Who We Are
Ozaukee Master Gardeners
Mission
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To serve the needs of gardeners in Ozaukee County by providing university research-based horticultural information and educational opportunities, designed to supplement programs of the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX).
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To promote understanding of responsible gardening practices and provide a link between the community and UWEX.
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To develop and increase horticultural knowledge for all Master Gardeners, thereby providing effective horticultural resources and expertise for Ozaukee County residents.
Ozaukee Master Gardeners
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Foster an enthusiastic love of gardening through our interactions with the community, our commitment to ongoing training and with each other.
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Commit to creating, managing and maintaining garden projects in the public view, annually reviewing the projects for their value to the community and for their alignment to our mission.
Ozaukee Master Gardeners (OzMG) have more than 80 Master Gardener volunteers who contribute over 7,000 hours annually to a variety of projects and activities. We are a non-profit organization that meets regularly and are governed by an elected Executive Board. Our major fundraising event is our annual Plant Sale. Funds raised at this and other OzMG sponsored events support our programs and projects.
Training to become an Ozaukee Master Gardener
STEP 1:
Complete “Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening” led and facilitated by UW Extension Horticulture Educators. Covers the objectives and subjects in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding exam.
Registration: July-August, Course: September-August
STEP 2:
Enroll in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding course that introduces the requirements of the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program. Complete the entrance exam with a score of 70% or better. Onboarding course is only available January through March, annually.
STEP 3:
Contact Ozaukee Master Gardeners Association at ozaukeemastergardeners@gmail.com to join. To become Certified for the following year, report at least 24 hours of volunteer service and at least 10 hours of continuing education into the ORS (WI MG Online Reporting System) by December 31.
To help offset the cost of training, OzMG provides stipends for new members who apply and complete requirements. Click button below for the application.
COURSE TOPICS:
- General Gardening Practices
- Integrated Pest Management
- Soils
- Botany
- Insects
- Plant Diseases
- Wildlife
- Weeds
- Herbaceous &
Woody Ornamentals
- Houseplants & Containers
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lawns
STEP 1:
2024 UW-Extension Master Gardener Program
Course: Foundations in Gardening
Registration:
- Early Bird - $299 (CLOSED)
$100 need-based scholarships available
- Regular - $325 (CLOSED)
What you get:
- An electronic version of the manual
- Access to course material through 8/31/25
- Course is “at your own pace”
- Suggested calendar guides to finish 12/7/24
- Online course using Canvas (Online Classroom/Zoom)
- Optional Labs:
Dig deeper into important course concept - $40
Apply concepts to real-life situations (via Zoom)
- Optional Extra: Hard copy of manual - $33
STEP 2: (Registeration CLOSED)
Master Gardener Onboarding course
Sign-up for Updates to receive registration information.
What you do:
- Set up access to Canvas (UW online classroom)
- Complete 7 training modules about Ext. MG program
- Pass entrance exam (70% or better)
STEP 3:
Connect with Ozaukee Master Gardeners