traveled to Monroe, WI, to Nancy’s Herb Meadow. This is a wholesale business but Nancy and her husband gave us a tour and they led a discussion on the care and propagation of herbs. After our meeting, they let us shop for herbs and products made from their herbs. We had our summer meetings at our members homes, taking time to visit their gardens and discuss various projects.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs have been working with Dodgeville High School and Governor Dodge State Park for the past three years organizing an invasive species program on Earth Day. The program begins with a discussion on invasive plants in the Park. The students come dressed to pull garlic mustard. We have concentrated pulling garlic mustard on a trail that has an abundance of spring ephemerals, and have made progress. The ﬁ rst mile is all native plants. This year we discovered an orchid under the garlic mustard. 2. Our chapter participated in the Iowa Co. Film Festival which was held in Dodgeville in March. We participated with several other conservation organizations in setting up booths providing information on environmental projects and opportunities in Iowa Co. We had a table top display and had several people sign up for more information. 3. A MGV worked with 4-H members at the Iowa Co. Fairgrounds. One project involved growing rock garden plants from seeds that were supplied by another MGV. At the March 4-H meeting 40 members were taught how to plant the seeds. They planted 50 containers, then watched the plants progress monthly. When they were large enough, the plants were transplanted in the rock garden at the Fairgrounds. They also planted many perennial and annual plants in barrels and large tractor tires and learned to care for the plants. By September we had a very colorful display for the fair.

Highlighted Project: Iowa County Historic Society Garden The Iowa Co. Historical Society has moved and restored a one-room school house. Now located behind the Historical Society Building in Dodgeville, the school house needed landscaping. The Iowa Co. MGVs were contacted to assist with the design and planting. The decision was made that the plants should represent the types of fl owers children would have seen walking to school at that time. A garden site was selected on the north side of the school between the sidewalk and the added handicap accessible ramp in an area approximately 12 x 14 feet. In September a landscape design was prepared and plants selected. Since this location is on the north side of the building, the planting will be primarily woodland (shade tolerant) native plants, transitioning to the west into more sun tolerant plants. Most of the woodland plants bloom in the spring or early summer, therefore on the west (sunny) side the planting will include plants with a bloom time of late summer and fall. Approximately 20 plants have been donated and planted by MGVs. Additional plantings are planned for this fall and more for next spring. Some specifi c plants may have to be purchased. The fi nal phase of the garden will be to add a curving rock pathway that allows close observation of the garden. 30 Jefferson County Master Gardeners The Jefferson Co. MGVA has 35 members, which includes 27 certifi ed for 2010. We had 15 people take general training in 2010, with three that have already completed their 24 hours for certifi cation. In 2010 we volunteered 188 hours in youth education 783 hours in community education 859 hours in support service and participated in 644 hours in continuing education Members meet monthly at the UW-Extension offi ce from September through May. There is a speaker or educational opportunity at these meetings. We meet at member’s home gardens from June through August. We are a dynamic, growing association with lots of new activities and active members.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Habitat for Humanity Garden. While the family moved into their house in Jefferson in May, they had no topsoil until August! A plan was created based on owner input, fl ower and vegetable beds were created and planted with donations from MGVs. Additional planting will be done next spring. 2. Rotary Park, Jefferson. This year 13 MGVs helped plant and maintain annuals in the park. We also created two more areas for new fl ower beds next year, and started planting perennials in them. 3. Jefferson County Fair. Once again MGVs donated time in the Plants and Crops division. MGVs registered fair entries, coached 4-H members, assisted with 4-H Natural Sciences, aided judges, maintained displays, and answered questions pertaining to gardening. 4. Fort Atkinson Police Department Landscaping Project. To rehabilitate existing gardens, perennials were divided and replanted along with new donated plants donated. Hundreds of iris rhizomes removed during the renovation were made available to local MGVs. 5. Plant Health Advisors. We staff the county UW-Extension offi ce twice a week for 2 hours, from May thru September. We had 10 rotating volunteers, served 35 clients with questions on plants, trees, turf, insect problems, and basic advice, and all fi les were closed. 6. Old World Wisconsin. Five Jefferson Co. MGVs, a MGV from Walworth County, and other volunteers are landscape gardeners at the state historical site in Eagle. We design, plant and care for all the fl ower beds surrounding the Visitor Center. This year’s project to renovate a shady bed was ended when that bed and others were destroyed by the June 21st tornado. On July 13th we began planting again – this time for a sunny garden as most of the shade trees are gone.

Highlighted Project: Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine in Fort Atkinson The director of the Hoard Historical Museum asked for our help in creating a new perennial bed providing all season interest, to complement a new fence being donated to the property. Five MGVs began meeting in December to design and plan the project. A new 110-foot garden was created, containing over 250 perennials, shrubs, and annuals donated by the public. Two benches and arbors donated by museum patrons were incorporated, and a wooden obelisk was built by one of our MGVs. A maintenance manual will be created, and Museum volunteers will be trained to maintain the garden. Roger F. and Sandra L. Anderson of Fort Atkinson, international known peony hybridizers, donated more than 50 of their acclaimed intersectional peonies and several tree peonies to the Hoard Museum. To house this living collection, a new garden was created on the museum grounds. Two stone retaining walls of over 100 feet were built by volunteers. Three MGVs and 11 additional museum volunteers created the planting beds, planted the peonies, installed permanent soaker hoses, and mulched the beds. Next year hybrid daylilies donated by the Andersons will be planted along the walls. 31 Juneau County Master Gardeners The Juneau Co. MGA has maintained a stable membership this year with 55 paid members. Of those, 27 are certiﬁ ed for 2011, including 3 trained in 2010. In 2010 we volunteered 77 hours in youth education 32 hours in community education 1,253 hours in support service and participated in 899 hours in continuing education Juneau Co. is mainly a rural area with a relatively small population. Our members tend to work on small individual community projects. For instance, one member has spent much time this past year working with youth groups, involving them in projects that help the elderly with their gardens and lawns, and with Adopt-A-Highway community improvement programs. Our organization developed and produced a brochure on our group hoping to encourage additional participation in the MG program.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Members taught classes on numerous subjects including parts of the 2010 MG training class— invasive species, raspberry production, and propagation of houseplants to name a few. They also gave talks on planting with seeds at a county-wide program, and on garden produce at the Necedah Public Schools. 2. Boorman House Gardens continue to be a major project for our association. This year a new walking path at the back of the property was developed. In this shaded area more than 100 hostas and other plant varieties were planted, and mulched. The walkway was lined with brick. Additional plans are underway to extend the shaded garden further into the woods in the next year. 3. Grayside Community Garden commanded the attention of a number of our members again this year. The initial year of the garden (2009) was so successful, that its size was doubled for 2010, and all plots used. 4. Juneau Co. MGVs had booths at both the Elroy Fair and the Juneau Co. Fair promoting gardening in general and the MG program in particular. 5. In May, one of our members assisted the Wonewoc 4-H Club with a project to build rain barrels. About 10 children and their parents participated, and each helped to assemble a rain barrel. There was a slide presentation at the beginning of the project which discussed the beneﬁ ts of using rain barrels. One 4-H member had previously constructed a barrel at home, so she made a second barrel for use at the Grayside Community Garden as a demonstration project.

Highlighted Project: Plant Sales Throughout the year Juneau Co. MGVs had fundraising plant sales. At each of our monthly meetings members would bring plants for others to purchase; and at each of the fairs in our county (Juneau Co. Fair and Elroy Fair) we hosted plant sales at our booths. The plants were all divisions of member’s home garden plants. The proﬁ t of over $500 was then split evenly between our ﬁ ve county food pantries to help needy families. One of our members had a plant sale at her home over Memorial Day weekend, with the proceeds going to the Carl W. Nelson Animal Shelter. With the sales this year, more than $3,500 has been donated to help build a shelter for our county.

32 Lake Superior Master Gardeners Lake Superior Master Gardeners supported the efforts of over 35 MGVs in 2010 and have 38 certiﬁ ed for 2011. We draw members from Superior, Duluth, and the Upper St. Croix River Basin of Douglas Co. In 2010 we volunteered 49 hours in youth education 166 hours in community education 1,549 hours in support service and participated in 759 hours in continuing education Our members stay active throughout the year, meeting the second Monday of each month, October through May. Each meeting includes an educational event or tour to raise the skills of our members. Lake Superior MGVs strive to support “its membership in practical joys and beneﬁ ts of gardening through volunteering for and in their community.”

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs designed, planted, and maintained an entrance and viewing garden for the Douglas Co. Historical Society. The viewing garden includes a walkway along which to stroll and enjoy the newly completed mural representing Superior’s historic downtown. 2. We joined with the Douglas Co. Hunger Coalition to host fi ve hands-on training sessions, to teach how to create, plant and grow a productive home vegetable garden. The harvested fruits and vegetables were tended by the residents of the Solid Rock Mission with support of the LSMGA. A bumper crop was donated to the Douglas Co. Community Service Agency. 3. The LSMGA hosted a series of garden tours throughout Douglas Co. to educate our members of the possibilities, challenges, and joys of gardening in the Lake Superior Basin. The tours ranged from large country vegetable gardens to fi nely designed and maintained horticulture suburban landscapes. One of our LSMGA gardens was featured in this year’s Northern Gardener Magazine. 4. Conducted planning, implementation and education for the Superior School Districts, Cooper Elementary School’s Community School Garden. Spearheaded by students and teachers who wanted a much more hands on and community way to learn about the student’s role in the food chain, LSMGA members guided the school’s “gardening dream” into a successful fi rst year. The garden not only contains raised beds for each class, but young fruit trees, native plants, room for art, a gathering space, and an up and coming school compost collection area. 5. Continued expansion, maintenance and education development of the historic Fairlawn Gardens. These “horticulture-ly correct” gardens allow visitors of this historic site to experience the grounds as they might have been in the early 1900’s. LSMGVs also aid in the indoor design and decorating fl air that plants bring to the historic mansion during the holidays.

Highlighted Project: Solid Rock Gardens As with many MGAs, the link between sharing our skills and enabling those who truly need fresh and nutritious produce is a natural. Such is the energy that drove our work at the Solid Rock Mission garden in Superior. This year we were able to expand the community garden concept by including educational workshops with our Saturday morning and Tuesday evening workdays. Sessions were open to the public and included building raised beds, soil preparation, planting appropriate varieties, mulching, container gardening, and composting. The gardens were managed throughout the summer and gave back great quantities of produce to feed the residents of the mission and support other hunger and food desert elimination initiatives. We look for an increased participation in the years ahead as we learn more about the link between hunger, health, and the ability to grow our own community produce. 33 Madison Area Master Gardeners There are over 350 members in our association with 158 certiﬁ ed for 2011.

In 2010 we volunteered 354 hours in youth education 1,530 hours in community education 10,790 hours in support service and participated in 3,307 hours in continuing education The Madison Area Master Gardeners Association (MAMGA) is a large organization with many diverse projects. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MAMGA creates an annual Wisconsin Garden Journal as a fund raiser. The Garden Journal provides monthly planting tips, drawings and photographs from gardens from USDA zones 3 to 5. The proceeds of the sale of the Garden Journal go toward funding community grants. 2. At the West Madison Agriculture Research Station, MGVs helped plant and maintain the horticulture demonstration test garden, and answer gardening questions, provide information about the MG program and sell the Garden Journal at events there. MGVs also helped plant and maintain the Horticulture teaching garden at Allen Centennial Gardens on the UW-Madison campus. 3. MGVs are instrumental in the Dane Co. UW-Extension Teaching Garden at the Extension ofﬁ ce. They are currently working with the Dane Co. Horticulture Educator and the UW-Madison Landscape Architecture program to create an accessible demonstration garden. MGVs also assist with the children’s garden, school gardens, and Got Dirt? program. 4. MGVs can be found at Olbrich Botanical Gardens assisting in the Horticultural Library, acting as docents in the Conservatory and the Thai Garden, helping in the Gift Shop, working in the greenhouse and in the gardens. MGVs help plan and implement the annual Plant Sale and the Olbrich annual fund-raising Home Garden Tour. 5. Conservation teams weed out invasive species and help with prairie propagation in Dane Co. Parks. They also monitor the conditions of Bicentennial Oaks. 6. The Monona Methodist Community Garden has doubled in just two growing seasons, and with help from MGVs and MAMGA Grants, they have been able to build raised garden beds, specialty gardens and build a shed for gardeners use. They participate in the Plant a Row for the Hungry program and donate excess produce to the local food pantry.

