Embedded Files
2025 Minnesota Extension Master
Gardener Volunteer Program Conference
volunteering with purpose
Friday, June 27 --- Check-in at 12:30 pm / Program from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday, June 28 --- Check-in at 8:00 am / Program from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Oswald Visitor Center at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
SOLD OUT!
Registration is required! / No walk-ins!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
2026 MGVP Statewide Conference
Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27
AGENDA
Friday, June 27, 2025
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Check-in / refreshments
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Welcome & Opening Remarks
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Keynote Presentation
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Networking Break / refreshments
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Breakout Sessions
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm Networking Break
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Poster Session & Info Booths / light appetizers
Saturday, June 28, 2025
8:00 am - 8:30 am Check-in / light breakfast items
8:30 am - 9:00 am Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 am - 10:00 am Keynote Presentation
10:00 am - 10:30 am Networking Break / refreshments
10:30 am - 11:30 am Breakout Sessions
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Catered Lunch
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Breakout Sessions
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Networking Break
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Breakout Sessions
Conference food will be prepared and served by Rootstock, the Arboretum's new restaurant. Lunch on Saturday will be a "Build your own bowl" buffet that includes seasonal vegetables, meat, and sauces. Gluten free and vegetarian options will be available. Rootstock uses locally sourced food whenever possible. Breakout refreshments will be simple...with "grab and go" selections. All day ice water and coffee service will be provided.
Additionally, Rootstock (located on the second floor) will be open on Friday for lunch on your own.
Friday Morning: Leadership Session for Coordinators and Local leaders
Handout - Managing run-off: building a dry creek bed
Handout - Vertical gardening: Kiwiberry trellis
Handout - Vertical gardening: Livestock fencing
Friday Welcome Session
Welcome & Opening Remarks
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Tim will welcome conference participants, introduce presenters, highlight the agenda for the day, and share program updates including successes and upcoming initiatives for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Presenter - Tim Kenny, Statewide Director Master Gardener Volunteer Program (photo)
Tim has a broad background in the horticulture industry and extensive experience educating learners of all ages in diverse settings. Currently he serves as the state director of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program and as the Director of Education at the Landscape Arboretum. Tim leads a creative, dedicated staff of educators who are committed to clean water, healthy food, urban agriculture, nature-based therapeutics, climate change, pollinators, biodiversity, sustainability and conservation. Tim holds degrees in horticulture, education and public affairs and received a University of Minnesota award for his work in diversity and inclusion. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and photography.
Friday Keynote Session
Pollinators: connecting plants, people, and action
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Insect pollinators create a mutually beneficial connection between animal and plant worlds. Pollinator conservation can connect you with opportunities to learn and create a healthy space for plants and pollinators and the rest of the world. Through the lens of actions to help pollinators, you will hear the latest research findings about bee health, habitat, and diversity from the UMN Bee Lab. You will also learn how to share action steps to make the big change that is needed to create pollinator-friendly, climate-resilient, beautiful spaces.
Presenter - Dr. Elaine Evans, Associate Extension Professor (photo / video)
Dr. Elaine Evans is a University of Minnesota Extension Educator and Researcher working on pollinator education and research relating to bee conservation. After completing an M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Minnesota, Elaine has worked to connect people and pollinators through public engagement in monitoring, sharing conservation action steps, and researching impacts of conservation actions.
Friday Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Planting for pollinators
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Pollinators are essential to the wellbeing of earth's ecosystems and play a pivotal role in human food systems. But while the focus on pollinators shifts to highlight their importance, the plants in which they depend on are often overlooked. Join Derek Carwood as he shares what it takes to truly understand the symbiotic relationships between pollinators and plants, plus what you can do to improve your home landscape to better suit the wide variety of pollinators that call your garden home.
Presenter - Derek Carwood, Adult Education Manager (photo)
Derek Carwood is the Manager of Adult Education at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and has been involved in horticulture for over 30 years. He has a master's degree in Sustainability Education and experience working in the United States and abroad, including North, Central, and South America, Europe, and Asia. In his free time, Derek enjoys spending time outdoors or traveling with his family.
Friday Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Introduction to tissue culture plant acclimation
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm // Azalea Classroom (Capacity 30)
The final step in plant tissue culture propagation is critical for the successful transition of plants from sterile in vitro conditions to non-sterile ex vitro environments. This process involves acclimating the plants to ambient conditions, ensuring their survival and continued growth. This presentation will explore the techniques and considerations essential for this acclimation process, including environmental adjustments, handling practices, and the challenges faced during the transition period. By understanding these key steps, horticulturists can improve the success rates of plant tissue culture propagation and contribute to more efficient and sustainable cultivation practices. Supplies courtesy of Master Gardener Volunteers in Hennepin County.
