UW-Extension Master Gardeners Earn Certification
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Photo courtesy of Jayne Butts
UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Front Row (L-R): Susan Anderson, Jim Meuth, Sally Bear, Ricky Kiesling, Lois Baker, Norma Bader. Second Row (L-R): Advisor Mark Mayer, Lloyd Lueschow, Jayne Butts, Deb Kleppe, Tanna McKeon, Kris Winkler, Lynn Lokken, Gregg Smith, Theresa Colney. Back Row (L-R): Eugene Gessler, Dan Chapman, Sharon Adams, Linda Uttech, Marilyn Sandin-Ross, Tamara Schulte, Mike Davis, Cheryl Rezabek, Mike Colney, Kristi Leonard. Not pictured: Kay Collins-Argue, Linda Boll, Mary Jackson, Rudy Kaderly, Susan Konopacki, Mary Nelson, Ann Marie Ott, Cindy Palombi, Wendy Pendergraph, Paul Roemer, and Rae Wellnitz.
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 178 hours of community education and 1,977 hours in community service projects throughout Green County. A few examples of their community involvement include working with the Monroe Art Center to help design and plant the historical gardens and working with numerous school/community gardens for donations to local food pantries in the county.
Three Master Gardener Volunteers were honored for achieving 150 hours of service: Kay Collins-Argue, Lloyd Lueschow, and Jim Meuth. Kristi Leonard and Marilyn Sandin-Ross were recognized for 250 hours of volunteer service and Deb Kleppe and Paul Roemer were recognized for achieving 500 hours of volunteer service. Norma Bader, Michael Colney and Eugene Gessler were honored for achieving 1,000 hours of community service. Receiving their 10-year Association Member Awards were Sally Bear, Eugene Gessler and Rae Wellnitz.
The Green County Master Gardeners Association meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from February through October. Association officers for 2017 will include Rae Wellnitz, President; Tanna McKeon, Vice President; Kristi Leonard, Secretary; and Lynn Lokken, Treasurer.
Anyone interested in horticulture and gardening is welcome to join the association. For more information on the UW-Extension Master Gardener program, contact Mark Mayer, Agriculture Agent, at (608) 328-9440.
