Welcome to the Wood County Master Gardener Association!

The Wood County Master Gardener Association is an energetic group of gardeners who are dedicated to our communities and  excited to gain and share knowledge with the public.  We have over 30 members and seven garden projects in Rome, Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa, Port Edwards, and Marshfield.  We sponsor our own fundraisers to finance projects and educational programs for children and adults in our communities.

2026 WCMGA Board

• President:                       Terrie Brown
• Vice President:               Chris Grimes 
• Secretary:                       Stacy Musch
• Treasurer:                       Famia Marx
• South County Rep: Karen Shirek
• South County Rep:        Bea Kohl
• North County Rep:       Lori Kilinski                
• North County Rep:       Carolyn Schulein
• Communications Rep:  Chris Grimes
• Immediate Past Pres:  Chris Grimes  
• Publicity Rep:                

UW-Extension Contacts

•    UW-Extension office:                                         (715)-421-8440
•    Horticulture Educator:     Janell Wehr   

The Wood County Master Gardener Association meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from March through November. (Exception:  The November meeting is usually the 3rd Tuesday to avoid Thanksgiving week).  Each session includes an educational presentation and a business meeting.  The public is welcome to attend our meetings.  Meeting locations vary throughout the county, depending on the education for the month.  In general, Marshfield meetings are held at the Marshfield Library;  Wisconsin Rapids meetings are commonly held at McMillan Library, usually starting at 6pm. Check the “Events” page for meeting times and locations.

Interesting in Master Gardening?

To become a Certified Master Gardener, you must attend a UW Extension sponsored general training course, pass an open book test, complete education on the role and responsibilities of Master Gardening, and volunteer 24 hours of service for an approved non-profit organization.   To remain certified, you must volunteer 24 hours and receive 10 hours of continuing education each year.

Training sessions:

• Step 1  – The Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program offers an online training course  “Foundations in Horticulture”. Yearly sessions are held in the fall; In 2026, it is September 6-December 12. There are fees for this training. Early bird registration begins July 16 and runs through August 10. ($50 discount on fees) Regular registration time is August 11-24. Contact us for registration information at woodcountymga@gmail.com. The Extension programs offers a limited humber of needs-based scholarships, which you can apply for at the same time you register for the class.
• As an alternative to the online course, an in-person training in Wood County MAY be planned when enough people communicate their desire for a class. This usually occurs in the fall also with a different location around Wood County chosen every year. Fees are associated with the course. This course will not be held in 2026. Look for information in June 2027 about a future opportunity. Contact us at woodcountymga@gmail.com if you might be interested in this in-person class and we will notify the instructor of your interested to help with her planning.
• Step 2 The  Onboarding course will explain the scope of your role as a Master Gardener. Additionally, you will take an open book exam of the course content, which requires a score of 70% or better. The onboarding course is a shorter class and you take it as you are able, but it is only available January 1 through March 30, usually.

• We welcome your participation in our Master Gardener association while waiting for a new Training Class. Contact us at woodcountymga@gmail.com for information.
• Wood County Master Gardener Association has a Tuition Reimbursement program for persons wishing to join our association after completing the training classes, Onboarding, and 24 hours of volunteer service following training in one or more of our community gardening projects, fundraisers, or educational events. Up to $100 may be awarded to offset the cost of the Training Course, and up to $100 to offset the cost of Onboarding may be awarded to eligible students.

Volunteer Service:

In exchange for the training, you are expected to volunteer some time to extend your horticulture knowledge into the community.  24 hours of volunteer service is required to achieve Certification. After your initial certification, 24 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education are required per year to maintain certification. There are many opportunities to fulfill the volunteer requirement.  A few examples include:

• working on Affiliated Master Gardener Projects (creating and maintaining select public gardens in our communities of service)
• planning and presenting youth education through 4-H, Scouts, or schools
• coordinating and teaching gardening principles at community gardens in our area
• planning and/or answering questions at plant clinics we sponsor
• assisting the Extension staff in the extension office
• volunteering with the horticultural judging at the Central Wisconsin State Fair
• answering horticulture questions that come to us from the public via email
• Presenting workshops and demonstrations on horticultural topics
• Working on association administration and committees
• Planning and/or working at one of our plant sales
• Planning and/or working on our Garden Walk event
• staffing “Ask A Master Gardener” booth at local farmers market

For questions or more information, contact Karli at the Wood County Extension office, any of the Wood County Master Gardener board members, or send us an email at woodcountymga@gmail.com. Also visit our Facebook page, Wood County Master Gardener Volunteer Association