Highlighted Project: Monona Public Library Gardens The Monona Public Library Gardens are beautifully maintained by many MGVs under the leadership of MGV Leslie Johnson. She has groups assigned to each garden and they are responsible for maintaining their particular garden (she found it was much easier to recruit volunteers that way) and they all get to take ownership and pride in their speciﬁ c area. The library gardens are made up of several areas that showcase many native plants as well as the Peace Pole garden installed by the Girl Scouts, but maintained by MGVs. This year, with help from a MAMGA grant, they were able to install an amazing rain barrel/planter that allows for the overﬂ ow to be routed to the rain garden that was installed by the Permaculture Guild of Madison and several MGVs. They are working very hard to utilize the natural landscape for water catchment in the other gardens as well.

34 Manitowoc County Master Gardeners The Manitowoc Co. MGA has 44 members. Thirty two are certiﬁ ed for 2011, including 6 newly certiﬁ ed members. In 2010 we volunteered 20 hours in youth education 403 hours in community education 1,629 hours in support service and participated in 882 hours in continuing education The MGVs meet every month on the 4th Monday from September through April, with a speaker at each meeting on a variety of horticulture topics. From May through August, we meet at a member’s garden or nursery with a plant exchange and potluck picnic in between.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We hosted, with Woodland Dunes, an evening lecture for the public with Evelyn Hadden talking on Shrinking Your Yard. The room was fi lled with people learning how to replace lawn with gardens. 2. Our Plant Clinic has an offi ce at the Manitowoc County UW-Extension offi ce where horticulture questions are answered for the public. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Voice mail is used to hold calls until a MGV is in the offi ce. Walk-ins are always welcome. This year, as most, tree questions were most numerous, followed by insects and vegetables. 3. A few of our members teamed up with a new group called the “Urban Green Gang” that was started in downtown Manitowoc. The volunteers initiated an Adopt-A-Planter Program that resulted in approximately 40 lovely container gardens placed throughout the downtown district. Local suppliers provided the plants grown in local greenhouses. The Manitowoc Co. Recycling Center contributed the potting soil and compost. The group changed the container contents for fall and MGVs will be asking members for materials for the winter displays. 4. MGVs had a booth at the Manitowoc Earth Day Celebration where they distributed free bags of compost from the Manitowoc Recycling Center to anyone interested. They also had information sheets and answered questions. 5. Members did many special projects singly or in small groups for their church, schools, hospitals, libraries, Woodland Dunes, Chamber of Commerce, and Historical Village. We had a few members give presentations and lectures to area groups.

Highlighted Project: Manitowoc Zoo MGVs maintain several areas at the Zoo. There is a weekly sign- up sheet for members to take care of whatever needs to be done. Anyone is welcome to help whenever they have a few hours of free time. This is an ongoing project and we appreciate the time and energy the committee chairperson(s) invest(s) in keeping everyone informed and everything organized and accomplished. The year began in early spring with pulling garlic mustard and planting calla lilies on the outside of the wood fences. This keeps weeds down and blends in with the hostas and woodland shrubs in front of the cages. One of the members stores the tender bulbs for replanting each spring. We also tend the small ﬂ ower garden around a gazebo, which includes roses, perennials, and annuals which are planted for more year-round color. At the entrance, there are hostas and grasses, including Miscanthus ‘Karl Forester’, which we take care of. Daylilies, and a few other perennials, are dug up for the winter to be re-planted in spring. There are just some of the many tasks we complete each year to enhance the grounds of the Zoo. 35 Master Gardeners of the North Master Gardeners of the North (Oneida County and neighboring counties) has over 60 members with 43 certiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 95 hours in youth education 181 hours in community education 3,081 hours in support service and participated in 823 hours in continuing education

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Rhinelander Area Community Garden. Besides the regular core group of 20 volunteers, both MGVs and community members, another 25 or so helped out by starting seeds, planting and cleanup. All of the 3,400 pounds of produce harvested in 2010 was donated to Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. 2. Yard of the Month. Rhinelander City Administrator Bill Bell invited MGs of the North to participate in the fi rst-ever Yard-of-the-Month Contest. Nominations from the public were submitted to City Hall from June through September. A rotating group of four MGVs went out each month to view the front yards and choose a winner in each of three categories: Best Traditional Yard, Best Blooming Yard, and Best Commercial Property. Each of the monthly residential winners received a $50 water bill credit, photo in the local newspaper, bragging rights, and a “Yard of the Month” sign. 3. Weed Warriors. Several MGVs worked for fi ve days straight to eliminate a large stand of garlic mustard before it could fl ower, thus reducing the spread of this terrestrial invasive. MGVs also turned out at the U.S. Department of Forestry offi ce to weed their native plant garden. We have had speakers on both aquatic and terrestrial invasives. MGVs have volunteered for “Clean Boats, Clean Waters”, making sure boats are free of aquatic plant material and educating boat owners. 4. Garden Walks. MGVs participated in two area garden walks. Members helped plan the 7th Annual Garden Walk and Ice Cream Social in the Minocqua area. MGVs staffed gardens and answered questions at this event and also at the 6th Annual Rhinelander Area Garden Walk. 5. Garden Conference. A one-day garden workshop, Gardening Northwoods Style, was held at Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua on March 27. Many MGVs contributed to the success of this educational seminar. MGs of the North will not be hosting a conference in 2011, but instead will focus on planning for the 2012 WIMGA Annual Conference as co-hosts with 5 other MGAs.

Highlighted Project: Master Gardeners on Main Street MGVs have always been active in community beautifi cation but last year became more involved with the Historic Downtown area. Rhinelander became a Main Street Community in 2006; along with that designation came an increased interest in the appearance of the Downtown Shopping District. Hanging petunia baskets have been planted by MGVs since 2008. Last year, MGVs took on added responsibility, committing to fi ll in as “substitute” waterers. When the full-time person was sidelined by a medical emergency, MGVs stepped in. Arising at 5am, pairs of MGVs manned the watering truck and kept the fl owers thriving. A new greenspace was also put into the Downtown with the help of MGVs. On April 24, trees and shrubs were to be planted. When the truck arrived it contained all the perennials as well. MGVs rose to the challenge, planting 300 trees, shrubs, and perennials in 1½ hours! One of the MGVs had offered to help install the irrigation system. The original design called for sprinklers, but the MGV suggested using water-thrifty drip irrigation instead, and put in numerous volunteer hours placing individual emitters for each plant. The resulting project is a relaxing space with shade, benches, lush greenery, and one of our famous “hodag” statues (no turfgrass!) in the heart of Downtown Rhinelander.

36 North Central WI Master Gardeners In 2010, there were approximately 126 dues paying members from Marathon and Lincoln counties, with 90 certiﬁ ed for 2010. In 2010 we volunteered 43 hours in youth education 397 hours in community education 5,803 hours in support service and participated in 1,856 hours in continuing education The majority of our members receive weekly FYI’s via email to keep the membership informed; a few still receive it by mail. We presented six educational programs for MGVs also open to the public (for a small fee). Educational opportunities also included showings of the documentary Safe Lawns, 4 home composting and vermicomposting programs, 2 apple pruning classes and an apple grafting workshop. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Garden Clinics. This program was extended this year to run from mid-May thru October because of its popularity. NCWMGA held weekly garden clinics for residents to bring in questions and plant/ insect material. We also had a answer table at the Weston Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. 2. GardenLine. This is a year-round hotline for the public to phone or e-mail gardening questions and photos. In voluntary rotation, a NCWMGV researches the answer and responds within a few days. 3. Plant Sale. Our annual plant sale offers plants successfully grown by NCWMGVs and offers an opportunity for the public to ask gardening questions. 4. GardenWalk 2010. Five gardens were included on the tour held in Merrill, two of which were owned by MGVs and another by one gardener claiming, “My garden is always perfect.” One interesting feature showed the use of rocks, painted on the surface to identify plants. 5. Garden Visions Goes Summer. This new summer conference in Wausau, similar to our winter Garden Visions, hosted three speakers covering Herbs, Mushrooms and Wicked Plants. Author Amy Stewart was there to offer her unique perspective and sign copies of her book! 6. Garden Visions 2010. This conference was held at the Ramada, Stevens Point with more than 600 people attending. Our keynote speakers included Paul Tukey presenting Safe Lawns and Mike Nowak with I’m not Really a Garden Expert, I Just Play One on the Radio.

Highlighted Project: Kids’ Gardening Project This new NCWMGA project worked with 12 families, 42 people total (youths and parents) in a series of three learning days spread throughout the summer growing season and held at the Marathon Co. UW-Extension ofﬁ ce. MGVs, along with 4-H volunteers and Marathon Co. UWEX employees, offered a comprehensive experience including gardening, crafting and food preservation. Day 1 focused on teaching vegetable gardening basics, answering questions, showing youths how to plant seeds and teaching/helping families to plant their own take-home “Pizza-in-a-Bucket” garden with a nice-sized tomato plant and herbs and vegetables of their choice. Day 2 covered Square Foot Gardening and showed kids how to scare up some gardening fun by creating a scarecrow for their own gardens. Day 3 was all about harvesting their home-grown bounty, healthy preservation techniques and winterizing the garden. It also gave families another chance to get answers to any gardening questions encountered throughout the growing season. Kids got their hands dirty one more time with a take-home potted ﬂ ower bulb of their own to help keep them interested until spring arrives. We received many positive comments from parents, 4-H volunteers and Marathon Co. UWEX partners. One of the best comments came from a parent saying, “I couldn’t get my kids to eat vegetables before. Now, they’re actually eating vegetables!”

37 North Country Master Gardeners We currently have 42 active MGVs in our group, with all certiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 416 hours in youth education 281 hours in community education 1,579 hours in support service and participated in 765 hours in continuing education Our volunteers work on a wide range of projects in communities across Burnett, Sawyer and Washburn Counties. While our ofﬁ cial group meetings are in Spooner, we have several satellite groups in other communities. In addition to our monthly meetings and various educational events, we stay connected through email and our North Country Gardener newsletter. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Youth Plants Science Event. Area youth were invited to the Spooner Ag Research Station to learn more about horticulture. We had a fall leaf collection exercise, leaf ID and discussion about why leaves turn color; a seed saving demonstration and discussion on pollination; and a trip out to the Display garden for a walking tour of the gardens, demonstrations and tasting of various melons. The event was very well received by kids and adults, so we expect this will be an annual fall event. 2. WinterGreen Community Garden. MGVs sponsored a Meet Me At The Garden open house again this fall to thank volunteers and community supporters and to recruit more gardeners. It included educational displays, a craft and farmers market, refreshments and information about this garden. 3. School Gardens. MGVs have been very active in helping organize, teach, and maintain garden activities at school garden projects at several area schools. Parents, teachers and other volunteers have been very supportive in helping teach kids about growing and eating healthy foods. 4. Spooner Teaching and Display Garden. For years NCMGVs have been providing both labor and monetary support for the garden located on the Spooner Ag Research Station. This year MGVs constructed and planted three raised bed gardens to demonstrate square foot, lasagna and companion planting gardens. In addition, they purchased a Mantis tiller and a utility garden cart. Over 500 people visited and participated in educational events held at the Display garden in 2010.

