Written by Kaitlyn Bernarde
Summer and Extension Marathon County go together like peas and carrots!
As the growing season starts to take off, and the school year wraps up, Extension Marathon County offers even more programming for community members of all ages.
Extension’s mission is to connect University of Wisconsin research with members of the community. So, here are a few highlights of Marathon County educators doing just that, now through August 2019 . . .
Agriculture
- Artificial Insemination (AI) Certification Program — Designed for dairy and beef producers to learn about the benefits of using AI, participants will explore different protocols and tools now available. Classes will be held in April (Download April brochure here) and May (Download May brochure here).
- FREE First-Aid Kits for Farmers — Extension partnered with Marathon County Farm Bureau to create FREE first-aid kits. Specialized for farmer duties and common injuries, the kits can be utilized in the tractor, barn, or anywhere on the farm. Quantities are limited, so click here to sign up for yours today!
- Grilled Cheese Contest — **New for 2019** Extension is partnering with local agriculture groups to hold youth and adult Grilled Cheese Competitions at the Wisconsin Valley Fair. Registration is due by July 19.
- Annual County Farm Tour — Tour agriculture businesses and discover innovation around Marathon County in August. Businesses visited in previous farm tours include Cattail Organics, Hsu’s Ginseng, and Van der Geest Dairy, as can be seen in the video below. Dates and locations for 2019 will be announced in late Spring at http://marathon.extension.wisc.edu. If you’d like to be included on a list of interested participants for this year’s farm tour, email Heather.Schlesser@co.marathon.wi.us.
With 40 participants, 2018 was the largest farm tour held so far. (NOTE: You may wish to skip to the 1:00 marker, when the tour action begins.)
Horticulture
- Summer Gardening Series — Extension is partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area and Hsu Growing Supply for a 4-part Gardening Series running April to June. Topics include seed starting, transplanting, soils in the garden, and garden explorers.
- Youth Summer Gardening Series — A family- and friend-based exploration of gardening in the Extension Teaching Garden in Wausau. Attend all 6 biweekly sessions May–August, or just drop in when available. View details here.
- Cultivating Creativity — This series brings communities together while exploring hot topics in horticulture. Upcoming class topics are “Garden in a Box” in Merrill on April 24 and “Fruits and Veggies for the Fair” in Edgar on June 4.
- Garden Clinic — Constituents across Marathon County are encouraged to bring in their plant and insect questions to be answered by the Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Volunteers. Garden Clinic is held Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from May to September at the UW-Extension office (212 River Dr., Suite 3, Wausau). No appointment is necessary. Get details here.
4-H
- Junior Camp — We’re “Fishing for Fun” at the 2019 overnight camp for youth in Grades 1–5 from July 16 to 19 at Camp Susan in Deerbrook. Youth will experience water activities, crafts, campfires, and STEM activities while learning life skills. Youth are welcome to bring non-4-H friends. Registration opens May 1.
- Youth Day Camps — Two full-day camps will be held for youth in Grades 1–5. At the “All About Nature” camp on June 14, campers will learn about plants, trees, and habitats along the River Edge Trail. On July 12, campers will learn what makes Marathon County and Wausau unique while exploring their history, landmarks, people, and food. Registration opens May 1.
- Wisconsin Valley Fair — The largest event in Marathon County 4-H is the annual county fair, where over 800 local youth showcase their year-long projects. ** New in 2019! ** Attend a performance or workshop by 4-H youth and/or Extension volunteers in the Youth Building! Fair registration is open May 1–June 1.
- Wisconsin State Fair Bus Experience — Youth in Grades 3–13 will travel to the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis on August 6. Discover the agriculture of Wisconsin, food on a stick, and projects submitted by youth from Marathon County and around the state. Registration opens May 1. (Limited to 35 youth.)
Additional details and registration for these programs can be found here or by calling 715-261-1230.
Kaitlyn Bernarde
4-H Program Coordinator | University of Wisconsin Extension–Cooperative Extension
Kaitlyn Bernarde is the Marathon County 4-H Program Coordinator for UW-Extension, where she has worked since April 2018. She is a graduate of Marathon High School, has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, divides her time between volunteer management and expanding access to 4-H programs. Her passion is strengthening Marathon County youth and adults via education, opportunities, and experiences. In her free time, you can find her exploring Wisconsin with her husband, consuming the news of the day, and trying a new cup of coffee with her family. Email Kaitlyn Bernarde.
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