Presenter - Askia Luminae, Hennepin County Master Gardener (photo)
Askia Luminae is a Master Gardener volunteer and a University of Minnesota Extension employee. Her passion for tissue culture began in 1998. She has since utilized her expertise in tissue culture and other propagation techniques for years in her nursery and landscape company. As both a horticulturist and business owner, she has honed her skills in plant care, propagation, and landscape design. Askia leads the Learning Garden and spearheads the first Master Gardener Tissue Culture Project in Hennepin County, driven by her dedication to sharing knowledge.
Presenter - My Buan-Bertucci, Hennepin County Master Gardener (photo)
My Buan-Bertucci is a Master Gardener volunteer with Hennepin County, specializing in houseplants and innovative plant care techniques. She is passionate about tissue cultures, teaching classes on houseplant care, propagation, acclimating tissue cultures, and the use of beneficial bugs for natural pest prevention. As the creator of Juju Plant Juice, an organic plant fertilizer, My brings a unique, sustainable approach to nurturing healthy, vibrant plants.
Friday Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Beyond compost: strategies for soil health in vegetable gardens (This session is now FULL!)
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm // Teaching Classroom (Capacity 40)
Compost is one of the primary soil health tools used by vegetable gardeners, but too much of a good thing can lead to challenges. In this session, you'll learn about a series of research projects looking at compost use and soil health in gardens across the state, including urban community gardens. We'll cover why too much compost can cause problems, and additional soil health strategies for gardeners.
Presenter - Natalie Hoidal, Extension Educator - Local Foods and Vegetable Crops (photo / video)
Natalie is an Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, working with vegetable crops and local foods throughout the state. She supports growers with direct technical assistance, writes weekly vegetable updates throughout the growing season via the U of M Extension Fruit & Veg Newsletter, and conducts applied research. Her primary focus areas include general vegetable production support throughout the growing season, climate resilience, emerging crops, and soil health.
Friday Breakout Session: Outdoor Guided Walking Tour
A holistic approach to plant health at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (This session is now FULL!)
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 20)
Horticulture is the art and science of growing plants. While we rely on science-backed, data-driven results, nature enjoys throwing a wrench in the system. Therefore, we need to approach plant health systemically or holistically! What are the factors that make a plant sick? Is it just one thing, or do plants get sicker the more stressed out they are (like us)? How can we reduce a plant’s overall stress so it could overcome a common pest problem? When is it time to treat and time to let go? We will walk around the core gardens at the Arboretum to look at common and new pest issues on our plants and talk about ways to deal with them.
Presenter - Erin Buchholz, Plant Health Specialist (photo / video)
Erin Buchholz (she/they) has been the Plant Health Specialist (formerly IPM Specialist) at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum since 2018. With over 20 years of public horticulture experience and five years of K-2 teaching, Erin combines education with gardening to help keep the plant collections at the Arboretum as healthy as possible while protecting people and wildlife. Erin is also working on jumping worm management with University of Minnesota researchers to find safe methods to drive them from our landscapes.
Friday Networking Session
Posters and Info Booths
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Learn about projects from around the state via poster presentations:
Nearby Nature: Wright County (Central Region)
Pollinator Health: Nobles County (SW Region)
Local Food: Goodhue County (SE Region)
Climate Responsiveness: Washington County (Central Region)
Plant Biodiversity: Chisago County (Central Region)
Horticulture Skills: St. Louis County (NE Region)
Clean Water: Pennington County (NW Region)
Visit info booths:
Children’s Garden in Residence (CGR) Program (confirmed)
Stop by to learn about this engaging science based, hands-on program for discovery and exploration in the garden and how you can bring it to your community. Arboretum Youth Educator and Children's Garden in Residence (CGR) Coordinator Marlys Daugherty will share information about the program based on her experience working with four different community partners in the Twin Cities and co-leading CGR Workshops for Master Gardener volunteers. Bring your curiosity and questions!
Food Preservation (confirmed)
Extension educator Amy Johnston will answer your food safety questions about food preservation methods so you gain the confidence to share this knowledge with your community.
Minnesota State Horticultural Society (confirmed)
MSHS Program Director Anna Marhefke and MSHS Board Chair Don Smith will share information about the Garden-in-a-Box program and the MN Green program will be shared. Additional information related to the Northern Gardener magazine and the free E-News will also be shared. Education will include information on how to become a horticultural judge.
Evaluation (confirmed)
Extension evaluation specialist Kristina Cibuzar will share information about evaluation and how Extension uses the collected data.
Ask a web editor (confirmed)
Extension web editors JoAnne Makela and Kristie Gaalswyk-Pomerenke and social media manager Sam Wisnieski will answer your questions about how best to promote your news and events on social media, in newsletters, and on the main Extension website.
