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.