About Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension

The mission of Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension is to facilitate people's use of university knowledge to make informed decisions that enrich their lives and enhance their communities.

By connecting county residents to up-to-date, objective, practical, research-based knowledge, we help them grow, change and prosper. They become more self-sufficient, lead healthier and safer lives, form strong and nurturing families, and thrive economically. Our primary customers are the people who live and work in Milwaukee County, both adults and youth. We make a special effort to reach those who are traditionally underserved including minorities, low-income families, and people with disabilities. Our customers value high-quality, low-cost educational opportunities that emphasize practical skills they can put to use immediately.

To learn more about our goals, programs and impact, visit the About Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension web page.

University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and American with Disabilities (ADA) requirements.

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Milwaukee County
On August 27, 2009, the emerald ash borer was found in the City of Franklin. This is the first sighting in Milwaukee County of this destructive beetle.

The emerald ash borer is a wood boring beetle that attacks ash trees, usually killing them in one to three years. To learn how to identify and control this beetle, visit: http://emeraldashborer.wi.gov or download an Extension fact sheet:

• Emerald Ash Borer in Milwaukee County 2009 ( 2 pages, 324 KB)
• Homeowner Guide to Emerald Ash Borer Insecticide Treatments - Revised 9/09 ( 2 pages, 143 KB

If you have an ash tree with two or more symptoms of infestation or have other questions, contact our office at 414-256-4600 for assistance.

Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension employees are mandated to temporarily reduce their work hours 16 days over the next two fiscal years. This time is pro-rated for part-time and partial-year employees. Eight of these days are fixed furlough days when the office will be closed:

• November 27, 2009 (Friday after Thanksgiving holiday)
• January 4, 2010 (Monday after New Year’s Day holiday)
• March 22, 2010 (Monday)
• May 24, 2010 (Monday)
• November 26, 2010 (Friday after Thanksgiving holiday)
• January 3, 2011 (Monday after New Year’s Day holiday)
• March 21, 2011 (Monday)
• May 23, 2011 (Monday)

The remaining eight days are floating furlough days which will be set by employees in consultation with their supervisors. While this reduction in work hours will have an effect on service, we will be setting priorities and doing our best to minimize the impact. We remain committed to delivering high quality work and ensuring significant positive outcomes for the people of Milwaukee County.

Foreclosure Prevention
Many homeowners in Milwaukee and across the state are losing their homes largely because they cannot make the escalating payments on adjustable rate mortgages. In cooperation with the City of Milwaukee, our foreclosure prevention program raises community awareness by working with professional and consumer groups to provide consumers with resources to prevent foreclosures and make informed lending choices. For more information, visit the Milwaukee Housing Help web page.

Nature in the Parks
Nature in the Parks is a cooperative effort of the UW-Cooperative Extension, the Wehr Nature Center, and the Milwaukee County Park System. We provide environmental education programming throughout the Milwaukee County Park System and at individual school sites in the form of school field trips, youth programming and summer day camps. For more information visit the Nature in the Parks website or call 414-425-8550.

4-H Community Clubs
4-H provides real-life experiences for youth through practical, learn-by-doing educational programs. It is for all youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Wherever you live, suburb or city, 4-H has something for you. 4-H activities help youth develop self-esteem, become responsible young adults, gain a sense of belonging and improve decision-making, communication and leadership skills. To learn more about 4-H programs in Milwaukee County, visit the 4-H web page.

Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by UW-Extension specialists and agents in many aspects of horticulture. In return for their training, Master Gardeners volunteer to help with educational programs in horticulture and a wide variety of community service projects. For more information about the SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 414-256-4661 or visit the SEW MG web site.

Certified Beekeeping & the Urban Apiculture Institute
Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension & the Urban Apiculture Institute have started Wisconsin's first Certified Beekeeper program. In 2008, we secured a permit for an apiary at the community gardens in Wauwatosa and conducted our first beekeeping class. To learn more, contact Linda Reynolds, 414-256-4652, or visit the Urban Apiculture Institute web page.

Youth Development
Youth Development programs teach children and youth culturally-appropriate life skills in responsibility, decision-making, problem solving and leadership through practical, interactive, hands-on activities. Programs include: Civic Engagement, Pre-College and Career Planning, Children’s Gardening, and Cultural Competency.  Other program areas are: Teen Fatherhood, Boys to Men Project, Youth / Adults Partnership and Entrepreneurial Training (train the trainer). For more information, visit the Youth Development web page.

Poverty Awareness for Community Engagement (PACE)
Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension offers custom-designed training for professionals who work with people living in poverty. This training provides key lessons for understanding social class, gender, white privilege, oppression, and racism. To learn more about the training and how to schedule a session for your organization, go to our Poverty Awareness web page.

Horticulture Help Line
Have a yard or garden question? From 9 am to Noon Monday through Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents may call 414-256-4664 to consult our Horticulturists or Master Gardeners. For more answers to your yard and garden questions, visit the Horticulture Help Line web page.

Rent a Garden
2009 is the 37th year that Extension has rented gardens in Milwaukee County. For urban residents who do not have a place to garden, the garden plot rental program provides an opportunity to grow nutritious food, save grocery money, enjoy some exercise and share family traditions. To learn more about renting a garden, visit the Garden Rental web site or contact Carleen Xiong at 414-256-4606 or by email.