The Junior Master Gardener program wrapped up another successful season in Fond du Lac County this year. This program seeks to “grow” good kids by igniting a passion for learning, success, and service through a unique gardening education. The Junior Master Gardener program is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. Children can get involved in exploring their world through meaningful activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride and responsibility, and community involvement. Youth involved in the program develop critical thinking skills, and the ability to identify community concerns and take action to address them through individual group projects.

In Fond du Lac county this program is offered free of charge to children ages 8-12. The students meet weekly starting in April and continue throughout the summer. Over the course of the class, the participants learn how to plant a garden, weed, harvest, and cook with the fruits of their labor.