Master Gardener

Sheboygan County Master Gardener Program

Ask the Master Gardeners masterg@co.sheboygan.wi.us

About Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners are individuals who have an interest in horticulture, have taken Master Gardener training offered by UW-Extension and share their time and expertise with others.  It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes UW-Extension Master Gardeners from other gardeners.

The purpose of the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program is to provide unbiased, research-based horticultural information to the citizens of Wisconsin through Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardeners receive training in horticulture through the University of Wisconsin Extension. In return for their training, Master Gardeners volunteer in UW-Extension horticulture programs and projects which enhance the community.

The first Master Gardener Program was initiated in Washington State in 1972. In response to overwhelming requests for horticulture information, Extension Agents came up with the idea of trading specialized training in horticulture for a commitment to spend a specified number of hours doing volunteer outreach work for extension. The Extension Master Gardener Program started in Sheboygan County in 1988. There are currently about 104 members in the Sheboygan County association.

Master Gardeners provide many services to the UW-Extension Service and their communities. They use their knowledge, talents, and skills on various projects and activities, such as: answering horticultural questions and phone calls at their local county extension office, sponsoring clinics and educational programs, developing educational displays, and giving horticultural presentations. Master Gardeners also assist with youth gardening programs, plant demonstration and city beautification gardens, conduct horticultural therapy programs at nursing homes, write newspaper columns, do radio programs, and assist with the coordination and management of the local Master Gardener program.

In the Master Gardener Program, you receive 36-40 hours of horticultural training with UW-Extension university specialists and faculty. You pay for your instructional materials, which you keep. Class registration costs are in the $130.00 range.

 To become a certified member, you need to attend the designated training sessions, pass a final exam, and volunteer time to your community. To remain certified, each year you will need to take 10 hours of continuing education and volunteer 24 hours of your time.

 Besides the educational and community service aspect of the Master Gardener program, gardeners get to know others with similar interests. They share their gardening experiences and, occasionally, their plants.

For more information:  If you’re ready to get involved, contact any Master Gardener or your Sheboygan County UW-Extension office at 920-459-5904. You can also Email: michael.ballweg@ces.uwex.edu for more information.

Benefits of being an UW-Extension Master Gardener:

• You increase your knowledge of gardening and horticulture
• You are able to help others in your community
• You meet many interesting people who all share a common love of plants and gardening
• You keep current on the latest trends in horticulture through workshops, conferences, and newsletters

Sheboygan County Board of Directors, 2011

• Sue Mathews - President
• Jim Burkard – Vice President
• Lori Walker – Secretary
• Rhonda Barts – Treasurer
• Sherry Speth
• Kristi Richerson
• Pamela Hailer – filling remaining board term for Debra Walker-Maraviglia

 Sheboygan County Master Gardener Projects
2012 Sheboygan County Master Gardener Volunteers Project List  (PDF)