MG Training Spring 2012: Ecology, Cultivation and Use of Wisconsin Native Plants

Understand the synergy in the landscape as gardeners explore the balance between natural environments and those manipulated by humans.  Discover the array of plant communities native to Wisconsin, how to apply this knowledge to local gardening endeavors and the impact of mistakes made in the past.  Further develop your personal perspective of sustainability as it would apply in your efforts.

March 20
Plant Communities in Wisconsin – Barb Larson, Kenosha Co. UW-Extension

March 27
Landscaping with Native Plants – Chrissy Regester, Walworth Co. UW-Extension

April 3
Non-Native Insects – Chris Williamson, Department of Entomology, UW-Madison

April 10
Invasive Plant Species: Biology and Management – Mark Renz, Department of Agronomy, UW-Madison

 April 17

Attracting and Managing Wildlife in the Landscape – David Drake, Department of Wildlife Ecology, UW-Madison

April 24
Environmentally Friendly Landscaping – Darren Lochner, University of Minnesota, Master Naturalist Program
TBA (tentative sustainability topic)

In Kenosha/Racine Ecology, Cultivation and Use of Wisconsin Native Plants course is available two ways.

Option 1
Live classes will be held from 6:00 to 9:00pm at Kenosha County Center in Bristol. The programs will be broadcast live through the internet using new technology. Students will have the opportunity for direct interaction with speakers, class discussion and activities.

Course fee is $30. Register by contacting Barb Larson Barbara.larson@kenoshacounty.org or at 262-857-1933. Payment is due at first class. Registration deadline is February 27.

Option 2
View the lecture from your own home and on your schedule! Archives of the live-broadcasts will be e-mailed to you after the conclusion of each session. These archives will be available using the online program Blackboard Collaborate.

·         Click on this link to see if your computer is compatible with the program (most are, after you download a few programs). This may take a while to open, so be patient! Eventually you will connect to the BlackBoard interface and a 6 minute introduction by Mike Maddox will start playing in the same format as the class sessions will be offered (make sure the volume is turned up, as audio accompanies the presentation). This will give you an idea of how well the program works on your computer.

Due to everyone’s computer being different we cannot offer technical support or configuration assistance.

·         Register on-line through Conference Services.

Course is $30.00. There is a $7.00 discount when you register for both winter and spring sessions at the same time for online courses only. Sorry, no enrolling for a single night. Registration deadline is February 27.

MG Level 2 Training – Winter 2012: Horticulture: Health & History

Winter 2012: Horticulture: History & Health

Plants, gardening and connections to nature profoundly impact health and quality of life. Explore how gardening and the natural environment can improve your health and sense of well-being. Discover how plants and gardening have influenced people, communities, and history. Learn how to develop Master Gardener Volunteer projects that benefit the lives of people of all ages and abilities.

Feb. 7
Horticulture: History & Health Introduction; Elements of a Healing Garden Experience – Mike Maddox, Rock Co. UWEX / WI MG Program

Feb. 14

The History of Community Gardens - Mary Reilly-Kliss, Master Gardener Volunteer
The Link Between Agriculture and Medicine – Irwin Johnson, Dept of Horticulture, UW-Madison

Feb. 21
Molding of Man: how plant diseases have shaped man’s culture – Kristin Krokowski, Waukesha County UW-Extension
The Three Sisters Garden - Diana Peterson, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW-Madison

Feb. 28
Adaptable Gardening – Barb Larson, Kenosha County UW-Extension

March 6
Houseplants – Patti Nagai, Racine County UW-Extension
Nature Play and Garden Environments for Children – Sam Dennis, Department of Landscape Architecture, UW-Madison

March 13
Gardening with Non-Traditional Audiences- How to adapt the garden to work with individuals with disabilities – Barb Larson, Mike Maddox, Patti Nagai
Safe Gardening Practices - Cheryl Skjolass, UW Center for Agricultural Safety and Health

In Kenosha/Racine Horticulture Health and History course is only available as the Online Option:

View the lecture from your own home and on your schedule! Archives of the live-broadcasts will be e-mailed to you after the conclusion of each session. These archives will be available using the online program Blackboard Collaborate.

