Preparing for the Growing Season:
Free Gardening Classes in February–April 2026

The garden never stays silent for long. Even while winter still lingers, February marks the moment when the first hints of life return—greenhouses warm up, seed trays fill, and gardeners begin imagining the vibrant months ahead. This early planning season offers the perfect opportunity to deepen gardening knowledge, explore new skills, and set yourself up for a thriving year in the garden.

To support gardeners at every experience level, we are offering a series of free community classes from February through April. Whether you’re dreaming of designing a resilient landscape, looking to boost your seed‑starting success, or hoping to make climate‑smart gardening choices, these programs will help you start strong.

Suburban Homesteading: Designing a Landscape for Yourself

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Neenah Public Library
Learn how to plan a sustainable, functional urban landscape tailored to your needs. This program explores permaculture principles, edible landscaping, and resilient design strategies to help you create a space that nourishes both you and the environment.

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Seed Starting Class

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Menasha Public Library
This hands‑on workshop covers the when, why, and how of vegetable seed starting. Explore different germination methods, plant seeds using multiple techniques, and take home what you sow.

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Seed Starting Class

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Neenah Public Library
A second opportunity to learn seed‑starting basics! This class walks through essential techniques, demonstrates several sowing methods, and includes time for participants to plant seeds and take them home.

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Sustainability and Healthy Living – A Wisconsin Idea Week Presentation!

Thursday, April 8, 2026 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Omro Community Center
Discover techniques for harvesting, processing, and storing vegetables to preserve nutritional value while supporting sustainable food practices. This session offers useful skills for anyone interested in low‑waste living or home‑grown food wellness.

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Climate Smart Gardening – A Wisconsin Idea Week Presentation!

Thursday, April 10, 2026 | 4:30–5:30 PM
Oshkosh Public Library
Explore practical strategies for gardening in the face of shifting weather patterns and climate variability. Learn how to adapt your planting decisions, choose resilient varieties, and manage your garden in ways that support long‑term success.

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Grow with confidence this year! Whether you’re planning your first garden or refining long‑developed skills, these classes offer inspiration and practical knowledge for a successful season. Join us at any or all sessions—and step into spring prepared, confident, and ready to grow.

Farmers Market Short Course:
A Free Series for Wisconsin Market Managers

Running a successful farmers market takes knowledge, communication, organization, and a strong understanding of the rules that support a healthy, vibrant marketplace. To help Wisconsin farmers market managers strengthen their skills and prepare for the season ahead, the Wisconsin Farmers Market Association and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension are offering a free, four‑part educational series: the Farmers Market Short Course.

Held on the first four Mondays in March from 12:00–1:00 PM, this virtual lunchtime series connects market managers with state specialists, regulatory experts, and market‑focused educators. Each session is designed to give managers practical guidance they can put to use immediately—whether managing vendors, improving customer access, or navigating food safety requirements.

This program is free to attend, but registration is required at:
https://forms.gle/pjA63Pc7SsLDNi3G6

A printable flyer and full details are available at:
https://waukesha.extension.wisc.edu/horticulture/farmers-market/short-course/

Focus on Forage:
Free Online Learning for Farmers and Ag Professionals

Farmers and ag professionals across Wisconsin are invited to join Focus on Forage, a free webinar series designed to share practical, research‑based information about growing and using forage crops. The series features experts from UW–Madison, Extension educators, and specialists from the forage industry.

These webinars are easy to attend and open to everyone. Sessions take place online through Zoom from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., so you can join from your home, farm, or office. Each webinar also offers Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and ARPAS continuing education credits.

Below is the schedule for this year’s program.

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February 19 — Managed Grazing

This webinar looks at simple and effective ways to manage pastures for better forage growth and livestock performance. Topics include:

• Choosing and identifying pasture plant species
• Understanding the economics of raising heifers on pasture
• Learning about new “virtual fence” tools for grazing management

These topics can help farmers make grazing more productive, efficient, and cost‑effective.

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February 26 — Forage Cover Crops

Cover crops are important tools for soil health and feed production. This session will share updated information on:

• Cover crop varieties that work well in forage and grain systems
• New data on Wisconsin cover crop forage quality
• How to include cover crop forages in dairy cow diets

This information can help farmers choose the right cover crops and use them effectively on their farms.

How to Register

The webinars are free, but registration is required.
Sign up here: https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/focus-on-forage/

Planning AHEAD:
A Free Program to Help You Prepare for the Future

End-of-life planning is one of the most loving and responsible gifts you can give to the people who matter most to you. Many of us avoid thinking about it, but planning ahead can protect your family from stress, confusion, and difficult decisions during an already emotional time. And this kind of planning isn’t only for older adults or people with serious illnesses—everyone aged 18 and older can benefit from preparing for the unexpected.

Planning AHEAD is a free, multi‑session program designed to give you the information, tools, and confidence you need to make thoughtful end‑of‑life decisions. Whether you’re just getting started or already have some plans in place, this series can help you take the next step.

Why End-of-Life Planning Matters

A medical emergency can happen at any age. If you become unable to communicate your wishes, having clear plans in writing ensures your loved ones aren’t left guessing about your healthcare choices, financial matters, or personal preferences. Planning now can ease emotional burdens later and help you leave a meaningful legacy.

As the program reminds us:
Plan ahead. Don’t leave a mess—leave a legacy.

