An orientation for those wanting to learn more about the Master Gardener Program will be on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 6:30 pm in room AE-205/206 at UW-Fond du Lac. There is no cost to attend the orientation. The deadline to register for the program is August 23, 2017 or when the limit of 25 students is reached.

Level 1 Training will begin on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 and continue weekly on Tuesday evenings through early December. All meetings will be held in the Administration/Extension Building of UW-Fond du Lac, Room AE-205/206.

Participants in Level 1 learn basics about a variety of gardening themes such as managing trees and shrubs, lawns, landscape plants, fruit crops, and vegetables. Members of the Master Gardener Association will teach and mentor students at each meeting.

Participants who complete the training are expected to use what they learn in 24 hours of volunteer service in the coming year with the Master Gardener Association and UW-Extension. Current volunteers provide horticultural information, services, and education to Fond du Lac County residents in a variety of settings and formats. A list of current projects is available online at https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/hort/mg/projects/. New project ideas are always welcome and considered.

The program cost of $125 includes a manual and membership into the local association for one year. Need-based financial assistance is available upon request.

Applicants to the program must consent to a criminal background check and sign the volunteer agreement before acceptance into the program. Previous gardening experience is not necessary.

For more information, contact UW-Extension at 920/929-3171 or tina.engelhardt@wisc.edu.