·         Click on this link to see if your computer is compatible with the program (most are, after you download a few programs). This may take a while to open, so be patient! Eventually you will connect to the BlackBoard interface and a 6 minute introduction by Mike Maddox will start playing in the same format as the class sessions will be offered (make sure the volume is turned up, as audio accompanies the presentation). This will give you an idea of how well the program works on your computer.

Due to everyone’s computer being different we cannot offer technical support or configuration assistance.

·         Register on-line through Conference Services.

Course fee is $30.00. There is a $7.00 discount when you register for both winter and spring sessions at the same time for online courses only. Sorry, no enrolling for a single night. Registration deadline is January 15.

Racine/Kenosha Master Gardener Association Meeting
December 12, 2011 at Kenosha County Center
PROGRAM: Annual meeting and election of officers, followed
by holiday entertainment, white elephant gift exchange and awarding of Master Gardener Volunteer certificates, name badges and recognition of hours of volunteer service
AGENDA – Voting: 5:30-7:00 p.m.; Potluck: 6:00 p.m.; Business Meeting; 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Bountiful Harvest at Garden of Giving

More than three tons of vegetables were harvested from the Garden of Giving this fall and donated to the Racine County Food Bank. The organically raised vegetables were distributed to needy families throughout the county.
The final harvest on Oct. 22 was organized by Maggie Larsen and Kathi Villarreal, Master Gardener Volunteer co-coordinators, with about 10 MGVs and a few spouses.
The event was called "Make a Difference Day,’’ said MGV Hugh Weisensel. "But the surprise that made a difference, was the appearance of about 20 young people from the UW-Parkside Asian Students group, who showed up willing to assist with any and all tasks."
With the help of the students, 16 crates of tomatoes were harvested and all tomato vines and cages were cleared. All beds were cleared, said Weisensel, including 29 raised beds and four large in-ground beds, for a total of about 7,000 square feet. The above ground irrigation system was also cleared, cleaned and stored for the winter.
With the final harvest, Weisensel said the total for the season was 6,589 pounds of food donated to the hungry. "Our thanks to all the regulars who volunteer at the Garden of Giving from spring through summer and fall, putting in countless hours, as gardens don’t wait."

Do you need a replacement Master Gardener Volunteer name badge?
If yes, notify Barb Larson by Friday, November 4th.

RKMGA June 27th Tour

Racine/Kenosha Master Gardener Association Field Trip & Education Program (tour may be counted as continuing education hours)

Our first field trip/tour is scheduled for June 27th at the Sustainable Living Center of Gateway Technical College, 3520 30th Ave., Kenosha at 6:00 PM.

Parking is available in front of the Madrigrano Center - where tour guides will direct you to the barn up the slight inclined driveway where we will hear about their wonderful work.  According to Julie Whyte there is also an electric cart that will be available for those needing assistance getting to the site.

We will be hearing about their project from Stephanie Sklba and Julie Whyte who will then be giving us a tour of the facility and gardens.

Hope to see you all there.   Thank you. 

Alice Linders-Olson, 2011 Program Committee
262-694-3112 (H)
262-455-5436 (C)

Flower Pot on display

The amazing flower pot creation, done by Master Gardeners Julie Ellis and Jim Kairis and artist Crystal Villwock, is on display at Uncorkt, 240 Main Street, Racine.
The pot sponsored by Racine Kenosha Master Gardener Association is titled "Heard It Through the Grapevine." Our entry will compete with others from numerous area organizations.
On September 10, the pots will be auctioned to the highest bidder, with proceeds to benefit the Downtown Racine Association.
Pots are on display during normal business hours and taken inside at night.