2014 Nature & Horticulture Programs in and around Marinette County

Are you interested in staying “SHARP” as you age?

Brunch For Your Brain course will be offered at the Crivitz Senior Meal Site on Mondays, June 2nd-Aug. 8th from 9:00-11:00am.  (No class on July 14th.) There is a 15 person maximum for the course.  There is no fee.  Please call Marinette County Elderly Services at 800-990-4242 or 715-854-7453 to register or for more information.

Brunch For Your Brain, Summer 2014 Flyer

We are currently beginning the process of re-filling the Community Natural Resources Economic Development Educator (CNRED) position in our office.  We want this position to best meet the needs of the residents of Marinette County.  A key step in this process is focusing the position description on the true tasks and goals necessary for Marinette County.

The CNRED Educator is one of the cornerstone program area positions within Marinette County UW-Extension.  However, it is also a position that has an extremely wide range of possible duties.  As you can see further at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cnred/ CNRED educational programs support many broad community goals, including:

-       Leadership training

-       Organizational Development

-       Economic development

-       Public policy issues

-       Natural resources protection

-       Land-use planning

-       Shared decision-making and consensus building

We value your thoughts and opinions in this regard and hope you are able to take a few minutes to either fill out the web survey, at https://uwex.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ac2QbRmMdxEwOMJ

Or get us your thoughts via e-mail to sreuss@marinettecounty.com

We would ask that you respond to the survey no later than Friday, September 26, 2014.

If you would prefer to talk to one of us regarding this information, please feel free to call us at 715 732-7510.

It’s Back to School time!  Here are some resources to help you and your family make a smooth transition back to school.

•  Parents Roles May Change as Homework Assignments Get More Challenging,
• Simple Food Safety Tips for Packing School Lunches and
• Seize the Morning With Breakfast

Marinette County Elderly Services is partnering with Marinette County UW-Extension to offer, Taking Care of You, Powerful Tools for Caregivers.  This educational program for family caregivers is designed to help you take care of yourself.

Are you looking for more energy, do you feel prepared to make the caregiving decisions that you face in the future; do you need help communicating your needs to your family and friends? This educational program offers a caregiver tools and resources to build communication skills, lower stress levels, set goals, make tough decisions and communicate with family members and medical providers. It also enables caregivers to meet other fellow caregivers who may be in a similar caregiving situation. Each week’s lesson focuses on different issues and aspects of caregiving.

This class will meet for six weeks, every Thursday afternoon from 1:00-3:30 p.m., October 2-November 6, 2014 at Faith Baptist Church, 350 N. Stephenson Avenue in Peshtigo.  The certified instructors that lead the course are Nancy Crevier, Marinette County UW-Extension Family Living Educator and Marilynn Galineau, Certified Senior Advisor.

The fee for this course is $5.00, which covers a portion of the cost of The Caregiver Helpbook. The fee will be refunded to participants who complete a minimum of 4 of the 6 classes. All refreshments, handouts, and The Caregiver Helpbook are included. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of six people needed to offer the class.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this course, please call Marinette County Elderly Services at 1-800-990-4242 for more information or to register. Please pass this information on to other family caregivers you may know. Respite Care may be available for persons interested in attending the course, but unable to attend due to caregiving responsibilities. Please call for more information.

Powerful Tools flyer, Fall 2014 (2)

SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 18TH
3 – 7 PM
AT HARMONY ARBORETUM

Bring the family in their favorite Halloween costumes for hands-on crafts, pumpkin carving, games, food, costume parade, and so-o-o-o much more!  Food and drink will be available.  The event is sponsored by Marinette County UW Extension and Northern Lights Master Gardeners.  More information and directions are at: Family Fun Fest 

Children or grandchildren of Marinette County Association for Home and Community Education members, graduating from high school may be eligible to apply for a scholarship. 

Marinette County Association for Home and Community Education Scholarship Application

Marinette County UW-Extension has two job openings. One is the Community, Natural Resource and Economic Development Educator and the other is the Nutrition Educator. For more information with complete job descriptions, check out this website: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/hr/alljobs.cfm

Join the Northern Lights Master Gardeners for a day full of horticulture classes.

Saturday March 28th 2015       $35 per person (includes lunch)

*Soils & Compost     *Annuals, Perennials, Herbs    *Up-cycling

*Natural Fabric Dying    *Wine, Hard Cider, Hops    * Garden Photography

*Bluebirds & Pollinators      * And so much more!

