Marathon County UW-Extension is now recruiting volunteers to apply for Level 1 Training of the Master Gardener Program.

Using Gardening to Make a Difference

Volunteers are important to UW-Extension.  They help reach into communities and address the needs that matter most to people.  Master Gardener Volunteers specifically focus on the topic of gardening. They help answer gardening questions, help people grow food, battle invasive plants and protect pollinators, and get people– of all ages and abilities– active in the garden!  You’ll get to help fulfill the UW-Extension mission in your area of the state using gardening and education.  If you want to make a difference in your community and also want to learn more about gardening, think about joining our team.

Read excerpts on Marathon County Master Gardener Volunteers making a difference!

Level 1 training is a blended classroom of in-class lecture, discussion, and activities; plus out of class reading and video lectures.  Topics covered include an introduction to the plant sciences, soils, and integrated pest management. Participants should be able to answer most gardening questions using the appropriate resources at the end of the training.  

Application deadline is February 18, 2019. Training will be on Tuesday nights,  from 6:30 to 8:00pm, starting March 5 and finishing May 21, 2019.

In addition to training, requirements include:

• Completing and reporting a minimum of 24 hours of volunteerism on locally approved projects
• Passing a required criminal background check
• Completing UW-Extension’s mandated reporter training of child abuse and neglect
• And signing the UW-Extension volunteer agreement form

Please contact Brianna Wright with questions and to request an application.

Watch an Orientation to the Master Gardener Program