What We Do
Milwaukee District Garden Clubs (MDGC) is involved in numerous projects, programs and activities. MDGC members help coordinate and volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity plant share, and we participate in Wisconsin Garden Club Federation (WGCF) and the National Garden Clubs' (NGC) projects – especially the Blue/Gold Star Memorial Markers. For the last couple of years, our Director Diane Olsen's district project has been "It's All Connected" – the Hank Aaron State Trail.
In addition to awarding MDGC scholarships, we promote NGC's three youth projects: 1) the well known Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest, 2) writing poetry and essays and 3) creating sculptures.
In addition to awarding MDGC scholarships, we promote NGC's three youth projects: 1) the well known Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest, 2) writing poetry and essays and 3) creating sculptures.
Educational Programs
Education is a large component of the MDGC. Our clubs offer educational programs to members and the public on new plant varieties, garden pests and diseases, pruning, wine tasting, nature walks through public gardens and arboreta, fun with flowers workshops and more. And, of course, gardening tips are always available from fellow members. One of our most popular educational programs for youth is the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest that garden clubs help coordinate every year.
Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster Contest
The 2024 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest is dedicated to Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday. Hosted by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the U.S. Forest Service, the poster contest is for children from first to fifth grade. Contact the garden clubs in the Milwaukee District to see if they are coordinating the 2023 contest.
The following materials about the 2024 poster contest are available:
For more information, visit the National Garden Clubs, Inc., or the U.S. Forest Service.
National Garden Clubs Schools
Many of our members attend the officially-approved National Garden Clubs, Inc (NGC) courses in landscape design, environmental studies, garden studies and floral design/flower show. Offered on a rotating basis, these courses or “schools” are provided about every six months for two years with two-days of classroom presentations and tours at each session.
Environmental Study School
Currently, the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation (WGCF) is offering an Environmental Study School with NGC oversight. The first first session was held Oct. 20 to 21, 2023 at the Maywood environmental Center in Sheboygan. Participants learned about ecology, biodiversity, backyard habitat, sustainability and various environmental issues and toured the center.
The 2024 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest is dedicated to Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday. Hosted by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the U.S. Forest Service, the poster contest is for children from first to fifth grade. Contact the garden clubs in the Milwaukee District to see if they are coordinating the 2023 contest.
The following materials about the 2024 poster contest are available:
- History of the poster contest
- 2024 contest rules
- Contest timeline and deadlines
- Informational flyer for distribution
- Entry stickers for the back of each poster
For more information, visit the National Garden Clubs, Inc., or the U.S. Forest Service.
National Garden Clubs Schools
Many of our members attend the officially-approved National Garden Clubs, Inc (NGC) courses in landscape design, environmental studies, garden studies and floral design/flower show. Offered on a rotating basis, these courses or “schools” are provided about every six months for two years with two-days of classroom presentations and tours at each session.
Environmental Study School
Currently, the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation (WGCF) is offering an Environmental Study School with NGC oversight. The first first session was held Oct. 20 to 21, 2023 at the Maywood environmental Center in Sheboygan. Participants learned about ecology, biodiversity, backyard habitat, sustainability and various environmental issues and toured the center.
Blue/Gold Star Memorial Markers
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MDGC planted red, white and blue perennials at the Blue Star Memorial Marker June 17 on the grounds of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center across from the Fischer House. Nancy Gregory, MDGC Blue/Gold Star Marker Chair, coordinated the planting.
Nancy used funds from Lynn Ehnert's Director's project to buy seven Knock Out roses, 48 sedums and 24 Lion's paws. She worked with Paul Brunette, the VA grounds keeper (pictured on the right in bottom photo), who provided mulch and soil amendments. In addition to volunteers from the Town & Country Garden Club, 12 members of IBEW Local 2150 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (led by their Secretary/Treasurer Doreen Reske in green vest in bottom photo) provided the muscle and helped with the clearing of the beds and digging holes for the perennials. Click HERE to learn more about the history of the Blue/Gold Star Memorial Markers and how involved garden clubs have been in establishing and caring from them in Wisconsin and across the nation. |
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Habitat for Humanity Plant Share
MDGC's Habitat for Humanity Co-Chairs, Judy Newman and Connie Sandell helped to coordinate the June 3 plant share that was an overwhelming success with about 150 families participating. Click HERE to see an article about the 2023 plant share.
It's All Connected – Hank Aaron Trail
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A world-class urban trail, the Hank Aaron State Trail is a 14-mile paved, continuous east-to-west connection from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Milwaukee/Waukesha county line and the Oak Leaf Trail. You'll find some of Milwaukee's top destinations along the route as well as a variety of environments ranging from urban, to river views, to prairie and wooded surroundings.
Thanks to our Director Diane Olsen's interest and leadership, we've been involved in development of the trail. MDGC was a major contributor to the "People of the Roads" sculptures that honors the railroad workers who carried Milwaukee’s name across the country on rails. Two garden clubs planted memorial trees in the Three Bridges Park on the Hank Aaron State Trail. Elm Grove Garden Club donated a Red Oak in honor of Carole Hopp and Western Acres Garden Club donated a Sugar Maple in honor of Colleen Weiler. |
Red Oak in honor of Carole Hopp.
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Sugar Maple in honor of Colleen Weiler.
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Milwaukee District Garden Clubs (MDGC) was founded in 1932 as a part of the Wisconsin Garden Federation which is a member of the National Garden Club and its Central Region. A not-for-profit educational organization, we serve gardeners in Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties who are gardening for good in our communities.
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