Highlighted Project: Hayward Primary School BloomingKids Garden In September 2009, the NCMGA sponsored a “Got Dirt?” youth gardening workshop in partnership with the Spooner Elementary School. As a result of this workshop, two teachers, three NCMGVs, and two parents from the Hayward school district formed a school garden committee to initiate a school gardening project at the Hayward Primary School. After several planning meetings, a community informational meeting and lots of networking, the BloomingKids school garden project was started. This project included both in class room activities for 2nd graders, and hands-on learning at an outdoor raised bed school garden. Using a table top grow light, students were able to tend to seedlings and watch them grow. The tomato and pepper transplants grown in the class room were planted in the outside garden and extras were sent home with kids. As word of the project spread so did support. Seeds, trellis, transplants, ﬂ owers, a beautiful Century fence, and even a mailbox were all donated. The NCMGA donated $500 to purchase topsoil and lumber. With the help of parents, MGVs, and other community volunteers the garden beds were built and the fence put up. Throughout the summer MGVs, parents and children maintained the garden beds. By end of summer the garden was loaded with produce ready for students to pick and enjoy. While most of the produce was donated to the local food pantry, K-2nd grade students did get to enjoy fresh garden salsa, green beans and lettuce for one of their lunches.

38 Northeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners The Northeastern Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (NEW MGA) has 52 recertifi ed members and 25 emeritus members who still have an interest in the group, but volunteer on a limited basis. The majority of our members are from Brown Co., but we also have members from surrounding counties. In 2010 we volunteered 137 hours in youth education 390 hours in community education 3,681 hours in support service and participated in 1,609 hours in continuing education The NEW MGA operates out of the Agriculture & Extension Service Center (and grounds) at 1150 Bellevue Street, Green Bay. In 2010 the grounds at the Center attained arboretum status, refl ecting that the time volunteered on the grounds by MGVs helped create a place for science, education and peaceful refl ection on the beautiful variety of nature.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The NEW MG Arbor Day Committee organized the annual celebration of trees at the West Side Boy’s and Girl’s Club April 28-29. Three trees were planted during the ceremony and youth could plant a bare root conifer seedling into a container to take home with them. Those in attendance were educated on the beneﬁ ts of trees and were shown proper tree planting techniques. 2. The NEW MG Spring Plant Sale, co-sponsored with The Gardeners Club of Green Bay, provided the community a chance to buy a wide variety of perennials, vegetable plants, and native prairie plants donated by members of both groups or brought in on consignment from local growers. 3. MGVs staffed a booth at the annual Green Bay Botanical Garden Fair June 4-6. The theme for the booth was “Good Bug, Bad Bug.” The colorful display of insect nets at the entrance to the booth and cut-outs of bugs dangling from the ceiling drew in the crowd. MGVs answered questions and educated the public on the “bad bugs” you don’t want in your yard and the “good bugs” you want to invite in. They also provided information on Emerald Ash Borer. 4. MGV’s continued to develop and expand the Square Foot Garden at the Green Bay Botanical Garden, with the bulk of the produce from the garden being donated to a local food pantry. This year the “Enabling Garden” was added, giving mobility-challenged gardeners a look at different ways to make gardening easier and more accessible. 5. Twelve MGVs completed specialized training in plant diagnostics in 2010. Weekly sessions covered insects, diseases, nutrient deﬁ ciencies, disorders of woody ornamentals and lawns, and sustainable landscape practices. As part of their training experience, participants volunteered at least 2 hours per week during the growing season at the “Horticulture Help Desk” at Brown Co. UW-Extension.

Highlighted Project: 22nd Annual Garden Walk Sponsored by the Green Bay Botanical Garden The grounds and gardens of the Agriculture & Extension Service Center were one of the stops on the annual GBBG Garden Walk July 10-11. Under the direction of the Grounds Committee, MGVs devoted many hours through the spring to getting the grounds in tip-top shape. Almost 700 visitors toured the grounds and gardens and many were quite surprised to see the variety of plant material on display. We succeeded in exposing many people to this fantastic resource right in their own backyard. 39 Northern Lights Master Gardeners The Northern Lights MGA (Marinette Co.) has 36 MGVs recertiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 6 hours in youth education 229 hours in community education 2,855 hours in support service and participated in 742 hours in continuing education

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Wheelchair accessibility to the MG Demonstration Gardens is an on-going project at the Harmony Arboretum 7 miles west of Marinette. This year a group of Northern Lights (NLMGA) volunteers worked on widening the paths in the Herb Garden and putting down crushed limestone for a better surface in the walkways. Even with less surface area, there is still enough room for over 100 different herbs, both annual and perennial. 2. Garden Walk. In July NLMGA members partnered with Respite Care, a local charity, to raise money for them and two other charities by hosting a Garden Walk. The gardeners involved worked very hard to get their yards looking their best, and the weather cooperated with a warm, sunny day. During several meetings the whole process was thought through before the event, and no big problems were encountered on the day. Those taking part in the walk very much enjoyed themselves and requested a similar event next year. This event would be fairly easy for any Association to organize as a fundraiser and NLMGA would be happy to share their organizational plans. 3. Salsa Night. This is the second time NLMGA has helped the UWEX Horticulture Agent with Salsa Night in September. After some education about growing the plants needed and methods of preserving, the guests taste tested ﬁ fteen different salsas that NLMGA members had made and brought. The person who made the recipe described the salsa, and recipes were available for each one. This event brought many people to the Demonstration Gardens for the ﬁ rst time. 4. Children’s Learning Garden. Work was begun this year on the Children’s Learning Garden, which is part of the MG Demo Gardens at Harmony Arboretum. It is an ambitious plan that will create an area to encouraging children to explore nature. Supervised by their teacher, who is also a MGV, a group of middle school students decorated concrete hour markers for a sundial, prepared the area, and placed the stones. Other parts of this garden plan that were worked on by MGVs and other volunteers include raised beds for the children to plant annuals and vegetables, a maze, a wetlands area, a Native American garden, and an above-ground “tunnel” that will depict life underground. 5. Spring Garden Conference. The 15th annual conference was held in March, with just under 200 participants. Seven MGVs put on presentations and another twenty or so helped with everything from registration to cleanup. Conference committee meetings started the October before the event and many members already had their volunteer hours complete before the gardening season began!

Highlighted Project: Marinette Co. Fair MGVs were well represented at the Marinette Co. Fair in 2010. Members volunteered for shifts over the four days of the fair to help set up the displays and answer questions about plants and/or the MG program. The UW-Extension exhibit was seen by most of the people who came to the fair, and over 2,200 actually stopped to look and ask questions. The focal point was gardening in containers, with both vegetables and herbs demonstrated in the display. MGVs Ruth Jicha and Pat Howayeck at the County Fair. 40 Northwoods Master Gardeners There were 6 members in this association in Forest Co., with 4 recertiﬁ ed for 2011. One new member transferred into our group from another county. In 2010 we volunteered 0 hours in youth education 72 hours in community education 602 hours in support service and participated in 132 hours in continuing education Our association, unlike other associations, does not require more than three meetings annually. The meetings were held at different MGV homes. A newsletter kept members informed of activities. All members are from Oneida, Vilas and Forest Counties. Since the other counties now have MGAs, the numbers in Forest Co. have dwindled. Also, we do not have electronic accommodations that are necessary for the training; therefore, they must take the class in neighboring counties.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We continued to plant and care for ﬂ owers at the Museum, 3 churches and the police station. 2. This year we planted 7 raised beds (4’ x 8’) for the food pantry and the elderly. We took 350 lbs of produce to the pantry, often taking loads 2 and 3 times a week. People appreciated the fresh vegetables including tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, acorn squash, pumpkins, broccoli, herbs, potatoes, shrub and pole beans, and apples. 3. Also for the Pantry, we grew a Three Sisters garden — corn, beans and zucchini. These vegetables were grown from seeds we received from a local Indian Reservation. First the corn is planted; when it is 4’’ high the pole beans are planted. When the beans are 4” high and are climbing the corn the zucchini is planted which keeps the weeds down. 4. The President of the Northwoods MGA met individually with members. This was often done weekly in order to help them ﬁ nd projects, discuss projects, and distribute copies of the AVANT GARDENER newsletter that the Association subscribes to. In addition, Brown Bag recordings were made available for continuing education. 5. Most of the continuing education hours are done through attending two local, out of county gardening conferences. These excellent conferences are one day meetings which helps with attendance due to work responsibilities. These conferences also give us opportunities to meet other MGVs from the north.

Highlighted Project: First Plant Fair Saturday, May 22, 2010 was the date of the First Annual Garden Fair sponsored by the Northwoods MGA of Forest Co. and held at the Hair-I-Tage grounds in Crandon. With over a dozen vendors participating (including some MGVs) there were a wide variety of perennials, annuals, house plants and vegetable plants for sale. Hundreds of gardening enthusiasts from all across the state turned out to shop for beautiful plants and great bargains. We were also fortunate in that the day itself was a classically beautiful spring day in northern Wisconsin, adding to the sale’s success. The public’s response to this event was very positive and with the encouraging feedback we received, we have decided to hold a second event again in May 2011. Tentative plans are already in the works for that. Our MGV’s organization really pulled together to plan and successfully implement this sale event. We’ve all learned a lot and we’re looking forward to using our initial success and knowledge gained to continue with more of these events in the years to come.

41 Outagamie County Master Gardeners In 2010 Outagamie County had 119 members, with 86 recertifying for 2011. The 2010 training class had 29 enrollees with 16 certiﬁ ed for 2011.

In 2010 we volunteered 446 hours in youth education 1,303 hours in community education 7,243 hours in support service and participated in 2,782 hours in continuing education We had 51 sanctioned projects plus a few permanently sanctioned projects such as schools, public gardens and nature conserves. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our Education Committee again organized our Garden Expectations conference held annually in March. This year’s featured speakers were Mary Agria, author of Time in a Garden and Neil Diboll, Prairie Ecologist, and with two local presenters, Kevin Jarek and Tammy Borden, the committee provided a full day of educational seminars. 2. Grants were given to three horticultural students at Fox Valley Technical College and to two students in the MG General Training Class. 3. The second annual Garden Discoveries walk was held in June and featured four private gardens and two school/community gardens. This event was well-attended despite major construction all over the city, and helped to illustrate that even a small garden can be made into a treasure. MGVs provide on-site tours and were available to answer questions. Attendance was 219 and we raised $1095 for the Community Gardens. We were delighted to be featured on a local television channel and one of our MGVs, Sonnet Uhlenbrauck, whose garden was on the tour, gave an excellent interview. 4. Our annual plant sale was again a major success. The weather cooperated and brisk sales began at 8:00 in the morning. As always, our own MGVs are our best customers. The featured cutting-edge plants for 2010 were the ﬁ rst items to be sold out. Any leftover plants were again contributed to local community and school gardens. 5. We continue to work with Habitat for Humanity and the Community Gardens. Outagamie Co. MGVs were able to make signiﬁ cant contributions in teaching, hours and money. 6. In view of the amount of clerical work that accumulates, this year we brought an assistant on board. She has been able to lift the burden from not only the Board but also the Education Committee regarding preparation for classes and seminars. She is also one of the facilitators for the upcoming training classes.

