MASTER GARDENERS IN MANITOWOC COUNTY

Master Gardener Program - What Is It?

Manitowoc County Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who aid University of Wisconsin-Cooperative Extension staff in helping communities better understand horticulture. This national program was introduced in Wisconsin in 1977.

The Master Gardener training began in Manitowoc County in September, 1994. The goal of the program is to educate and encourage volunteers to help the public with their horticulture inquiries. Benefits of the program include:

• new interests
• new skills
• opportunities
• friendships
• leadership
• education

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.

Who Can Join?
Any individual 18 or older can participate in the Master Gardener Program. No previous experience or training is necessary.

How To Become A Certified Master Gardener
To become certified you must attend a designated training session, pass a final exam, fulfill a volunteer commitment to your community, and pay annual dues. You will then receive a diploma and a Master Gardener name tag at the annual awards banquet. Once certified, you can only use your Master Gardener title when you are involved in an Extension project. Be sure to wear your name tag at all Master Gardener activities.

As part of the Manitowoc County Master Gardeners organization, you can participate in Master Gardener sponsored events including:

• plant clinics
• horticulture classes
• Master Gardener Board of Directors
• helping UW-Extension customers
• Manitowoc Health Care Center
• West-Of-The-Lake Gardens
• Festival of Flowers garden fair and garden walk
• many others

The volunteer opportunities are endless. Many Master Gardeners enthusiastically volunteer their time beyond the required minimum number of hours.

Ready To Get Involved?

For more information: If you're ready to get involved, contact any Master Gardener or your Manitowoc County UW-Extension office at 920-683-4168.

The Master Gardeners may be contacted at the Manitowoc County UW-Extension Office by calling (920) 683-4909 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and noon during the months of April through September.

Master Gardeners Executive Board

President - Ranee Lemberger, (920) 732-3365
Vice President - Pat Hollen, (920) 682-5028
Secretary - Judy Tisler, (920) 732-3258
Treasurer - Doris Magyar, (920) 755-2573
Volunteer Coordinators - Rosie & Dorothy Bugs, (920) 682-1343
Education Chair - Rosie Bugs, (920) 682-1343
State Rep - Dorothy Bugs, (920) 683-1343

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