The first Master Gardener Volunteer class was offered in 1984 to 19 registered participants at the old UW-Extension office in the courthouse. The second class was held in 1989, and the third class was held in 1992. Since then, there has been at least one class per year, sometimes two.
The first meeting of the “Master Gardener Group” was held on June 12th, 1989, under the direction of Horticultural Agent Chuck Prissel. Objectives of group were to assist Chuck with outreach and assist with 4-H needs.
In February of 1990, under watch of a new Horticulture agent, Susan Frame, the by-laws of the local Master Gardeners Association were amended and adopted. From this time in February 1990 until spring of 1992, activities involving continuing education, public outreach, tours and events were the priority.
In 1992, Horticulturist Kerry Ingraham became the new Eau Claire agent and new projects took off. Master Gardeners Volunteers of Eau Claire worked with Beaver Creek Reserve, they began a large Landscape Demonstration Project at the County Exposition Center, and other local beautification projects blossomed.
Currently, there are 55 certified MGVs and 34 MGV Interns. Interns are in their first year of training.
General Training Brochure