Highlighted Project: Farmers’ Market Seminars This project, started in 2009, continues to meet with success. On the fi rst Saturday of the month in conjunction with the local Farmers’ Market in downtown Appleton, OCMGVAs offer a variety of teaching seminars free to the public. The classes last about an hour and public response has been very gratifying. We have grown the attendance from around a dozen people to over 50. The classes are taught by MGVs and offer a wide range of timely topics, including seed starting basics, lawn care, gardening with children, perennial, organic gardening and composting, herbs, vegetables, container gardening, putting your garden to bed and protecting your landscape from winter “critters”. We have made arrangements with the local city library to permanently use their meeting rooms next year which will make us easier to fi nd. The library will also advertise for us. Presently we use fl iers, the website and various outlets to spread the word. Some of the most popular talks will be offered again in 2011 but we plan on adding shade gardening, fl ower bed designs, water-wise gardening and bulbs.

42 Ozaukee Master Gardeners There are 213 active members in the Ozaukee Co. MGA, with 103 certiﬁ ed for 2011, including 19 newly certiﬁ ed members. In 2010 we volunteered 37 hours in youth education 263 hours in community education 6,317 hours in support service and participated in 2,322 hours in continuing education

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Advocates for Women and Children Center provides a safe place for victims of abuse. Gardens planted and maintained by MGVs are part of the healing process for these victims. 2. We have a horticultural therapy program at the Lasata Care Center, a nursing home operated by Ozaukee Co. Throughout the year, MGVs assist residents in the Garden Club. Gardening in raised beds with assistance from volunteers allows residents to garden as their limits allow. 3. MGVs maintain historic gardens to demonstrate plants that would have been used by early settlers. Pioneer Village is a living history museum located in the Town of Saukville. The village contains twenty restored and authentically furnished houses, barns and outbuildings, all of which show how pioneer Ozaukee Co. residents lived in the 1800’s. MGVs have planted recreations of herb and rose gardens there. Planning, planting, and maintenance are done several times each year. At Tendick Park near Saukville, MGVs plant and maintain an area inside of a split rail fence near a log cabin with herbs, fl owers and vegetables similar to what might have been planted by early settlers. 4. At the USS Liberty Memorial Library in Grafton MGVs designed and planted by MGVs a garden to assure continuous fl ower bloom throughout the growing season. 5. The Yard and Garden Line program consists of the Offi ce and Telephone Hotline; the Email Response Team; the Outreach Program; as well as research opportunities and offi ce support. 6. The Washington County Community Gardens was initiated by Ozaukee MGVs before there was a Washington Co. MGA, and they continue to maintain these gardens in West Bend. Over 70 plots are available for the public to rent. MGVs provide weekly educational emails and post information on bulletin boards on site to inform gardeners of ways to deal with a wide variety of gardening issues including watering, insect control, and mulching.

Highlighted Project: Heirloom Plant Sale The Ozaukee MGVs have run this plant sale for the past several years. It is our largest fundraiser, with the need for approximately 200 volunteers. The sale takes place in late May in a local university’s gymnasium. In one day we sell over 10,000 plants, many of which are unique in the market. Since we started with this sale, we have grown and sold a number of different varieties of heirloom tomatoes and peppers. This past year, we branched out into some additional heirloom vegetables. Tomatoes grown and sold were ‘Beefsteak’, ‘Black Krim’, ‘Bloody Butcher’, ‘Brandywine’, ‘Green Zebra Stripe’, ‘Morgtage Lifter’, ‘Yellow Pear’, ‘Amish Paste’, ‘Caspian Pink’, ‘Wapsipinicon Peach’, ‘Ponderosa Red’, ‘Persimmon Orange’, ‘Black Cherry’ and ‘Tiny Tim’. The peppers were ‘Ancho Gigantea’, ‘Aurora’, ‘Sweet Yellow Banana’, ‘Orange Bell’, and ‘Tollies Sweet Italian’. Vegetables consisted of ‘Black Beauty’ zucchini, ‘Casper’ eggplant, and ‘Armenian Yard Long’ cucumber. Of course, in addition to the plants listed above we sold a wide variety of herbs, both culinary and ornamental, as well as some perennials. One area of great interest and success was our Kaleidoscope garden, which was made up of plants grown by MGVs in their own gardens. This gave our customers an opportunity to purchase well tested plants at a reduced price.

43 Polk County Master Gardeners The Polk Co. MGA had 18 paid members in 2010 and there are 20 MGVs in the county certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 50 hours in youth education 143 hours in community education 636 hours in support service and participated in 268 hours in continuing education We have nine meetings annually, taking July off for the Polk Co. Fair and December for the holidays. November is our annual meeting for election of offi cers and recapping the past year. This year we continued focusing on vegetables as well as fl owers, trees and shrubs. Topics covered by speakers included identifying and controlling weeds using natural methods as much as possible; dealing with problem wildlife; and being successful with growing vegetables, fruits, and fruit trees. A local organic vegetable gardener shared some of his methods at one of our meetings. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Educational trips. Our group visited a local commercial garden wholesaler that grows and sells cut fl owers throughout western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities area. Many of our members were fortunate to attend a seminar at the Amery Public Library featuring Rebecca Kohls. She talked for about 2 hours on a variety of subjects and added humor throughout with her real life stories. In early May, a few of our members braved the weather and attended a workshop on Apple Trees sponsored by Smith Apple Orchard near Shell Lake, Wisconsin. Those in attendance came back with good information to share with the group. We were also able to purchase tress from them as well. Several of our members once again headed to the Spooner Ag Station for their Twilight Garden Tour. This is always a fun time to see the new, as well as tried and true, plants that should prove successful to our northern climate. 2. Polk Co. MGVs staffed a booth at the annual Sportsmen’s Show in St. Croix Falls in April. This year we gave out ‘Blue Moon’ pumpkin seeds and squash seeds along with planting instructions. 3. Our annual plant sale, which coincides with a pancake breakfast put on by the local fi re department on Mother’s Day, has grown every year, and it continues to be very successful for us. 4. We once again assisted on the fi rst weekend in June with planting the annuals on the grounds of the Polk Co. Justice Center, as well as at three other Polk Co. public buildings in Balsam Lake. 5. We continue to maintain the garden beds we have created, including the garden bed we designed at Golden Age Manor Nursing Home in Amery, the gardens at the Polk Co. Fairgrounds and the gardens at the Polk Co. Historical Museum. Some of our members have worked on the gardens at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in St. Croix Falls, and they have asked for our assistance in planning and planting a healing garden.

Highlighted Project: MG Booth at the Polk Co. Fair Our booth at the Polk Co. Fair looks like the front porch of a cedar-sided house with a roof and railing with our banner out front. We staffed the booth from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the four days of the fair, and had lots of handouts available; buckthorn was a popular topic. This time we had a display and instructions for lasagna gardening. We had changed the appearance of the booth this year, putting up a few extra signs on the back wall, including “Ask a Master Gardener” which seemed to encourage more people to stop and inquire becoming a MGV. However, with the loss of our local extension agent, the general training class will not be offered this winter.

44 Portage County Master Gardeners We have 83 members certifi ed for 2011, including 11 of the 23 students taking training this spring. In 2010 we volunteered 114 hours in youth education 812 hours in community education 3,542 hours in support service and participated in 1,877 hours in continuing education The Portage County MGVs are an active and steadily growing group. We assist the UW-Extension staff with getting horticultural information out to the public by answering questions on the garden line, help at the two county fairs, staff a booth at the Farmer’s Market in the spring and summer, and provided a variety of educational opportunities to the community. We maintained 2 dozen beds in Portage Co., and helped to develop and landscape a new Dog Park in Stevens Point. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Our day-long seminar Garden Inspirations drew a crowd of about 200 again with speakers on Vegetable Gardening, Ferns and Mosses, Native Wildfl owers of Zone 4, and Low Maintenance Hardy Perennials and Woody Plants. 2. The Spring Plant Sale is another opportunity to educate the public about various fl ower and vegetable plants, their scientifi c names, and growth preferences, as well as being a major fund raiser for the group. The money raised goes toward funding projects of various youth group hort activities (4-H and High School hort projects), scholarships and speakers for educational opportunities. 3. During 2010 the PCMGVs staffed a booth at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Stevens Point from June thru October 2nd. The booth was staffed by 2-3 MGVs each Saturday, answering gardening questions from the public as well as providing information on the MG program. Various books, pamphlets and fl iers were available for reference in answering questions. 4. We helped to landscape two homes built by Habitat for Humanity this year. There was amazing cooperation from MGVs as well as the new owners of the homes. We met challenges with plant allergies of the new owners as well as issues involving safety for a child with challenges. We also are transitioning to more eco-friendly way to control weeds when developing landscaping, using paper as a weed barrier, rather than fabric weed barrier. 5. Our Garden Parade, held in partnership with Children’s Service Society as a fund raiser for them included edible and ornamental gardens. MGVs staffed each garden to lead tours, point out and explain plants and landscaping techniques, as well as answer questions on various gardening practices. We had garden containers to raffl e with a theme of recycled materials and drought tolerant plants. Even in this economically stressed year, the parade was a success.

Highlighted Project: Hunger Prevention Headstart Garden MGVs planted the Headstart vegetable garden in May, with help from 25 3-4 year olds. In mid June the 6-10 year olds joined the project, helping to maintain the vegetables planted there. We had numerous educational activities for the kids. They learned how to re-pot plants that needed bigger containers, visited the garden every day, and helped to pick the vegetables when they were mature. We did a presentation on herbs, showing the kids how herbs are used in cooking. There was a stepping stone project in July, and we planted a Sunﬂ ower House garden. At the end of the summer, each child got to take a sunﬂ ower head home. This year, we did everything organically, so we struggled with many insects and critters eating our vegetables, but it was a good experience for the kids to see and work with. We were fortunate that the pumpkins had an exceptionally good year!

45 Racine-Kenosha Master Gardeners Racine-Kenosha MGA (RKMGA) has 224 members, with 191 certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 1,073 hours in youth education 1,992 hours in community education 9,155 hours in support service and participated in 5,480 hours in continuing education The Racine-Kenosha MGA was formed in 2002, although MGVs have been active in our communities since 1972. We provide more than 40 volunteer community beautifi cation, food growing and educational projects in the two counties. We offer our communities the beauty of public gardens and food to feed the hungry. We teach the joy and satisfaction of gardening. But we gain as much as we give, through our experiences in the community and the chance to interact with other gardeners. We are informed and enriched by monthly programs that teach us to be better gardeners, better stewards of the planet. In the summer, our meetings are replaced with fi eld trips to outstanding gardens.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Southern Oaks Juvenile Detention Center. A dedicated group of weekly volunteers educates and excites young women in a combination of fl owers and vegetable plantings. Imagine the excitement of the young woman who gets to taste the fruits of her labors or bring a bright fl ower arrangement into her dormitory space. 2. Garden of Giving. During the second year at this site we supplied our local food pantry with 7,858 pounds of produce for our local food bank. A total of 27 raised beds and other areas were planted in 2010. This garden was featured in a recent issue of the national magazine Birds and Blooms. 3. The Sturtevant Beautifi cation Committee enlisted the cooperation of area businesses and residents in sponsoring planters throughout the Village. These containers, as well as a rain garden and a community garden at the Sturtevant Village Hall, are managed by a core group of MGVs meeting weekly throughout the summer. 4. Kemper Center Gardens. These are in a beautiful period estate which once served as a girls school and now is part of the City of Kenosha Parks Program. The many beds are tended weekly and create a showcase for the many visitors throughout the summer. 5. Rain Gardens. The garden developed by MGVs at the Racine Co. Food Bank also includes a teaching garden. With the assistance of Root-Pike WIN (Watershed Initiative Network), a rain garden has also been created in a previously impervious manufacturing area. MGVs also care for three very public rain gardens at the Racine Visitor Bureau, Sturtevant Village Hall and at the Waterford Public Library along the Fox River.