Series Schedule

This program includes six sessions held online via Zoom:

• Tuesday, March 3
• Thursday, March 5
• Tuesday, March 10
• Thursday, March 12
• Tuesday, March 17
• Thursday, March 19

Time: 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
Location: Live on Zoom
Cost: FREE

Each session covers a different part of the planning process. Topics may include advance directives, organizing important documents, understanding healthcare choices, financial planning basics, and how to communicate your wishes with family.

How to Register

Registration is free and easy:
Call: (920) 832‑5121
Or register online: https://forms.gle/9NY7PE49xzM4UKrA7

Participants can attend one, several, or all six sessions. Everyone is welcome.

Breakwater: Recognized for Excellence

Breakwater has been awarded the Major General Arthur T. Dean Chairman’s Award!

This award recognizes outstanding leadership and impact in preventing substance misuse and strengthening communities. It’s given to organizations that go above and beyond in creating safer, healthier futures—and Breakwater is doing exactly that!

Extension is especially proud because our very own Katie Jaegly is part of the incredible Breakwater team that made this achievement possible! Her passion, expertise, and dedication—alongside the entire team—are truly making a difference, and now the nation is taking notice.

While in Washington, D.C., the team also met with Senate staffers to advocate for stronger substance use prevention efforts and to uplift the needs of Wisconsin communities.

And in the middle of all that advocacy… guess who they found hanging out in one of the offices? Bucky! What a legendary moment!

Huge congratulations to Breakwater! Together, we’re building stronger communities and brighter futures.

4-H Fun Day Was A Success!

4‑H Fun Day Brings Learning, Creativity, and Smiles to Over 100 Youth

This year’s 4‑H Fun Day was a huge success, bringing together around 100 young people for a full day of creativity, hands‑on learning, and classic 4‑H excitement. From launching air rockets to decorating cakes, participants had the chance to explore new hobbies, build skills, and learn from both youth and adult volunteers who shared their passions and expertise.

The event featured a variety of engaging workshops, including: air rockets, sewing, painting, cake decorating, and so much more!

These workshops were made possible thanks to the dedication of 4‑H youth and adult volunteers, who generously led sessions, shared their knowledge, and helped make the day welcoming and fun for everyone involved.

A Special Thank‑You: A big thank‑you goes out to our 4‑H Ambassadors for organizing the event. Their leadership, planning, and teamwork played a major role in creating a positive experience for all participants.

Check out some pictures on Facebook!

Introduction To Plain Language

Introduction to Plain Language – it’s back! 

Join this FREE virtual workshop to learn strategies for word choice, font selection, grammar use, user testing, and more that help us communicate quickly and effectively with both native and nonnative English speakers.

Registration is open for: 

• Wednesday, March 18: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (noon)
• Wednesday, April 22: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Register at: http://go.wisc.edu/plain   

Introduction to Plain Language is a partnership between UW-Madison’s Cultural Linguistic Services and UW-Madison Division of Extension.

Help Us Understand the True Cost of Raising Dairy Replacements

UW–Extension’s Agriculture Institute wants your input! We’re conducting an anonymous Dairy Replacement Survey to better understand the cost of raising heifers from birth to the bulk tank in Wisconsin.

Why Participate?

• Receive an analysis of your average cost per animal
• Get a summary report comparing your farm to others in Wisconsin and the Midwest
• Contribute to a statewide effort to improve decision-making and economic resources for dairy farmers

What to Expect:

• A local dairy educator will contact you to schedule a convenient time to complete the survey together
• The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes
• After data collection ends (estimated April 1), you’ll receive your personalized results and a statewide summary

Information to Have Ready:
Labor costs, feed and bedding expenses, veterinary and health product costs, housing and equipment costs, and any custom-raising charges.

Your insights matter—let’s build something better together!
Ready to participate? https://go.wisc.edu/dairysurvey26

Have A Heart Healthy February

February is American Heart Month, a nationwide observance. And one way to support your family’s hearth health is by providing smart choices for snacks!

Got the munchies? Reach for apple slices,  or some carrot sticks.

Thirsty? Enjoy a glass of water with lemon or cucumber. Use sparkling water for extra fun!

Going out for the day? Bring along a bottle of water and some fruit or nuts to avoid stopping for fast food.

Read the Full Article Here!

4-H Summer Camp Is Coming Up

Get ready to go for the gold at 4‑H Summer Camp, happening June 14–17, 2026!

This year’s exciting theme—the Olympics—will bring friendly competition, team spirit, and plenty of high‑energy fun to every day of camp. Campers will enjoy classic outdoor activities, creative challenges, and teamwork‑focused games inspired by the Olympic spirit.

Trained 4‑H youth leaders and caring staff help create a safe, supportive environment where every camper can try new things and shine.

The cost: $100
Registration Deadline: April 1st

Join us for a camp adventure packed with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments!

Wisconsin Idea Week 2026

We’re partnering with the Public Health Department and Winnebago County to bring you another exciting Wisconsin Idea Week!

Join the constellation of community. Across our county, departments shine like stars—and during Wisconsin Idea Week, they align to create something extraordinary.

Enjoy FREE events that highlight the amazing work happening in our community. From green and healthy living to legacy planning, from a prize-filled scavenger hunt to emergency preparedness, there’s something for everyone to learn and enjoy.

Explore the full schedule and register today:
https://winnebago.extension.wisc.edu/wisconsin-idea-week-2026/