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Chippewa Valley Master Gardener Association |
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| Visions Beheld |
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Behold our Sights | |||||
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Chippewa Valley Master Gardener Association |
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Behold our Sights | |||||
A Master Gardener is an integral link between the University Extension and the public. They are a group of people with a wide range of horticultural interests and have taken the Master Gardener training offered by UW-Extension. In turn, they give back to the community by aiding in horticultural programs and projects.
Although the main purpose of the Master Gardener Program is to aide in answering questions from the public, their talents are also used in other ways. They may put together educational displays and presentations. Master Gardeners educate the public on composting, environmental stewardship, and growing plants in limited spaces. They also work with the youth to foster horticultural interests and knowledge. Many are involved in beautification programs, writing articles, and so much more!
To the uninformed, they may believe the Master Gardener Program is just another garden club. In reality, Master Gardeners are a group of volunteers who serve their communities by helping to provide horticultural education.
To others, they believe that a Master Gardener may know all of the answers. Although it would be wonderful if this were true, it is just not possible. Every day brings a new bit of knowledge to the world. This may come in the form of a new pest or disease, a new way to fight these pests or diseases, new plant varieties, new conservation laws, etc. No, a Master Gardener does not know all of the answers; but rather likened to an index. Whereas, if you have a question and they do not know the answer to it, they will find out for you and get back to you with the answer.
There has always been an interest in gardening. However, in the 1970s there was a massive surge of interest. This was duly noted in Washington State by Dr. David Gibby of King and Pierce counties. It was a colossal task to meet the heavy demand for information by home gardeners. He tried to keep the public informed through media and other means, but that created even more interest.
After a brainstorming session with other Extension personnel, it was decided to train seasoned gardeners to help meet the heavy demand for information by the public. The name “Master Gardeners” was selected. A program was designed in 1972. In early 1973, 120 people were trained. From that explosive start, it caught on to what it is today! The Master Gardener Program can be found in all 50 states, as well as some provinces in Canada.
Wisconsin’s own Master Gardener Program began in 1977 in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. Other counties soon followed with Brown County following closely in 1979 and Dane County in 1981. The Wisconsin Master Gardener Association was born in 1992 from an assembly of Master Gardeners from around the state.
APRIL MINUTES, 1999
Lynn Markham
At our first meeting the following officers were elected: Laura Franta-President, Roz Schleife- Vice-President, Lynn Markham-Secretary, Terri Hawkinson-Treasurer. And Kristen Brown-Historian. The board of directors will include Jerry Clark as county extension agent / association advisor. Joe Spoden and Joanne Lawry in addition to the officers. The group agreed on the purposes statement: “The goal of this organization shall be to promote environmental stewardship by developing an appreciation for and understanding of horticultural practices for all Master Gardeners and residents of the Chippewa Valley.”
A committee composed of Greg Hoffman-Chair, Laura Franta, Doug Falkenberg, and Jerry Clark will meet to decide upon the association by-laws. We decided to meet at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month, with the exception of no meeting in December. Various volunteer opportunities were discussed again, and Jerry raised the option of developing a garden out at the Chippewa County farm. Based on general support for the County Farm garden, the May meeting will focus on this project and be held May 10th at the Chippewa County Farm directly across from the vet clinic on Highway 178.
Present at the meeting were: Laura Franta, Terri Hawkinson, Roz Schleife, Doug Falkenberg, Greg Hoffman, Kristen Brown, Ray Anderson, Lynn Markham, Pat Brukhart, Ruth Rehm, Cindy Keller, Joyce Garer, Joanne Lowry, Carla Peterson, and Joe Spoden.
| In August of 2000, Chippewa Valley Master Gardeners Association became the 27th group to become affiliated with the Wisconsin Master Gardener Association. |  Annual Accomplishment Reports: 2001, 2000 |
Not only are you able to increase your knowledge of horticulture, but you are able to share that information and help out the community. As a Master Gardener, you have access to workshops, conferences, newsletters and the latest trends in horticulture.
Being a Master Gardener allows you to meet many interesting people who share a common love of plants. It enables you to share gardening experiences and often, plants as well. It permits you to meet people from all over the state that normally you would not meet.
Being a Master Gardener fosters personal growth. You develop communication, management, and leadership skills that can also be used throughout every day life.
Anyone who is 18 or older can be a participant in the Master Gardener Program. You do not need to have any prior experience or training. Although many people do have some experience, no matter how slight.
In the Master Gardener Program, you receive 36 hours of horticultural training with UW-Extension university specialists and faculty. You pay only for your instructional materials, which you keep. In exchange for the free training, you are asked to donate 36 volunteer hours (equivalent to the number of training hours received for that year.) Some of the topics to be covered during the twelve sessions include: Landscaping with Herbaceous Perennials, Houseplants, Low Input Lawn Care, Vegetables, Backyard Wildlife, Weeds / Weed Management, Landscape Plants with Year Round Interest, Soils, Fruit Crops, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Using Native Plants. Currently, the training manual for the general Master Gardener course is being updated. Once you have completed the training, taken a final exam, and the required 36 hours of volunteer time, you will become certified.
To remain a certified Master Gardener, you will need to take 10 hours of continuing education and an additional 10 hours of volunteer time each year. The majority of Master Gardeners accumulate far more than the required 10 hours. There is also a specialized training program available for Master Gardeners which may be counted toward the required 10 hours of continuing education.
For more information on the Master Gardener Program, contact your local Extension Office or a Master Gardener.