Highlighted Project: The Hospice Meditation Garden, Pleasant Prairie Started in 2009, the Hospice Meditation Garden fl ourishes today for the hospice residents and their families at an extremely diffi cult time in their lives. Each garden setting has a variety of perennial and annual plants, as well as bird feeders and bird baths. Residents enjoy the view of this private tranquility from the window. Visitors enjoy the fragrance and color of the gardens along the winding paths. A group of 6-7 individuals meet once a week to keep the gardens fresh and tidy for visitors and patients of the hospice facility. In October, the MGVs were presented with a special plaque in recognition of their work. “Without the gardeners’ commitment and expertise, we would not have the beautiful place of quiet refuge for our patients and their families in the Hospice House,” said the Executive Director of Hospice Alliance, Inc. 46 Range Master Gardeners The Range MGA is comprised of Wisconsin and Michigan MGVs from Iron County, Wisconsin and Gogebic County, Michigan. We had 26 WIMGA members in 2010, with 7 certifi ed in WI for 2011 (and many others certifi ed in MI). In 2010 we volunteered 22 hours in youth education 35 hours in community education 230 hours in support service and participated in 121 hours in continuing education We maintain our own website at www.rangemastergardeners.org Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The RMGVs were very fortunate this spring to have UW-Extension Horticulture Specialist Dr. Bob Tomesh of Madison to teach classes on apple tree pruning, grape pruning and an apple grafting class. The classes were open to the public with the RMGVs providing sandwiches and cold drinks and participants were asked to bring a potluck item to share. 25 people attended and we got many compliments on the class. 2. Over $250 worth of garden books were donated to the Carnegie Library in Ironwood, MI and to the City of Hurley, WI library. 3. The RMGVs presented a check for $1000 to the new Iron Co. Community Garden in Hurley, WI that was created by two RMGVs, Zona Wick, the Iron Co. Health Offi cer and Toni Rogers of UW Extension, WNEP and FLP. Toni has now retired and left us this legacy — to help seniors grow healthy vegetables. There are now 20 raised plots and a beautiful raised “Herb Star”. There was a class on Using Herbs In Place of Salt and a another on Organic Fertilizer vs Inorganic. RMGVs assisted new gardeners with planting.

Highlighted Project: Master Gardener Day The RMGVs have always designated the Saturday before Mother’s Day as “Master Gardener Day.” During this time MGVs are present at local nurseries, garden centers and other horticulture retailers to answer customer’s home gardening questions. An announcement describing the program goes out to all major horticultural retailers in the county beginning in March. A form letter, an application form and the program policy is sent to businesses. Businesses must return their applications by April 19. The businesses to be staffed are then determined by a lottery drawing based on the number of MGVs available. The day before Mother’s Day people are out buying plants for the women in their lives and the RMGVs have fun assisting everyone with their purchases. So many customers buy hanging baskets that we developed a ﬂ yer How to Take Care of Hanging Flower Baskets.

47 Rock Prairie Master Gardeners The Rock Prairie MGA had 117 members with 13 interns and 113 recertiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 649 hours in youth education 734 hours in community education 8,972 hours in support service and participated in 3,084 hours in continuing education

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGV Plant Health Advisors increased ofﬁ ce hours to 5 days/week between Memorial Day and Labor Day; also offered some evening hours of availability. 2. Many members took part in a Volunteer Leadership Development program each Saturday in January from 9 am to noon. This prepared members to take on even more leadership roles within the association and with education and volunteer roles within our communities. 3 Our educational programs included the Annual Garden Symposium on March 27 and Thursday Evenings at Rotary Botanical Gardens, conducted by MGVs, from March through August. These programs are examples of members taking on more leadership roles and educational roles. MGVs continue to take responsibility in planning, facilitating, marketing, and conducting these programs as well as the continuing educational programs at the community gardens in the area. 4. We continued work at the Community Gardens in Janesville (Rock Co. Farm), Milton, and Beloit. MGVs continue to supervise and train HUBER work release inmates in managing the gardens. A HUBER Alumni Garden plot was established by MGVs for those people who have graduated from the HUBER program to encourage their volunteerism and help them as they transition to new lives. 5. We continued the partnership with WIC (Women, Infants and Children) markets across the county to make fresh produce available to low income families and also to senior centers. Fresh vegetables are produced at the county farm by the HUBER work release inmates. Nutrition information is supplied by Nutrition Educators and MGVs at these markets including how to prepare and preserve the produce. 6. A group of MGVs and their advisor visited Winnebago Co. (Illinois) to present and discuss the community garden at the Rock Co. Farm. As one participant explained, “Our team traveled (there) with Mike to give a presentation about our community garden. Each of us talked about a different component and then answered questions. It was a challenge for many of us and we were very nervous, but it was a great experience. One of the best reasons to be part of a team is sharing these new, “out comfort zone” adventures and knowing you are not alone; you always have back-up!”

Highlighted Project: Annual Garden Festival RPMGA celebrated its 5th Annual Garden Festival with its largest community gathering yet, estimated at close to 1,000 visitors to this educational event. Numerous educational booths included PHA, tomato tasting, cucumber tasting, gourd display and demonstration, and increased partnerships with community organizations such as 4-H, Home & Community Educators, Janesville Area Herb Society, and Janesville Shade Tree Advisory Committee. Vegetables were grown by MGVs for this event. Walworth Co. MGVs again helped conduct the tomato tasting for the community. This is a large volunteer event totally managed by RPMGA membership. MGVs answer many horticulture questions during the 11 am to 4 pm time period and provide educational materials to help explain the concepts, procedures, etc. We truly use everything we have learned and utilize the many resources available to us to help educate the public while having fun with our community.

48 St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners SCVMGA includes Pierce and St. Croix Counties. We have 187 members including 133 certiﬁ ed for 2010. In 2009 we volunteered 224 hours in youth education 70 hours in community education 5,713 hours in support service and participated in 2,313 hours in continuing education We have numerous volunteer and educational opportunities including hosting educational speakers at our monthly meetings and our 10th annual Garden U educational seminar. Our yearly plant sale successfully raised funds used for our Community Service Grant program. MGVs staffed tables all summer at local farmer’s markets answering questions and researching information for the general public. Gardening questions were answered by MGVs at St. Croix and Pierce county fair booths. The monthly newsletter provides members updates on MGV projects, continuing educational opportunities, volunteer opportunities, meeting minutes, and articles written by members. Current and past newsletters are online on our page on the WI MG website.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. The Community Garden in New Richmond produced about 2500 pounds of produce. Blight, rain, and some crop failures reduced productivity compared to previous years. MGVs with assistance from high school classes and summer St. Anne’s kids planted, harvested, and cleaned up the garden. 2. At Houlton Elementary School the Garden Club for K-5 students planted garden beds, composted all garden waste and some cafeteria waste, weeded and mulched perennials and a native prairie bed. They started seedlings in greenhouse. The 5th graders are restoring a large prairie by harvesting seeds in fall, planting seeds and transplanting plugs in spring. 3. YMCA Summer Uproar camp planted a garden to help kids to learn about vegetables and how to grow them. The SCVMGA gave them a grant to help make this community activity happen. 4. MGVs design, plant and maintain gardens at River Falls Veteran Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery, hoping that the beauty of the ﬂ owers will offer solace for our veterans and their families and give them a place to sit in contemplation. 5. Western District Specialized MGV Training was hosted by SCVMGA was held in Ellsworth on September 18. There were 54 participants from seven counties.

Highlighted Project: Farm Technology Days MG Booth and Displays SCVMGVs designed, built, planted, and staffed exhibit areas and a Q & A booth in the Progress Pavilion during Farm Tech Days, the largest agricultural show in WI, on July 20-22. Our Gardening for Life exhibit around the center pole showed wonderful, creative examples to interest children in gardening, including a sensory garden and modifi ed container garden. Environmental gardening techniques showcased at the Rainwater Management display included pervious concrete, a very unique dog house green roof, and several other options for water management including rain barrel downspout options. The Natural Pest Control exhibit showed ways to control unwanted pests by non chemical means. There were also exhibits on composting and pollinators. A memorial garden dedicated to Mary Alice Peterson, founding member and longtime offi ce holder, was put in at the host farm of Roger and Bev Peterson. 49 Sauk County Master Gardeners We have 116 paid members in our association, with 48 certifi ed for 2011. Twenty-six people took general training in 2010. In 2010 we volunteered 194 hours in youth education 713 hours in community education 2,184 hours in support service and participated in 918 hours in continuing education The Sauk Co. MGA meets on the second Thursday of every month in UW-Extension meeting rooms or we plan an educational fi eld trip. We have had classes on: Bulbs, Rhizomes and Corm Planting and Storing; Garden Photography; Advanced Entomology of Vegetables; a fi eld trip to Ebert’s; Garden Journaling; Rain Gardens; and What to Expect When You Submit an Entry to the County Fair. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs presented several classes on composting and vermiculture. 2. We continued working on gardens at Mid-Continent Railway Museum and Heritage Log Cabin Museum. 3. The SCMGA gave a scholarship to a student interested in horticulture. 4. The Baraboo Community Garden donated 1,500 pounds of food to the Food Pantry from only two plots. 5. Produce from the Prairie du Sac Community Garden went to the Huber Center to help feed inmates. 6. The Renewal Unlimited Youth Project provides area youth ages 11 to 19+ with an opportunity to enhance their lives through a market gardening operation that provides a food source for low income families.

Highlighted Project: Huber Center Community Garden This year Sauk Co. MGVs started a community garden for the Sauk Co. Huber Center in Prairie du Sac. Our goal was to develop an appreciation for the land and a hands-on experience for inmates who may have never realized that they could grow their own food. We had the inmates till, plant and maintain their garden. We needed to plant for 200 inmates, and decided to just focus on beans, potatoes, broccoli, cucumbers and tomatoes. Each week there was a lesson on the particular crop they were growing, such as how to plant potatoes, insect pests, soil requirements, hilling, and harvesting. Green beans were of interest when we discussed soil inoculants and why they are used. Harvesting was daunting, but we ended up with many bushels of green beans. Most of “our boys” were amazed to fi nd out that you could harvest broccoli all season. The bumper crop of cucumbers was appreciated since the Huber Center rarely had more than one slice on salads until they grew their own. We mulched some plots and others were weeded regularly, demonstrating the benefi ts of mulch. At fi rst, they thought that we would smother the plants, but soon found out it was less work in the long run. Instead of straw mulch we used bean fodder, and then we had volunteer soybean plants in the garden. But this turned into a learning opportunity — the nitrogen nodules on the soybean roots were visible when pulled as weeds, so we decided to leave the plants in the garden to enrich the soil. Because of the success in the community garden, the program expanded to planting, weeding and maintaining the landscaping at Circus World Museum; landscaping at Mid-Continent Railway Museum, Kids’ Ranch and the Historic Log Museum in Reedsburg. The program was so successful that one of the inmates enrolled in fall MG Training in Sauk Co. and several of the other participants have discussed having their own vegetable and fl ower beds when they are released. Another benefi t was all the fresh produce supplied for meals at the Huber Center. 50 Shar-A-Gardeners Shar-A-Gardeners (Waushara Co.) now has 58 members with 6 being newly certifi ed this year and 34 others recertifi ed for 2011.

