Throughout 2023, Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners contributed over 103,900 hours of service, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the Wisconsin Idea. Additionally, we are proud to report that over 28,800 hours of continuing education were recorded, highlighting Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners’ commitment to staying up-to-date on research-based information.

A big part of the Master Gardener Program is to educate the people of Wisconsin in environmentally sound gardening practices. This is done through:

• 4,500 hours staffing information booths at events such as farmers’ markets           
• 3,600 hours answering the public’s gardening questions 
• 5,900 hours doing direct teaching                            

Together we can improve lives and communities through gardening.

The Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program supports a network of individuals dedicated to horticulture education, service, and lifelong learning. Through university research-based horticulture training they are equipped to address needs and opportunities in their community and throughout the state. Master Gardeners are motivated individuals who use gardening to make a difference in their communities. The Master Gardener Program provides plant-related continuing education opportunities to grow their gardening know-how. Local organizations benefit from the garden-related volunteer activities and education provided by Master Gardeners.

In the state of Wisconsin…

• 103,900 Volunteer hours                             
• 28,800 Continuing education hours         
• 3,223 Total Master Gardener participants             
• 6,700 hours doing outreach related to pollinators
• 819 organizations are served by Master Gardeners
• 55,000 hours spent gardening native plants, pollinator habitats, managing invasive species, & more           

The Wisconsin Idea

One of the longest and deepest traditions surrounding the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Idea signifies a general principle: that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the campus. Synonymous with Wisconsin for more than a century, this “Idea” has become the guiding philosophy of university outreach efforts in Wisconsin and throughout the world.

Over the past year, Master Gardeners have been hard at work providing a variety of gardening-related outreach activities to our Wisconsin communities through volunteer service to Wisconsin nonprofits and other organizations that benefit the public good. From answering individual gardening questions to educating large groups through workshops and displays, Master Gardeners have been dedicated to helping individuals grow their knowledge and skills. In addition, they have engaged in physical gardening tasks and provided expert administration and support to ensure the success of programs across the state. The Extension Horticulture and Master Gardener Programs are proud of the progress made and look forward to continuing to serve our communities in the coming year.