WHY BECOME A MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER?
1. Meeting other people who love gardening
2. Sharing horticultural information
3. Because gardening renews and refreshes us
HOW DO I BECOME A MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER?
Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program – This program provides horticultural training to adults who, in turn, volunteer for Eau Claire County UW - Extension. The goal is to connect people with resources and research-based information to help people better understand horticulture and their environment.
Acceptance into the program includes passing a background check, approval of application, and signing a volunteer agreement.
Contact the UW-Extension Office at 715-839-4712 or by emailing Andy.Heren@co.eau-claire.wi.us for dates of area Master Gardener Training.
Course topics include:
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pest management of mammals, insects, and diseases
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lawn care, fruits, vegetable, and tree care
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general gardening practices
The training is designed to focus on current volunteer project needs including: youth gardening and Ask-A-Master-Gardener Booth. Other volunteer opportunities are available. An educational emphasis must be a component of a volunteer project.
Maintaining volunteer status with UW-Extension’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program includes providing a minimum of 24 volunteer hours and 10 hours of continuing education.
How do I get my volunteer hours?
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Answer horticulture questions at the UW-Extension office
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Youth Gardens at North River Front
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Community Gardens
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Ask-A-Master –Gardener-Booth at the Farmers Market in Eau Claire
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Extension Teaching Garden in Altoona
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Writing articles for the Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Association newsletter
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Master Gardener Plant Sale
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Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Association Board
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Winter Garden Seminar
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Wisconsin Master Gardener Association (WIMGA) Board member or Local Representative
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Schlegelmilch Garden
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Beaver Creek Reserve
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Giving horticultural presentations
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Working with school gardens or other environmental education programs
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Giving garden tours that have an educational component
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4-H educational programs focusing on horticulture and natural resource sciences