In 2010 we volunteered 13 hours in youth education 256 hours in community education 2,148 hours in support service and participated in 1,212 hours in continuing education Since our association began in 2000 with 6 members, we have grown a lot, increasing our membership by a third in just the last 4 years, and greatly increasing out volunteer service.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs did a hands-on demonstration for youth on how to transplant seedlings and start climbers from seed to encourage an interest in gardening as well as understanding horticultural practices. 2. We provided UW-Extension publications on a wide range of horticultural topics, including composting, at our 4 day county fair which several hundred people visited. We did the same at our local Chamber of Commerce After 5 sponsored by UWEX (100 people); during our spring plant sale which draws hundreds of people; and also at the Health Fair for staff at Redgranite Correctional Institution (150 people). At all events MGVs were continually available to answer questions. 3. We focused on Water Quality and Conservation through several presentations. Two MGVs did a presentation on rain gardens at the annual meeting of one of our local lake associations in which over 50 people were present. We hosted a presentation for the public on rain gardens with speaker Teri Gear, Horticulture Educator from Wood Co. Another MGV did two presentations on plants that are drought tolerant and which she personally grows without any irrigation. 4. Nine of our members completed Master Composter training and did 8 presentations and 13 demonstrations throughout our county. One was an outdoor demonstration with a 3 bin exhibit and hot pile constructed by our members and two of the presentations were hands-on workshops for 4-H groups. At each of our presentations we provided a door prize of a rolling compost barrel made by a MGV. We also did this at the County fair and the Redgranite Correctional Health Fair. 5) Members supplemented the general MG training classes by doing presentations and demonstrations on a variety of topics.

Highlighted Project: Promoting Square Foot Gardening for Producing Nutritious Vegetables A fairly large portion of our local population have low incomes and with the economic downturn there has been an increasing need for people to raise their own fresh vegetables. Our area has mostly sandy soils low in organic matter and poor water retention intermingled with a few areas of primarily clay soils which present challenges to growing most vegetables easily. To address some of those issues we promoted Square Foot Gardening. We hosted a program for the community with Teri Gear, Wood Co. UW-Extension Horticultural Educator, who gave a presentation and excellent handouts on the easy steps to develop this type of garden. A retired farmer who now resides in a local assisted living facility was so taken with the idea that he asked for additional copies of the handouts and developed square foot gardens in the raised beds at he facility that recently had become idle. Several MGVs became so enthused that they used these techniques in their home gardens this summer with great success. One also presented two workshops to staff at the Redgranite Correctional Institution. One of the workshop participants is integrally involved in the current gardens tended by inmates, the proceeds of which are donated to our local food pantries. 51 Sheboygan County Master Gardeners We had 94 members in 2010, with 67 recertiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 48 hours in youth education 2,522 hours in community education 5,182 hours in support service and participated in 1,475 hours in continuing education Sheboygan Co. MGVs had an outstanding year in 2010, hosting a very successful WIMGA Annual Conference, planning for and installing a rain garden demonstration, and being a partner with Bookworm Gardens. Volunteers were involved in 23 projects, enabling members numerous opportunities to contribute horticultural expertise to the county.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Sheboygan Co. MGVs hosted the WIMGA Annual Conference July 23- 24 on the UW-Sheboygan Campus. About 260 horticultural enthusiasts from across the state attended. Comments included: “This was an excellent conference with a plethora of highly educated presenters,” “Best MG Conference I ever attended,” “Very enjoyable conference,” “Excellent Value”. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being excellent, the overall conference rating was 4.7. 2. Sheboygan Co. MGVs continue to improve the landscape on the UW- Sheboygan Campus. They partnered with Upward Bound students to weed and mulch overgrown areas on the campus. Other landscape improvements around UW- Sheboygan included the courtyard and signage plantings, as well as a contemplative Japanese theme garden. 3. Other projects included continuing education and programming, Garden Walk, Habitat for Humanity, horticulture referrals at work or home, Kohler Foundation/Waelderhaus Herb Garden, Marsh Park Tower, October 11th Memorial and Dutch Settlement Historical Marker, Plank Road Trail Trailhead Maintenance, Plymouth Arts Center, Plymouth Mill Street Railroad Overpass, purple loosestrife/invasive species control, Sheboygan County Fair, and the Sensory and Peace Tree Gardens.

Highlighted Project: Rain Gardens at Kohler Andre State Park Sheboygan Co. MGVs partnered with the Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of Kohler Andre State Park to transform a poorly drained wet area into an educational rain garden near the entrance of the Kohler Andre State Park Nature Center. With $10,000 of grants and in-kind matching contributions, MGVs provided the leadership for the development of the rain garden. Signage explaining the benefi ts of rain gardens to the environment were installed at the gardens. Park visitors requested more information about the rain garden demonstration project, so MGVs prepared educational materials listing the plants growing in the rain garden. They have also given rain garden presentations and have more planned for the future. 52 South Central WI Master Gardeners There are 43 members in the South Central Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (SCWMGA) from Green Co., with 34 certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 40 hours in youth education 161 hours in community education 1,646 hours in support service and participated in 634 hours in continuing education We publish a SCWMGA Volunteer Directory annually that contains the names and contact information for the members; lists work project committees, informational resources and websites. SCWMGA educational opportunities and meeting locations for the upcoming year were also included. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Three Green Co. area youth were selected to receive $1,000 in scholarships through this new program established by the SCWMGA in 2010. The scholarships were funded by proceeds of the annual Plant Sale and awarded to qualifying youth enrolled in a horticulture related fi eld of study. 2. The SCWMGA held their third annual gardening symposium. Backyard Gardening featured several association members speaking on topics ranging from composting, leaf casting to herb harvesting and preservation. Special keynote speaker was Trudi Temple, well known author and gardener who spoke on “Order and Creation in the Garden”. A book signing was also held during the symposium where Trudi answered questions and visited with participants. 3. The SCWMGA continues to maintain many plantings and beautifi cation projects around the Pleasant View Nursing Home Complex. An Eagle Scout project this year added a wheel chair accessible raised fl ower bed that sits on the patio for all residents to enjoy. 4. The SCWMGA conducted their annual public Spring Plant sale where members grew and donated all of the plants to be sold. A new feature this year was a booth manned by MG Volunteers to answer gardening questions at the location. Volunteers also made useful garden items such as cement leaves, planters and rain barrels to be sold. Plants not sold were donated to a local charity to sell in their plant sale or used in the Pleasant View fl ower beds. 5. A youth group home received new landscaping with plants provided from member’s home gardens. Local MGVs led adult volunteers to remove old, overgrown landscape plants. The youth were given the opportunity to work with the volunteers and receive education on how to maintain the property. 6. MGVs assisted the local UW-Extension offi ce by answering horticulture calls from the public and making visits to homeowners, as well as serving as guest lecturers to replace portions of the PowerPoint and WisLine presentations during the MG General Training classes.

Highlighted Project: Garden Bus Tour The SCWMGA hosted a garden bus tour for members and interested community gardeners to Trudi Temples’ Farm in Marengo, Illinois. Trudi Temple is the founder of Market Day, the original fundraising corporation that provides a minimum of 10% of all sales to participating schools, churches and other non-proﬁ t organizations. Since 1975, Market Day has raised more than 330 million dollars for education. Trudi has transformed an ordinary one-acre Chicago residential yard into a show garden. MGVs secured a local charter bus service to tour her farm gardens. The Heritage Gardens at Midway Village Museum and the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford were also included in the day long bus trip. Committee members wrote news releases and promotional material, organized activities on the bus ride and acted as guides for the fun and educational day. It was an exciting adventure for our group with plans to do this yearly.

53 Southeast WI Master Gardeners SEWMGA has 577 members, primarily in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, including 125 who took general training in the spring (95 have certifi ed already). A total of 415 members are certifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 2,187 hours in youth education 13,674 hours in community education 8,953 hours in support service and participated in 13,060 hours in continuing education We offered nine educational programs and four bus trips to expand our members’ gardening knowledge. A newsletter is published every other month, and a monthly email provides current information. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Inspire by Example Team Award. In April, our organization accepted this prestigious award from the Volunteer Center in Milwaukee. Collectively, our MGVs recorded over 22,000 hours of service (in 2009) to Milwaukee and Waukesha County residents. 2. Endowments and MG-in-Training Scholarships. Years of successful fund-raising and prudent investment allowed SEWMGA to establish endowments at two- and four-year colleges and universities (UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point, Milwaukee Area Technology College and Waukesha Co. Technology College) this year. The $115,000 investment will benefi t horticultural students with fi nancial need in perpetuity. We also gave partial scholarships ($75) to ten people enrolled in January’s MG General Training. We expect to offer twenty similar scholarships in 2011. 3. Garden Projects. MGVs care for over 50 approved garden projects throughout our two-county area. The projects are at historical sites, community performing arts centers, health-care and extended care facilities; in state, county and city parks; at libraries and schools; and at the grounds of TV6. We donated over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries from our six vegetable gardens. 4. Annual One-Day Fundraiser. The annual Perennial Plant Sale is a collaborative activity and encompasses a six-week effort of digging, dividing, potting and nurturing 25,000 perennials from our gardens and those of friends. On the day of the sale MGVs serve as subject matter experts for people buying the plants. Plant buyers learn about invasive species, try out enabling garden tools, and see live demonstrations on dividing plants and planting containers. 5. Public Outreach. Thousands of people learn and benefi t from MGVs who share their knowledge at events such as the Home & Garden Show in March and April, the Wisconsin State Fair in August and the Milwaukee Co. Fair in Sept. Plant health advisors answer telephone calls, respond to emails and offer in-person diagnostics. Our speaker’s bureau gave 57 presentations to various groups. 6. Lifelong Gardening. A team inventoried nearly 100 tools designed to help gardeners with physical limitations. An assortment of tools is being rotated among our many garden projects so MGVs can become familiar with the tools and help evaluate the tool’s effectiveness. A lending program has also been established. The group also gives presentations and offers its display at many events.

Highlighted Project: The Garden Support Committee This year, a Garden Support Committee visited over 40 (of the 50 plus) gardens supported by MGVs and mostly funded through SEWMGA. Two or three committee members visited each garden and met with the volunteer garden chairs or garden co-chairs. The intent is to ensure the gardens meet UWEX standards as well as assist the chairs/co-chairs in meeting challenges. The committee also holds spring and fall forums with garden chairs and co-chairs to share information and has provided uniform signage identifying the garden as a UWEX/SEWMGA-supported project, stakes and labels.

54 Taylor County Master Gardeners There are 20 members in our group with 13 MGVs recertiﬁ ed for 2011 and 1 friend. In 2010 we volunteered 1 hours in youth education 33 hours in community education 504 hours in support service and participated in 251 hours in continuing education The Taylor Co. MGVs continued to participate in Advanced Training classes, had another successful plant sale at the Medford Farmer’s Market in May, met at each other’s gardens throughout the summer, and gave continuing education presentations at our meetings. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We updated and approved our by-laws. 2. We helped the Taylor Co. UW-Extension ofﬁ ce answer horticultural questions with our Ask-a- Master-Gardener service. 3. We planted and maintained two community garden plots and donated the harvested vegetables to a local food pantry. 4. We did extensive work on our Garden of Dreams and Riverwalk gardens. They were very overgrown and needed a lot of care. Many plants were pruned or divided and additional plantings were added, such as spring bulbs.

Highlighted Project: Taylor Co. Fair Educational Activities The Taylor Co. MGA set up and staffed an educational booth at the Taylor Co. Fair. This was an opportunity to interact with the community, answer gardening questions, and offer advice. This year we also participated in a new fair activity called “The Amazing Race,” in which teams had to perform a task at each participating booth in a limited amount of time. The booths signed up ahead of time and prepared their tasks, but the task was unknown to the teams until they arrived at each booth. At the MGV booth, we decided to have contestants plant an iris. We had heard from people that they were have trouble with their iris blooming, so decided this could be an educational opportunity. Almost without fail, they were planting the iris rhizome as though it were a root and burying it in the ground. Once we described the correct way to plant iris, people knew why their iris probably were not blooming. We had a tub of soil, iris rhizomes, gloves, and a garden trowel available for this task. Most of the kids participating disregarded the gloves and just wanted to get their hands in the dirt! We also had written instructions available but ended up just giving oral directions after the ﬁ rst couple of teams as it saved time. We also had many rhizomes to give away to anyone who wanted them. Quite a few people thanked us for teaching them something new. It was a fun, hands-on project that everyone seemed to enjoy. And we had fun, too!

