The 2023 Dodge County Master Gardener Youth Program got off to a wonderful start with a $750 grant awarded by the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation.  The funds were used to build a third raised bed (added to the two already in the youth gardens) which was used to raise produce donated to a local food pantry.  In addition, art supplies, plants, seeds, and other items were purchased that are necessary to run the program for the seventeen Kindergarten through 9th grade students in the class.

The students went to Prairie Ridge Assisted Living Facility and conducted a program on flowers, then did a craft with the residents in early June.  They planted the planters for the Village of Kekoskee as a community service.  They work in the community raised beds to raise produce to take home and learn about things they perhaps have never eaten before.  Brussel sprouts are a new addition this year. This was requested by the students and most liked them.

Once the school year began, classes moved inside and focused on topics including trees, soils, spiders, cranberries, plant life, and more. We had several guest speakers, including one on landscaping practices and one on proper pruning techniques.