What is the Master Gardener Program all about?

The Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program is a service organization whose primary mission is education of the citizens of our communities about growing plants. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, we receive specialized training in all aspects of horticulture, including plant and soil science; disease, insect, and weed identification; and how to select, grown, and maintain the health of different kinds of plants.  We’re not experts in growing everything, but we have access to vast resources through the university so we can help people discover the answer to a gardening question or problem.  

Candidates for the Master Gardener training program may be novice gardeners or people with a lot of gardening knowledge and experience already. But, all have a desire to learn the latest evidence-based information, a passion for lifelong learning, and a commitment to improving their communiites.

Wood County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) is a local, non-profit organization that includes members from all over Wood County and Northern Adams County.

• Led by elected officers and board members.
• Meet monthly (March-Nov) for a continuing educational presentation and business meeting.
• Raise funds to support horticulture education projects through plant sales and our annual Garden Walk.
• Design and maintain several public gardens in our service area which advance our mission of education and service to our community.
• Provide gardening-related presentations and educate the public using UW-Madison Extension-based resources and materials on horticultural topics.
• Plan and host continuing education programs for MGs, as well as social activities for members.
• Publish a monthly newsletter with information about our activities and links to educational resources.

How do I become a Master Gardener?

Becoming a Certified Wisconsin Master Gardener starts with taking a 12- week Foundations in Gardening class that is approved by UW-Extension.  The Extension sponsors an online class every fall that is complete-at-your-own-pace.   In addition, our local Horticultural Educator usually conducts a 12 week in-person class somewhere in Wood County, also in the fall. Registration for both of these classes usually starts in July.  Fees apply for both.  Discounts for early bird registration usually apply and financial aid is available for the online class.

After either series of classes are completed, an open book exam over the course material, plus orientation to the Master Gardener program, called Onboarding, is required to be completed online January-March of the year following training.  Finally, to complete your certification, 24 volunteer hours must be done with an approved organization following Onboarding.

As a Certified Master Gardener, you are not required to join a local association such as Wood County Master Gardeners, but the sense of camaraderie, cooperation, accomplishment, and fun are big benefits!  WCMGA also offers Tuition Reimbursement for new trainees who complete their 24 certification hours with us and join our association.

The In-Person class in Wood County will not be held in Fall 2025, but hopefully will be in 2026.

The UW-Extention Foundations in Gardening Online Class will be held this year September 7-December 6, 2025.  Early Bird Registration ($26 discount on the fee!) is July 16-August 11. Submit a request below for information about registration.

Can I still work with Wood County Master Gardener Association even if I don’t take the training?

You bet!  Citizens interested in helping care for our gardening projects are welcome to join us.  The Certified MG Project Leader will share the project goals with you and direct your efforts there.  Also, our monthly educational meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to attend.

Take a tour of one of our projects to see where your interests lie:

Wisconsin Rapids

• South Wood Historical Museum  540 3rd Street South
• Growing Friends Community Garden  Corner of Hill and Spruce Streets

Port Edwards

• Edgewater Haven Sensory Garden  1352 Wisconsin River Dr

Nekoosa

• Market Street and Senior Center Planters.  Downtown and 416 Crestview Lane

Town of Rome

• Lester Memorial Library of Rome. 1157 Rome Center Drive, 

Marshfield

• Community Gardens of Marshfield  (3 locations)
• Marshfield Zoo in Wildwood Park 608 W 17th Street
• Marshfield Fair Grounds Educational Garden. 513 E 17th Street

Master Gardener Interest Form

Please contact me with information about the next Master Gardener Training Class and/or working with Wood County Master Gardener Association. By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted regarding the next training class and WCMGA activities.  The information you provide will only be used for this purpose.