UW-Extension

The Wisconsin Master Gardener Program will be celebrating Master Gardener Volunteer Week April 5-9, 2021. Master Gardener Volunteers are an important part of University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension in Pierce and St. Croix Counties. Volunteers make a positive difference in our local area through a wide variety of activities and events.

In Pierce and St. Croix counties, there are almost 200 active Master Gardener volunteers. They help local residents learn the best practices to be successful with gardening and maintaining yards and landscapes in environmentally friendly ways. Master Gardeners coordinate and maintain community gardens in New Richmond, River Falls and other communities, where local residents can learn good gardening techniques, and produce from these gardens is harvested and donated to hunger prevention efforts. Many local Master Gardeners help with school gardens, teach classes and workshops, and are available at farmers markets, fairs, and other locations to answer questions. As trained University of Wisconsin – Madison Extension volunteers, Master Gardeners receive timely continuing education so they can provide researchbased, non-biased information to local residents.

The St. Croix Valley Master Gardener Association, to which most local Master Gardeners belong, hosts monthly educational presentations, an annual plant sale, and contributes an average of $4,500 annually in grants to local garden-related projects in Pierce and St. Croix counties.

Wednesday, April 7 is “Thank a Master Gardener Volunteer Day.” Extension wants to recognize all of our Master Gardener Volunteers for their dedication and contributions to Wisconsin. Join us by making a phone call, writing a note, or just saying “Thank you!” to a Master Gardener Volunteer on April 7th!

Find out more information about the Master Gardener Program at: mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu or contact Diana Alfuth, Horticulture Outreach Specialist for Pierce and St. Croix Counties at 715-273-6781 or [email protected]