More details and registration form below:

2015 SPRING CONFERENCE SCHEDULE & CLASSES

2015 SPRING CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

• Join the educators as the seasons change for a year full of learning and observing nature.
• Connect with other like-minded individuals to share experiences and to learn from their trials, good or bad!
• Plenty of research based information is available through these programs for you to utilize in your own backyard.
• All information presented is geared to the general homeowner and topic discussion is very much encouraged.

2015 Nature & Horticulture Programs

The Winter 2014 premier edition of our quarterly newsletter is now available.

Please feel free to share!

SKC Newsletter Winter 2014 (20141.pdf)

Join the Anderson family as they welcome everyone for a morning of great food and farm activities.

Sunday, June 28th 2015  7am – 12pm

2015 Marinette County Breakfast on the Farm Event Flyer

With 7 locations, including 2 public sites, this Garden Walk has plenty to offer. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to view the private landscapes and become familiar with the public gardens that may be visited at any time throughout the season.

Master Gardeners will be available at every location to help guide you and answer any questions you may have.  Several other attractions will be at Harmony Arboretum Demonstration Gardens which are created and maintained by the Northern Lights Master Gardeners.

• UW-Extension Horticulture Agent, Scott Reuss, will be hosting a Plant Pest Clinic.  Bring your plant samples and gardening questions.
• Master Gardeners will have a Sales Table with garden related items.
• View the Garden Walk Door Prize, may enter each location for a chance to win.
•  Preview the Children’s Learning Garden *Grand Opening July 25th*

Garden Walk Location Descriptions

More information can be found on this flyer 2015 Garden Walk or by calling UW-Extension office 715-732-7510.

Training is provided to youth who may need to drive any type of farm machinery on a public road.  Anyone is welcome to attend but is focused on 12-15 year olds who need legal certification.

The course will have an emphasis on hands-on and skill building exercises.  Machinery will be analysed for safety aspects, conduct on-farm safety assessments and dozens of other activities.

More information and registration form:  Tractor Safety Course

July 25^th 2015, 9am – 1pm at the Harmony Arboretum and Demonstration Gardens

The Northern Lights Master Gardeners have designed this garden so that it can be used by groups of children with a teacher, by families, or by individuals. This environment encourages learning about the outdoors and gardening with the purpose of exposing children to the environment in ways they might otherwise miss.  The individual elements in the garden were chosen to inspire the imagination (large-scale chipmunk tunnel, pirate ship sandbox, prairie house) spark an interest in nature (wetlands, beaver lodge/pond, insect hotel) and offer hands-on experiences (hedge maze, soil profile boxes, sensory garden).  This event is directed at youth from surrounding communities and will bring awareness to what the gardens have to offer to the public.

At the Grand Opening, Randy Korb – environmental presenter, educator and author – will engage children with his amphibian and butterfly program that teaches biology, conservation, and other concepts through interactions with live critters, demonstrations and storytelling.  Other educators will also be present with nature activities that encourage exploration and observation.  The children will leave this event with skills to expand their observations of the outside world.  Master Gardeners and county staff will be available to help visitors familiarize themselves with the self-guided learning activities and share the history of the garden as well as future expansion plans.

The Children’s Learning Garden at Harmony Arboretum is an ongoing project to benefit the youth of many surrounding communities in Marinette County by increasing children’s exposure to the natural world as well as enhancing overall wellness, health, and social responsibility for environmental stewardship.  It is through this Grand Opening that we wish to reach as many families as possible in the surrounding communities to bring awareness of the endless learning opportunities and resources available to them.

The entire family is encouraged to attend this FREE event.  Reservations are not required.                                                                   EVENT FLIER Printable pdf version

Mark your calendars for a day full of gardening classes and more…..

March 26th 2016

Keynote Speaker: Melinda Myers

Like us on Facebook  for updates on the conference.

Garden Conference Details (printable)

Garden Conference Registration Form (printable)

Workshop availability can be found on Registration Form above

Workshops:

Making Tree Jewelry with Deep Woods Beauty

Toad Houses

Melinda will be signing copies of her books immediately after her keynote speech.

Book titles that will be available for purchase are:

• Small Space Gardening $20
• The Garden Book for Wisconsin $25
• The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook – NEW BOOK $25
• MN & WI Getting Started Garden Guide – NEW BOOK  $25
• MN & WI Month-by-Month Gardening – NEW BOOK  $25
• Jackson & Perkins’ Beautiful Roses Made Easy:  Midwestern Edition $20
• The Perfect Wisconsin Lawn $13
• Melinda’s Garden Moment DVDS $7

Also at the Conference: 

Northern Lights Master Gardener Association Learn about how the local Master Gardener Volunteer association contributes to their communities.  Training will be held in Marinette starting March 1st.  If interested visit http://marinette.uwex.edu for details.