55 Thyme Shares Master Gardeners & Friends There are 40 members in our association from Marquette Co. Twenty-two MGVs have recertiﬁ ed for 2011, ﬁ ve are in-training and 10 are friends. In 2010 we volunteered 68 hours in youth education 325 hours in community education 2,381 hours in support service and participated in 837 hours in continuing education

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Fifty people from Marquette Co. and beyond enjoyed a day excursion with a horticultural theme traveling to Rockford, IL by coach bus on August 9th. Stops for the day included Klehm Arboretum & Botanical Gardens; Anderson Japanese Gardens and Village Green Nursery. Part of the cost was subsidized for all participants of this sixth annual trip. 2. Our Annual Tree Sale has become a popular event. Our group provides homeowners with fruit trees, asparagus, strawberries, grapes & raspberries at reasonable prices so one can have an orchard of their own, and we include slow release fertilizer with each tree purchase. This year every tree wrap we had in stock sold – maybe because of so much damage last winter (girdling biggest problem). 3. We have been getting more requests from the general public for garden-related programs. This year we provided a program on organic gardening for UWEX Marquette Co. HCE that was open to the public. MGVs and our UWEX Ag Agent gave presentations on low maintenance garden preparation; pest management without chemicals; and rain gardens. MGVs also provided a program on composting request by the Westfi eld High School. Two students used information from our session to propose a community compost project to the Westfi eld Village Board. 4. Our Plant-A-Row for the Hungry program begins in early spring when we secure brochures from the Garden Writers Association and start packaging seeds into snack-size bags for distribution in packets at various TSMGV&F events. Together with the Marquette Co. Commission on Aging, we compiled a list of drop-off sites for garden produce to be donated to our county food pantry. 5. TSMGV&F collaborated with the Montello Historic Preservation Society to make 2010 the Year of John Muir in Marquette Co., sponsoring related programs in spring and fall. Our spring program was on lilacs, with Carol LaVigne from Edgewater Greenhouse, Portage discussing the family history of John Muir and the care and maintenance of lilacs as well as various varieties. We had a Lilac Planting project on May 1st, planting lilacs at the town halls of 19 townships and villages in Marquette Co. After planting the shrubs we installed colorful signs commemorating John Muir at each of the plantings. In the fall TSMGV&F sponsored Dr. Bonnie J. Gisel of Stockton, CA to participate in several John Muir-related activities. She was the featured guest at our October meeting; conducted four classes with students from the Montello & Westfi eld school districts on the life of John Muir in Wisconsin and beyond, his life as a botanist and why plants are important to us; gave a two-hour program for the public on John Muir’s Plants: A World Without Them is No World at All plus a fi lm based on Nature’s Beloved Son; and visited several Muir sites in the county.

Highlighted Project: Rain Barrels One of our county’s 4-H groups asked to display their project of rain barrels and water conservation at our annual Garden Walk. MGVs attended one of the meetings of the Douglas Doers 4-H group to help them practice their presentations on rain barrels and water conservation, then took part in a rain barrel construction workshop — taking home their completed barrels to use at home. The 4-H members later shared their knowledge with more than 200 people at our Garden Walk in July.

56 Vilas County Master Gardeners We have 24 members, with 16 certiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 68 hours in youth education 365 hours in community education 801 hours in support service and participated in 895 hours in continuing education We began in 2003 as the “Green Thumbs” garden club but ofﬁ cially became the Vilas Co. MGA in February 2010. We meet year round on the second Thursday of each month. In the winter months we have speakers, which we invite the public to attend through newspaper and radio announcements. Summer months we have an annual picnic and outings to local horticultural sites. Our members’ community horticulture involvement goes beyond the MGA. One is the summer horticulture educator with Vilas Co. UW-Extension, another teaches gardening classes at Nicolet Area Technical College, two started the Seed to Seed Edible Project in the area, two are on the planning board for the new Northland Pines Community Garden, and three help teach gardening at the schools.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. MGVs gave 15 minute presentations at the Vilas Co. MG training classes related to the evening topic February through April of 2010. This gave ﬁ rst time presenters the opportunity to gain experience talking about gardening and getting to know the student MGVs. Attending the training classes was also a good review; there is always something you can learn from any class or presentation. 2. We have worked with the Eagle River Revitalization Committee for 5 years planning and planting hanging baskets and large pots for the downtown area; since we’re a tourist area, beautiﬁ cation is important. This year the hanging baskets were extended two blocks both north and south. 3. Our annual donation of gardening books to the local library allows greater access to horticulture information. The library puts a name plate with our association’s name in each book we donate. 4. ‘Adopt a Garden’ is a project we started many years ago with the city of Eagle River. We keep a list of various city sites that need maintenance from spring through fall, and MGVs can work at any location. Many people stop while we’re weeding or pruning and ask gardening questions. 5. Many of our members are at the UW-Extension booth at the Farmers Market on Wednesdays in Eagle River to answer questions on gardening.

Highlighted Project: Northwoods Children’s Museum Garden Through the efforts of three Vilas Co. MGVs, along with the NCM Program Coordinator, a new outdoor Kids Garden was offi cially opened this past summer after two years of planning. The Garden encompasses 2,500 ft2 at the entrance to the Museum and now offers an outdoor activity space for children. Funding came from donations, various fundraising activities, and a WIMGA grant. There is nothing like it anywhere in our area, and the community response has been fabulous. Because of physical and monetary constraints, we had to settle for wood chip paths instead of a permanent walkway, but still designed the space to be wheelchair accessible. There are several different areas of interest to children and adults including a Butterfl y Garden with fl owers and plants to attract insects; a water fountain; a Zoo Garden where all vegetation has animal names and pictures to identify them; a Vegetable Garden with various summer vegetables; a Pizza Garden with herbs and tomatoes refl ective of ingredients for pizzas; a Potato Patch where potatoes were grown in recyclable bags; a Sensory Garden with greenery adapted to the senses of smell, sight and touch; a Rose Garden; a Garden House with sunfl owers, cosmos and peas enclosing a table and chairs; an 18 foot teepee with trailing plants; and a large sandbox for the children to imagine and play in. 57 Walworth County Master Gardeners In 2010, we had 84 dues paying members, with 67 recertifi ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 358 hours in youth education 276 hours in community education 3,163 hours in support service and participated in 1,164 hours in continuing education Walworth Co. MGVs continue to meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Our winter home is Horticulture Hall, a beautiful, historical building in Lake Geneva. This year we will help celebrate the Centennial of this wonderful place. Spring through Fall, we try to tour member gardens, formal parks and Gardens, and do some educational hours in outdoor settings.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. 4th Annual Plant Swap. This group project continues to bring record numbers of people to the opening Farmer’s Market in Elkhorn. Most of our members participate. We dig plants from our own gardens, and collect plant donations from garden clubs and school horticulture programs. The public can bring their own plants or canned food for county food pantries. This is a great opportunity for our group to promote the MG program, as well as do some quality community education. 2. Walworth Co. Fair. This is a popular activity for our members. Some tend permanent fl ower and vegetable displays, some staff an information booth in the Horticulture building, some donate fair pots, large ground pots and hanging planters, fi lled with annuals, perennials, vegetables, and herbs. A popular feature at the fair is the “Barnyard Adventure”. MGVs grew host plants for a new butterfl y garden and provided educational help at this and the vegetable display that are part of this venue. 3. Rock Co. Tomato Fest. We sent a record number of volunteers to this event. Our members enjoy working with the Rock Prairie MGA, and we hope to partner on more activities in the future. 4. Other group projects include Delavan Rotary Gardens, Old World Wisconsin, Badger HS Horticulture program, WC Community Gardens, House in the Woods Rain Garden, Kishwauketo, Genoa Veterans Park, Eastview school vermicomposting, Olbrich Gardens, Lakeland Nursing Home and the Government Center beautifi cation, Horticulture Hall in Lake Geneva, Chicago Botanic Gardens. 5. Many members do individual projects. These include enabling gardens at nursing homes, plantings at libraries, town halls, schools, animal shelters, and local parks. MGVs are involved in many county garden clubs, helping with fund raising for scholarships, on board positions, educational meetings, as well as the usual beautifi cation projects. Many are also involved with other conservation groups, and contribute their expertise with removal of invasives and restoration efforts. These include Nippersink, Van Slyke , Fontana Duck Pond, Duck Lake, Retzer Nature Center, Ned Hollister Conservancy, Jackson Creek, and others.

Highlighted Project: Plant Advisory Committee In the past we had only a few members trained and qualifi ed as plant health advisors (PHAs). Our Horticulture Educator would try to pair these MGVs with those untrained. So we were very excited this year that 20% of our membership committed to do special training in this area. Christine Regester, our Horticulture Educator, conducted the training in partnership with the Rock Co. educator. Some members also took the statewide PHA training online, and some went to Madison for training there. We staffed a hot line at our extension offi ce, and provided a Q & A table at several farmer’s markets, the Walworth Co. Fair, as well as a number of other community events and venues. This has been a long awaited accomplishment for both our UW-Extension offi ce and our MGA!!

58 Washington County Master Gardeners This year the Washington Co. MGVA embarked on its second year with 39 new interns participating in the 2010 general training class. Twenty eight MGVs are certiﬁ ed for 2011, including 11 of the 2010 class. In 2010 we volunteered 137 hours in youth education 212 hours in community education 2,038 hours in support service and participated in 569 hours in continuing education In its second year the group dramatically increased the amount of time spent on youth and community education projects — from 49 hours in 2009 to 349 in 2010. The total amount of time volunteered increased three fold from 760 hours in 2009 to over 2400 hours in 2010. Every month, after our association meeting, we have educational speakers discuss garden-related topics. Some educational speakers came from the local community, such as greenhouse managers, and some were members of our organization. Topics discussed this year have included the history and trends in community gardens, plant propagation and container gardening.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. We continued our work on the beautifi cation plot in association with the West Bend Beautifi cation Committee. This year’s additions to our plot included annual fl owers and perennial shrubs. This plot was neglected for some time, so a lot of work went into revamping the plot to make it beautiful. 2. We continued our work on the Community Garden in association with the Ozaukee MGA. The produce from the plot managed by Washington Co. MGVs was donated to the local food pantry. We have also had a successful year with our work on a community garden in Kewaskum. 3. We held a bulb sale in the fall which raised about $500 for our association. Profi ts will be used to print educational material for the community and to bring in outside educational speakers who require fees. We plan to promote these to a wider audience, helping to educate additional gardeners. 4. To help promote our association, we staffed a booth at the Washington Co. Celebrate Families event in February and a booth one week at the West Bend Farmer’s Market. Promotion for a young group such as ours has helped to spread awareness of our group and resources we offer the community. 5. Online efforts this year have included implementing a Facebook group for our Association to promote the group and offer an online space for Washington Co. MGVs to socialize and discuss gardening questions. We also provided information to the public and our members on our webpage on the WIMGA website. Next year we plan to offer an online quarterly newsletter for our members. 6. With several of our group participating in Plant Health Advisor training, we have been more active in answering yard and garden line questions.

