The Master Gardener Program in Oneida County started in 1999. Over 318 people have been trained since that time, and there are currently 28 certified Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) for 2017. The UW-Extension staff member facilitating the MG Program is Merry Lehner.
Volunteer Service in 2016
| Youth Education | 155 hours |
| Adult Education | 146 hours |
| Support | 1436 hours |
| Total | 1737 hours |
Since 2000: 42,668 hours at a value of over $771,605
* using the current estimated dollar value of volunteer time in Wisconsin of $22.48 per hour, from Independent Sector. Cumulative value based on previous annual estimates.
Where you can find activities by MGVs
- Rhinelander Area Community Garden
- Rhinelander Area Food Pantry Greenhouse
- Old School Arts & Learning Center
- Stevensport Square
- Oneida County Courthouse Garden
- Crescent School Garden
- City Hall Garden
Supplying Fresh Produce to the Food Pantry
MGVs operate a Community Garden in cooperation with the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. Over 3,000 pounds of fresh produce grown in the garden was donated to the food pantry. The Garden also provides an opportunity for education about horticulture and nutrition. This year about a dozen educational tours were conducted, including a special tour for UW-Extension Chancellor Cathy Sandeen and Vice Chancellor Aaron Brower.
Awards Inspire Residents
MGVs have partnered with the City of Rhinelander to present Yard of the Month awards for the past 7 years. The purpose of the program has been simply to inspire residents and businesses to maintain an attractive and appealing presence and fostering a sense of pride in the Rhinelander community. Each month during the summer, a team of MGVs drives through the city to view the nominated properties. Residential awards are Traditional Yard of the Month and Blooming Yard of the Month; each receives a $50 water utility credit. There is also a Commercial Yard of the Month award. All winners receive a certificate signed by the mayor and city administrator and a Yard of the Month sign, and their photo appears in newspapers and newsletters.
Free Plants Distributed to Needy Families
In cooperation with the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry, MGVs grow vegetable bedding plants in a greenhouse for clients to use in their home gardens. MGVs also provide education on growing vegetable gardens as the plants are distributed to clients. This year we distributed over 2,500 plants to gardeners in and effort to help families attain food security.
Master Gardener Volunteers give special garden tour for UW-Extension Chancellor Cathy Sandeen and Vice Chancellor Aaron Brower.