Book Signing – Copies of Melinda Myers books will be available for purchase.  Check online for complete list with descriptions: http://marinette.uwex.edu.

Educational Displays – Explore the displays where valuable resources can be found and knowledge gained.  Invasive plants, composting, mushrooms and community gardens are just a few horticultural areas that will be showcased.

Ask a Master Gardener – Sharing information is part of being a Master Gardener. Certified volunteers will be available to answer questions about your yard, garden, plants or anything horticulture related.

Bucket Raffle & Sales Table – These items have been graciously donated by local businesses who support our mission also by Northern Lights Master Gardener Association members and friends.

Used Garden Books Sale – Recycling garden books to new readers is one way to ‘Grow a Better Planet’.  These Gardening Books and Magazines have all been donated by other gardeners who wish to share the helpful tips and ideas they posses. Contributions are welcome; if you have any books to ‘recycle’ to other gardeners bring them along.

Discounted Garden Walk Tickets – Get your tickets early for the 2016 Garden Walk at special price: 2 for $15 (regularly $10 each)

Meat Bird Management – Monday March 21st   6:30-8:30pm    Marinette County Courthouse- Jury Assembly Room

Laying Flock Egg Production – Monday April 4th  6:30-8:30pm    Marinette County Courthouse- Jury Assembly Room

Pasturing Poultry Successfully – Thursday April 7th  6:30-8:30pm      Florence Natural Resources Center

2016 Poultry Production Workshops

Meat Bird Production Workshop in Marinette March 21

Raising your own meat birds, whether they be chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, or other species, is a worthwhile endeavor in our area.  There are many aspects of meat bird production that producers can manage properly to minimize cost of production, time and/or effort required, and minimize risk of poultry health issues.

Oconto and Marinette County UW-Extension invite anyone who raises meat birds or is planning on doing so to attend a Meat Bird Production Workshop being held on Monday, March 21.  The session will start at 6:30 p.m. in the jury assembly room of the Marinette County Courthouse.

Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss management techniques with Scott Reuss, UW-Extension Agriculture Agent, as well as a panel of invited poultry producers.  The focus will be on practices that allow for cost-effective meat bird production in whatever system fits your operation best.  Local producers’ knowledge of resources, challenges, and tips can help create better situations and efficiencies in your flock.  In addition, Reuss will lead a discussion of the realities and legalities of raising meat birds for sale to others.

Pre-registration is requested, but not required, by simply calling the Marinette County UW-Extension office at 715-732-7510, or by e-mailing to scott.reuss@ces.uwex.edu  There is a $5 registration fee for attending this program, which will include various UW-Extension publications and other resources.  Please contact Reuss via either method if you have any questions about these sessions, or if you have any other agricultural or horticultural inquiries.

Two other poultry production workshops will be held in the area in upcoming weeks.  An egg production focused workshop will be held in Marinette on April 4^th and a pastured poultry management workshop will be held in Florence on April 7^th.  UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in programming.  If attendees will need any type of accommodation or alternative publication format, please call us prior to the program so that we may prepare accordingly.

Lawn Weed Control Tactics and Timing  

As spring’s greenery begins to show through, homeowners tend to turn their attention to the weeds found in their lawns.  However, not all of the things you hear in advertisements need necessarily happen right now.  Marinette and Florence County UW-Extension Horticulture Agent, Scott Reuss, shares these thoughts about spring lawn care for our area:

• The most important thing you can do to help your lawn battle weeds is to maintain good turf health.  This entails cleaning off debris, conducting appropriate fertilization, and mowing properly.  Dethatching is very seldom necessary, as our turf growing conditions rarely lead to a significant buildup of thatch.
• Early spring is the appropriate time to re-seed areas that are dead or thin, although any re-sodding operations should probably wait a few weeks until warmer weather is more consistent.  Spring seeding of entire lawns will result in lots of battles with weeds, but fixing spots by mixing seed and soil and firmly pressing the mix onto desired areas works pretty well.
• The first mowing of the year should occur when growth reaches the 3 to 3 1/2 inch height range.  Don’t cut too much off, just an inch or so to even things out and get the tree seedlings and weeds clipped off.  During the rest of the growing season, you should mow your lawn from 4 to 4 1/2  inches back down to 2 1/2 to 3 inches.  This taller cutting height will help keep grass roots healthy, limiting the need to water your lawn, helping fight weeds, and limiting your trips across the lawn with your mower.
• Watering should not be necessary at this time of the year, unless you are keeping upper soil moist in re-seeded areas.  As summer hits, turf may need irrigation to keep from going dormant and opening up opportunities for weeds.  Watering deeply (apply 3/4 inch to one inch) every 5-7 days depending on your soil type is the best way to maintain lawn health in drought conditions.  Water in early morning to minimize disease issues, as well.
• Lastly, let’s look at purchased chemical inputs, both fertilizers and pesticides.  Most people think of fertilizer and weed control as two items that need to be put on every year for their lawn to thrive.  In reality, not all lawns have weeds that need to be controlled, and probably don’t need as much fertilizer as most people apply.

