Classes, Seminars, and Trips

Basic Master Gardener Training

The Basic Master Gardener Volunteer training is hosted in the fall of each year. Prospective new Master Gardener Volunteers will be encouraged to attend an introductory event at the James P. Coughlin Center prior to the start of the classes. The goal of this introductory meeting is to help the general public understand Master Gardener training is preparation for volunteer service, not just a gardening class. People will be able to fill out the paperwork and pay the class fees at this time. If you have a friend who has expressed interest in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, please advise them to attend.

This training will provide Master Gardener Volunteers with the core knowledge and resources to better serve the horticulture interests of the community. Basic Training will be held at the James P. Coughlin Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh. The previous classes have been presented typically on Tuesday evenings from 6–9 p.m. The class is 12 weeks. Basic training cost is approximately $150 per person which includes first year Master Gardener enrollment and education materials. Make checks payable to the Winnebago County Master Gardener Association. Ask about reduced rates for couples. Topics included in the Basic Training are: Plant Propagation, Soils, Woody Ornamentals, Herbaceous Perennials, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weeds, Vegetables, Fruit, Native and Invasive Plants, and Backyard Wildlife.

Call UW-Ex ag agent/MG advisor, Nick Schneider, at 920-232-1971 if interested.

Level 2 MG Training for Spring 2012:The Ecology, Cultivation & Use of Wisconsin Native Plants

There are two options for taking these courses:

Option 1: Participate at the Extension office. Join MGV colleagues for a live-broadcast of the lecture via the online learning platform, Blackboard.  Call the UW Extension office to register.  The class is $30, payable on the first evening of class.

Option 2: Enjoy the freedom to view the lecture from your own home and at your leisure! Archives of the live-broadcasts will be e-mailed to you after the conclusion of each session. These archives will be available using the online program Blackboard Collaborate.

Due to everyone’s computer being different we cannot offer technical support or configuration assistance. Register on-line through Conference Services connected at: 
http://wimastergardener.org/?q=Schedule2

Understand the synergy in the landscape as gardeners explore the balance between natural environments and those manipulated by humans.  Discover the array of plant communities native to Wisconsin, how to apply this knowledge to local gardening endeavors and the impact of mistakes made in the past.  Further develop your personal perspective of sustainability as it would apply in your volunteer efforts.

Date

Tentative Topic

March 20

Plant Communities in Wisconsin  – Barb Larson, Kenosha Co. UWEX

March 27

Landscaping with Native Plants  – Chrissy Regester, Walworth Co. UWEX

April 3

Non-Native Insects – Chris Williamson, Department of Entomology, UW-Madison

April 10

Invasive Plant Species: Biology and Management – Mark Renz,
Department of Agronomy, UW-Madison

April 17

Attracting and Managing Wildlife in the Landscape – David Drake,
Department of Wildlife Ecology, UW-Madison

April 24

Environmentally Friendly Landscaping – Darren Lochner, University of Minnesota,
Master Naturalist Program

Continuing Education

Events Sponsored by Winnebago County Master Gardeners

January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2012, 1–4:30 p.m. – 2012 Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance Short Course, Agriculture & Extension Service Center, Green Bay, WI

Saturday, February 4, 2012, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. – Winter Escape~Summer Dreams, Reeve Memorial Union, Oshkosh, with keynote speaker "The Renegade Gardener," Don Engebretson, nationally know garden writer and speaker.

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. – Wisconsin Public Television Garden Expo bus trip, Madison, WI

March 2012 – Pruning Workshop, Part II
Exact date and location TBD

Saturday, March 24, 2012 - Spring Thaw Symposium, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay, WI
with speakers Susan Martin, Ed Lyon, and Dave Wanninger

Saturday, April 21, 2012 - Master Composter Program, Outagamie County, Jim Reswick, 920-832-5121

1st week in May 2012 – Gardens of the Philadelphia Area Trip,

July 19-21, 2012 – Midwest Regional Master Gardener Conference bus trip, Minneapolis, MN

Watch for more details and registration forms for 2012 trips and training opportunities!

Events Sponsored by Other Master Gardener Groups

Events Sponsored by Other Groups