Highlighted Project: The Washington Co. Fair This year volunteers from the Washington Co. MGA not only staffed our booth at the Washington Co. Fair every day of the fair, but members also created a display garden for the educational beneﬁ t of fair-goers. The theme for the display garden this year was “Fun Edibles” and included varieties of edible plants which are different from the typical varieties. Some of the fun edibles were chocolate cherry tomatoes and rainbow Swiss chard, along with edible ﬂ owers. Excess edibles from the garden were donated to the local food pantry. The garden was maintained by a core group of volunteers from the inception of the idea to the harvest of the plants. Markers were created to explain plants to the general public, and MGVs were on hand throughout the fair to answer questions.

59 Waupaca County Master Gardeners There are 60 members in the Waupaca Co. MGA. Two new members were added this year as transfers from other groups. Fifty two members recertifi ed this year. We have lost several members this year because of confl icts in their schedule. In 2010 we volunteered 500 hours in youth education 201 hours in community education 4,554 hours in support service and participated in 1,130 hours in continuing education We have monthly meetings with a business meeting and an educational component. The group has had a wide range of speakers in the last year, from an arborist, a wreath maker, to one of the members presenting a program on fl oral design. Each year the membership committee takes nominations for the “Thanks, Giving Gardener” awards handed out in November. This award is given to MGVs that consistently give back to the organization. They are not always the most visible leaders, but often are the ones that do the background work that keeps the organization going, the unsung volunteer.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Each year the MGVs work with the seven local food pantries to provide plants, seeds, and information to clients to grow their own small garden plot. The program has increased in size and with last year’s recession, more people have been taking advantage of the opportunity to grow their own vegetables. 2. The Waupaca Co. MGVs have been asked to present more adult educational programs in the last year, including a hands-on workshop on small fl oral design at a local nursing home; a program on container gardening for a local women’s group; and a talk on gardening basics. 3. The Children’s Gardening program is still an important part of the WCMGA’s activities. With so much rain this summer, the program had to be modifi ed to meet the weather conditions. The children had the opportunity to learn to grow things when the conditions were not just right. A new component of the program is the concept of giving back to the community – the children give some of the vegetables they grow to the local food pantries. They also take fi eld trips to a local community garden to work there and learn what happens to the vegetables grown in this garden. 4. The MGA gives books and magazine subscriptions to local libraries in Waupaca Co. Each month a member of the library committee presents a book review, either a book that the group has presented to the library or one of interest that is in that library. 5. Our major fund raisers are the spring and fall plant sales. Some of the plants come from our own gardens and this year we were fortunate to receive the donation of a complete garden from a person that was moving. We also supplement the home grown plants with some purchased plants and bulbs. Educational programs have also been incorporated into the plant sales.

Highlighted Project: Got Dirt? Program Several MGVs participated in the Got Dirt? children’s gardening program training and built a “micro farm” — a wagon that can be used to demonstrate how plants grow, with the use of special lighting, and can easily be moved from one classroom to another. Under the guidance of a MGV, the fi rst grade children in a local school learned all of the steps in growing a garden from working the soil to planting and harvesting. During the four week hands-on program the students planted radishes, spinach, lettuce, and micro greens (sprouts). After daily weeding and watering, the children learned how to harvest their garden and made a salad with it. For some of the budding gardeners, this was their fi rst taste of spinach and radishes. There are plans to expand the program to more classrooms next year. 60 Winnebago County Master Gardeners Winnebago County Master Gardeners Association (WCMGA) has 111 members including 4 emeritus members, 68 recertifi ed for 2011 and 10 who became certifi ed this year. In 2010 we volunteered 979 hours in youth education 2,366 hours in community education 5024 hours in support service and participated in 2,219 hours in continuing education In January, 2010 our Board of Directors and Advisor held a strategic planning and visioning meeting. As a result, we focused on the recruitment of new and retention of current members by developing a new brochure and formed a new communications committee. The co-chairs of our Education and Control of Invasive Species Project were selected as 2010 Invasive Crusaders by the Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species and were invited to the State Capital for a special recognition ceremony. Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. This year we received two grants from the WIMGA. The $250 grant enabled 4 fi rst-time Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity homeowners to receive help with a landscape plan, to purchase and plant a tree and receive educational resources for care of their lawn and garden by WCMGA. The $400 grant was used to help with costs of a featured speaker, Melinda Myers, at our day long educational seminar Winter Escapes, Summer Dreams in February. It was attended by 235 people and was a mix of MGVs and the general public. We plan to offering a day-long educational event each year. 2. We awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a Fox Valley Technical College horticulture student in May. 3. The Oshkosh Area Humane Society Memory/Tribute Garden was a new project this year. The goal was to improve the space and create a welcoming meditative garden. The entire space was redesigned utilizing the existing memorial statues as focal points and creating intimate garden rooms with the existing concrete benches. Many new perennials and shrubs were added as well as a rock garden. Gutter was added to an existing shed roof and two rain barrels were installed for use in watering the garden. The Director and Board of the Humane Society were so thrilled with the outcome, they hosted a party and contest to rename the garden. The new name will be revealed in January. 4. Several WCMGA members received training in the Got Dirt? Program. This was valuable training and very useful with our two elementary school after school enrichment programs. 5. We hosted bus trips to the Garden Expo in Madison, a buying trip to several Amish greenhouses and a trip to Ball Horticulture Gardens and Cantigny Gardens in Chicago. A small group toured two CSAs and visited a beekeeping operation in the Sheboygan area.

Highlighted Project: The Octagon House, Neenah, WI The Octagon House, build in the 1850’s, is owned and operated by the Neenah Historical Society (NHS). It is open to the public for educational tours. The NHS asked for our help in restoring the landscape to be typical of the late 19th century. Over the past 3 years 10 MGVs have researched and designed an overall plan; built, planted and maintained the kitchen and perennial gardens; planted a shrub border and a rose border; and added many trees. The MGV team also erected a split rail fence for the rose border and began to build a brick raised bed edging the kitchen garden. MGVs participated in the NHS’s “Country Fair” held at the Octagon house each October with a booth to showcase the developing gardens and provide education. This year MGVs were asked to judge the Pie Contest. This project has provided a visible presence for WCMGA in the Neenah area and is very much appreciated by the Neenah Historical Society as well as the general public.

61 Wolf River Master Gardeners The Wolf River Master Gardener Association is made up of 17 members from Menominee and Shawano Counties. There are 14 recertiﬁ ed for 2011. In 2010 we volunteered 26 hours in youth education 142 hours in community education 546 hours in support service and participated in 515 hours in continuing education The Wolf River MGA encompasses both Shawano and Menominee Counties. The group meets monthly to discuss upcoming projects, participate in educational tours, and discuss horticultural topics. The Wolf River MGA is looking forward to expanding our membership in 2011.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. Garden Line. Wolf River MGVs took week long shifts to assist the UW-Extension Ofﬁ ces in Shawano and Menominee Counties answering horticultural questions. 2. Shawano Co. Fair. We provided support to horticulture department superintendents to accept, arrange and record placing on exhibits. 3. Huber Garden. MGVs assisted inmates with planting, maintaining and harvesting a vegetable garden at the Shawano Co. Huber Center. The produce was used in the inmates daily meals. 4. Newsletter. A newsletter that provides organization information, educational features and calendar of events is organized, edited and published by one of our MGVs. It is then distributed via email to all members and made available to the public via the local MG website. 5. Youth Education. Two MGVs gave a vegetable, perennial and annual seed planting demonstration for grades Kindergarten - 4th at Olga Brenner Grade School. The students received seeds to plant at home. 6. Apple Tasting. We hosted two Apple Tasting evenings with Tony Dembski of Maple Valley Orchard and Nursery that were open to the public to educate them about the different apple varieties they can grow in our area. 7. Rhubarb Festival. We held our second perennial plant sale during the Rhubarb Festival at Heritage Park. 8. Farmers’ Market. Wolf River MGVs answered horticulture questions at the weekly Shawano Farmers’ Market throughout the growing season.

Highlighted Project: Horticulture Education Classes in Menominee Co. Four MGVs taught educational classes at the Menominee Co. UW-Extension ofﬁ ce in April and May. Over the course of the sessions more than 400 enthusiastic participants learned about container gardening, growing herbs, garden dish gardening (planting salad greens), blueberries, vegetable seeds, perennials, and companion gardening. During the classes, participants were engaged in hands-on learning – they were able to plant their own perennials, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, and other produce. Additional classes were offered in the fall to educate about composting and putting your garden to bed. Many participants remarked that they were eager to implement what they had learned in their home gardens. It was also a great educational experience for the MGVs, as they were able to spend time researching the topics, planning the classes, and sharing their knowledge either individually or as a team. Each class was two hours long and was able to accommodate up to 40 participants. The classes were so successful there is already a high demand for next year.

62 Wood County Master Gardeners We have 160 members in our association. This year 23 students attended spring General Training in Marshfi eld and in the summer 17 students attended training in conjunction with Adams Co. in the Town of Rome. The latter trainees can decide to join either our association or the Adams Co. MGA. In 2010 we volunteered 182 hours in youth education 116 hours in community education 5,493 hours in support service and participated in 1,711 hours in continuing education We meet face to face on a monthly basis from March to November. Our meetings rotate from Marshfi eld to Wisconsin Rapids as our volunteer area comprises the Town of Rome in Adams Co., all of Wood Co., and southern Marathon Co. near Marshfi eld. Many of our summer meetings also included tours.

Major Accomplishments or Projects: 1. United Way of Inner Wisconsin is housed in an older home converted to business offi ce. The outdoor maintenance budget is zero and the director mows the lawn with her own equipment. We rebuilt the garden beds adjacent to the building with new shrubs, perennials, and mulch and added three dwarf Korean maples to the site. Low maintenance/water conservation was the theme. 2. The 11th annual WCMGA Garden Walk featured 5 private gardens, a MGV’s garden, and the Lester Library of Rome gardens (which are maintained by our MGA). As well as having artists in each location, we helped the garden owners select and feature one perennial or shrub for each site. We prepared a fact and care sheet for each featured plant that participants could take home. 3. Our Spring Garden Seminar at Powers Bluff County Park on May 8th included an introduction to phenology and a wildfl ower walk lead by Dr. Robert Freckman of UW-Stevens Point. The night before we had 3-4” of snow, but still enjoyed the wildfl owers with a picturesque snowy background. 4. At the Marshfi eld Community Gardens, raised bed gardens, surrounded by a deer fence, were constructed on the site of a local church and in the middle of a large residential neighborhood. We have one demonstration plot and all of the others are rented for $10/season. Compost bins are sited on each end of garden to encourage their use. MGVs provide guidance and minimal maintenance.

Highlighted Project: Garden Project Awards Each year our Association Board of Directors and project approval team reviews the 32 projects we support in 8 communities and select three projects to highlight. This year our awards went to: Pittsville Historical Society/Scranton School for “Making Lemonade out of Lemons.” The Historical Society acquired, moved, and restored a one-room school on their site. The MG project leader planted a wild fl ower garden around the school to make it look appropriate to the early 1900’s. Before it had started fl owering, a local resident thought the area around the school needed mowing. The wildfl ower bed was setback somewhat but some fl owers had matured again by August. Strohman Park in the City of Marshfi eld for an “Oasis in the City.” This park, dedicated to the city fi refi ghters, is located on the main business street of Marshfi eld and next to City Hall. Last year, the street side of the park was disrupted as the city street was completely rebuilt, impacting many plants. MGVs rebuilt the garden in one year and made it an enjoyable spot to stop and rest once again. Anderton Community Park, Town of Sherry for “Educational/Practical for 2010 Rainstorm.” A MGV team created a large rain garden between the park and the town hall, which is lower in elevation. The perennials provide some garden interest all season. When our area experienced a 4 inch rainfall over 2 days the rain garden provided the relief needed to protect the town building. 63 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. 64