UW-Extension Master Gardeners Earn Certification
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Photo courtesy of Jayne Butts
Front Row (L-R): Kristi Leonard, Jayne Butts, Norma Bader, Rae Wellnitz, Lois Baker, Daniel Chapman. Second Row (L-R): Kris Winkler, Lynn Lokken, Teresa Colney, Susan Anderson, Wendy Pendergraph, Sharon Adams, Ricky Kiesling. Back Row (L-R): Tanna McKeon, Susan Konopacki, Cheryl Rezabek, Marilyn Sandin-Ross, Mary Jackson, Linda Boll, Mike Davis, Mike Colney, Eugene Gessler. Missing from photo: Kay Collins-Argue, Rudy Kaderly, Debra Kleppe, Lloyd Lueschow, Jim Meuth, Mary Nelson, Ann Marie Ott, Cindy Palombi, Paul Roemer, Gregg Smith, and Linda Uttech.
Thirty-three Green County area residents were recently recognized for earning their Master Gardener Certification at the recent annual meeting of the Green County Master Gardeners Association. The main functions of the group are to serve the needs of all horticulturists in the Green County area, provide continuing education for its members, provide community services through volunteer activities, exchange gardening ideas, promote responsible and sound gardening practices and to provide a link between the community and UW-Extension.
To earn the UW-Extension Master Gardener Certification, participants are required to complete 36 hours of classroom training. They must also complete at least 24 hours of community service before receiving their UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Certification. Recertification is required annually and to retain their certification, Master Gardeners must participate in a minimum of 10 hours of educational development in addition to providing 24 hours of volunteer service each year.
The Green County Master Gardeners Association was formed in 2004 to provide Master Gardeners with opportunities for professional development and community service. Over 135 people have been trained since that time. This past year, members of the association volunteered 143 hours of community education and 1,833 hours in community service projects throughout Green County. One of the newest projects this year was the Home Garden Tours, featuring six local gardens.
One Master Gardener Volunteer was honored for achieving 150 hours of service: Daniel Chapman. Sharon Adams and Ricky Kiesling were recognized for 250 hours of volunteer service; Mary Nelson was recognized for achieving 500 hours of volunteer service; and Lynn Lokken was recognized for achieving 750 hours of volunteer service.
The Green County Master Gardeners Association meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from February through October. Association officers for 2019 will include Tanna McKeon, President; Tamara Schulte, Vice President; Linda Boll, Secretary; and Lynn Lokken as Treasurer.
Anyone interested in horticulture and gardening is welcome to join the association. For more information on the UW-Extension Master Gardener program contact Jackie McCarville, Agriculture Agent, at (608) 328-9440.