A lawn without past weed problems may not need any weed control.  This is especially true if you maintain a healthy lawn and mow at the proper height.  If your lawn does have broadleaf perennials such as dandelions, creeping charlie (ground ivy), or antennaria (pussy toes), you should apply a broadleaf control product in mid-September for the best possible control.  If you feel the need to apply this spring, apply appropriate control products at the time that your primary weed species is in full bloom.  Antennaria is approaching full bloom, but it will be a few weeks before either dandelion or ground ivy start to bloom.

Crabgrass needs to be controlled by using a pre-emergent product, such as a fertilizer product with crabgrass preventer.  Again, only use them if you had a crabgrass problem last year.  To gain the most benefit from them, they need to be applied just prior to when crabgrass starts to  germinate, because it is a weed that can germinate over a very long time period.  A good rule of thumb is that when forsythia bushes (branchy, yellow-blossomed shrubs) are in full bloom, you should be applying crabgrass control products. Thus, now is the appropriate time to be applying crabgrass control products in our area.  These products last about six weeks and, if you use this rule of thumb, you’ll catch nearly all of this year’s germinating crabgrass.

From the fertilizer standpoint, all lawns really need is nitrogen, and possibly potassium in sandier soils.  In WI, lawn fertilizers will not contain any phosphorus, with the exception of starter fertilizer.  Typical spring turf fertilizers will be low in potassium, while fall fertilizer (winterizer types) will have higher potassium amounts.  It is a good idea to use the winterizer types at least once a year in our area, as most lawns are on relatively sandy soil.

A typical turf fertilizer may be 28-0-4, meaning there is 0.28 lbs nitrogen for each lb. of fertilizer.  Correct fertilization will apply between 3/4 and 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.  Thus, you should apply about 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet to achieve the desired rate.  If you put on more, it will simply get washed into your groundwater.  It can be a good idea to test your soil, especially if you have had problems such as weeds or poor growth, as this could be caused by pH problems or potassium or phosphorus deficiencies.

If you use crabgrass preventer, your first application is set by that timing, which is about the right time for anyone doing a spring or early summer application.  For most lawns, the only other time to apply nitrogen is in mid to late September.  If you have very high expectations for the consistency of color and growth in your lawn, you would also do a fertilizer application around July 4 or split into lighter amounts and add an early August application.

For more information on weed control, fertilization, fertilizer spreader calibration, soil sampling, or any other turf management concern, please contact Scott Reuss at the Marinette County UW-Extension office, 715-732-7510 or by e-mail to scott.reuss@ces.uwex.edu  There are also many turf management publications available at the UW-Extension website, at http://learningstore.uwex.edu/

2016 Garden Walk

Saturday July 16th, 9:00am – 4:00pm

RAIN OR SHINE

Tickets are $10 prior to the event and $12 the day of the event. Special youth tickets will be available at the gardens the day of the event, 7-12 years $5 under 6 free.

This event is sponsored by:

Funds raised will be used to support educational programs.

The walk is self-guided and the gardens may be visited in any order. Some locations may have stairways, narrow walkways and uneven terrain- proper footwear is recommended.

Restaurant  specials will be exclusively available to ticket holders the day of the walk.

Tickets are now on sale at the following locations: Jack’s Fresh Market (Roosevelt Rd, Marinette and 8th Ave, Menominee), Marinette Farm & Garden, and the Marinette County Courthouse.  

For more information contact the UW Extension at 715- 732-7510 or toll free 877-884-4408.

 Garden Walk -printable flyer (pdf)

8 Exciting Locations!!!

Harmony Arboretum   N3890 Cty Road E, Peshtigo, WI

Visit the three acre Demonstration Gardens where something new and exciting can always be observed. There are multiple gardens  maintained by Northern Lights Master Gardener volunteers, and Friends of Harmony Arboretum. The UW-Extension Plant Pest Clinic will also be located here, bring photos or samples for diagnosis.   Restroom Available.

