Welcome to the Wood County Master Gardener Association!

The Wood County Master Gardener Association is an energetic group of gardeners who are dedicated to their communities and  excited to gain and share knowledge with the public.  We have over 25 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.

2023 WCMGVA Board

• Chair:                         Chris Grimes
• Co-Chair:                Karleen Remington
• Secretary:                       Judy Miller
• Treasurer:                       Famia Marx
• South County Rep: Lil Schotten
• South County Rep:        Bea Kohl
• North County Rep:        Jill Becker              
• North County Rep:       Carolyn Schulein
• Communications Rep:   Chris Grimes
• Immediate Past Pres:   
• 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 ;  Wisconsin Rapids meetings are commonly held at McMillan Library, usually starting at 6pm. Check the Event Calender page for meeting times and locations.

Interesting in Master Gardening?

To become a Certified Master Gardener, you must attend general training sessions and volunteer 24 hours of service.  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”. The 2022 session is currently planned for September-December. There are fees for this training. Follow this link for information about Foundations in Horticulture https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/foundations-in-horticulture . To be added to a mailing list to receive information on the next opportunity to begin training, click here: https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1946280/1785948/
• As an alternative to the online course, an in-person training in Wood County is planned when enough people communicate their desire for a class. Click this link https://wood.extension.wisc.edu/horticulture/wood-county-master-gardeners/local-wood-county-master-gardener-training/ to be added to the waiting list and receive updates. Fees are associated with the course.
• Step 2 Our Onboarding course will explain the scope of your role as a Master Gardener. Additionally, you will complete the entrance exam, which requires a score of 70% or better. Our onboarding course is only available January 1 through March 15, annually.

• We welcome your participation in our Master Gardener association while waiting for a new Training Class. Contact us at woodcountymga@gmail.com for information.

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.  There are many opportunities to fulfill this requirement.  A few examples include:

• working on Authorized Master Gardener Projects
• youth education through 4-H, Scouts, or schools
• community gardens
• plant clinics
• assisting in the extension office
• volunteering at the fair
• answering public horticulture questions
• workshops and demonstrations
• association administration and committees
• plant sales
• garden walk
• 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