Darwin & Yvonne Smith W 4063 Highway 64, Peshtigo, WI

This property is a delightful country cottage garden with primarily sun loving perennials. You will see a unique “undersea” garden, pond, topiary, fruit trees and grapes. A highlight is the peony collection of almost one hundred plants. Garden items will be on sale at this location.

Larry & Gail Melgary 1931 Riverside Drive, Marinette, WI

A first time ‘Garden Walk Bonus’ occurs at this location. You will be able to tour the Melgary’s English Tudor Revival historic home, which includes an antique toy collection on the third floor. The garden consists of perennials all identified with markers planted in cottage style gardens. You will find raspberry and blackberry patches as well as mulberry trees, a hickory nut tree, and what may be the largest Japanese lilac tree in North Central Wisconsin. A playhouse and two fountains are also part of garden scene.

Mark & Patty Swille 1201 38th Avenue, Menominee, MI

One of the most requested garden locations returns this year. The trees and
shrubs have matured. The Asian style is unique to this area and features a tea house, bonsai, four koi ponds, and a moon gate. Other highlights are the Japanese maples, weeping cherry tree and contorted filbert. This location is truly a gem.

Robert & Anne Bartels 2050 River Drive, Wallace, MI

Once a garden with non-native plants and decorative shrubs, this butterfly garden now contains many native perennial flowers and grasses. There are smaller native plant zones around the house and a native garden along the front walkway. It is recognized as a certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and is registered as a monarch habitat by Monarch Watch and Monarch Joint Venture. The Bartels also participate in the Pollinator Partnership Million Pollinator Garden Challenge with their landscape.

Mary Theis 2618 River Drive, Wallace, MI

Expect to see the unexpected at Mary’s River Blossoms which displays a whimsical approach to gardening. Nestled next to the creek is a hosta specimen garden featuring many varieties of hosta and their companion plants. Beyond creek bridge is a rustic, naturalistic, fairy garden. If you believe, they will come!   Be sure to check out the surprise in the raised bed and container veggie garden.

Dave & Laurie Biehl N 6360 Twin Creek Road, Porterfield, WI

Follow the cedars to this renovated farmstead with lovely gardens and interesting farm art. Among the many features are a one hundred year old windmill relocated from Iowa and a garden shed with a sitting area beckoning you to relax and enjoy the view. The Biehl property was on the 2012 Garden Walk and now has a totally different look.
Local artist Mark Kornusky will also be at this location with his ‘Rise Up Metal Art’ for sale.

Pat & Deb Doubek N 6280 Riverview Road, Porterfield, WI

Embrace herbal goodness at Peterman Brook Herb Farm. With over 40 raised beds of herbs and flowers, it is a delight to the eyes, nose, and belly. The Doubeks have converted a former dairy farm that has been in the family since 1936 to an herbal education center/school. Although not certified, organic growing practices are followed. So you can count on seeing weeds, bees, and bugs.

Registration Brochure  -printable

UPCYCLED GARDEN ART CONTEST

This competition is organized by the Northern Lights Master Gardener Association to encourage reuse/recycling of materials into art.

Art can be two-dimensional, three-dimensional or kinetic sculpture for the garden.  The possibilities are endless!!!

The contest is free to all.  You do not have to participate in Art in the Garden to enter.

Prizes will be awarded.  Entries will be voted on by Art in the Garden participants.

All entries will be displayed at the Harmony Arboretum Demonstration Gardens.

View the Brochure for Requirements and Judging criteria.

ART IN THE GARDEN ACTIVITIES

5×7 Kids acrylic painting with detailed directions featuring birds, bugs, and nature.

Kids will have fun with beads by creating garden jewels to hang from trees, bird feeders, or in their room.

Tote for adults and kids made with SolarFast dyes.  These are light-sensitive dyes become permanent upon exposure to sunlight and create photograms and shadow-prints on fabric by using the power of the sun! Anything you place on the dyed surface of your tote to block the light will create a print in a matter of minutes, whether that’s plants, leaves, flowers or an image printed on a transparency.

Adults will learn how to create a 15″x15″ painter paver acrylic painting with detailed directions featuring birds, flowers and nature.

Adults will learn how to assemble a sweet bird feeder with a cup, spoon, and saucer.

Wind chime for adults made with recycled forks and spoons.  Learn how to do your own metal stamping.