State Advisory Board (confirmed)
Immediate past chairperson Nick Williams and other SAB members will be available to answer questions regarding purpose and function of the State Advisory Board (SAB) as well as general questions about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
*** Meet & Greet session with Tim Kenny in the Keating Terrace
*** Play bingo to get to know fellow volunteers and for the chance to win a prize
*** Enjoy delicious appetizers catered by Rootstock
*** Learn about volunteer projects from around the state via engaging posters
*** Visit the various information tables
*** Connect with the members of the State Leadership Team
ON YOUR OWN - Friday 6:30 pm - Social Gatherings at Nearby Restaurants
Restaurants near the Arboretum (for Friday evening)
Note -- given that this will be a Friday evening in the summer, these establishments will prefer advance notice, especially if a group of volunteers would like to reserve a table.
Chanhassen – 4 miles east on Hwy. 5 -- Med Box Grill
600 Market St Suite 160, Chanhassen, MN 55317
612-842-1350
Victoria – 3 miles west on Hwy. 5 -- The Burrow
7999 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
952-206-5050
Chaska – 6 miles south on Hwy. 41 -- Crooked Pint
3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
952-361-6794
Saturday Welcome Session
Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:30 am to 9:00 am // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Tim will welcome conference participants, introduce presenters, highlight the agenda for the day, and share program updates including successes and upcoming initiatives for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Presenter - Tim Kenny, Statewide Director Master Gardener Volunteer Program (photo)
Tim has a broad background in the horticulture industry and extensive experience educating learners of all ages in diverse settings. Currently he serves as the state director of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program and as the Director of Education at the Landscape Arboretum. Tim leads a creative, dedicated staff of educators who are committed to clean water, healthy food, urban agriculture, nature-based therapeutics, climate change, pollinators, biodiversity, sustainability and conservation. Tim holds degrees in horticulture, education and public affairs and received a University of Minnesota award for his work in diversity and inclusion. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and photography.
Saturday Keynote Session
Resiliency: the future of landscapes in the Upper Midwest
SLIDES (PDF)
9:00 am to 10:00 am // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Landscape plant recommendations are changing along with the climate in Minnesota. Dr. Brandon Miller will share tree and shrub recommendations to help prepare landscapes for future climatic conditions as well as insect and disease issues. In addition, he will share current research and plant exploration efforts that aim to expand future plant palettes and landscape practices.
Presenter - Dr. Brandon Miller, Assistant Professor (photo)
Dr. Brandon Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota and the Curator of Plant Collections at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Brandon received both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticulture from Iowa State University and his Ph.D. from Cornell University while studying horticultural biology. He leads the Resilient Landscape Horticulture program and his research and Extension efforts aim to support the development of reliable landscapes in the Upper Midwest.
Saturday 10:30 AM Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Bee lawns: what are they and how can I get one?
10:30 am to 11:30 am // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
This presentation will cover the basics of bee lawns including over 10 years of UMN research on their establishment and maintenance.
Presenter - Dr. Jon Trappe, Extension Educator - Turfgrass (photo / video)
Dr. Jon Trappe is the Turfgrass Extension Educator for the University of Minnesota. He has over 20 years of experience working in the turfgrass industry. Dr. Trappe is passionate about reducing the amount of maintenance inputs to lawns while maintaining the functionality of these areas.
Saturday 10:30 AM Breakout Session: Indoor Class
The evolving garden (This session is now FULL!)
10:30 am to 11:30 am // Teaching Classroom (Capacity 40)
Life changes for each of us. Our gardens can and should change also, along with us. Let's explore some gardening ideas that help us enjoy life and continue to enjoy our gardens and our gardening experiences.
Presenter - Theresa Rooney, Hennepin County Master Gardener (photo)
Life-long gardener, self taught and a Master Gardener. I indulge my laziness by incorporating sustainable, permaculture, and common sense gardening practices in my small turf free yard. I am also the author of the book "Humane Critter Control".
Saturday 10:30 AM Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Food safety foundations for home food preservation (This session is now FULL!)
10:30 am to 11:30 am // Azalea Classroom (Capacity 30)
Whether you are a seasoned home preserver or just beginning, this session will provide you with an overview of the food science knowledge and food safety practices you need when preserving produce. Learn how the composition of different fruits and vegetables impacts the steps you take when preserving produce. Increase your awareness of strategies for emphasizing food safety practices when teaching others in your community about food preservation. The presentation will end with a virtual tour of the newly updated Food Preservation Consultant course that is available to you for continued learning.
Presenter - Amy Johnston, Extension Educator - Food Safety (photo)
Amy Johnston is an Extension educator working in the area of food safety. She develops programming for a wide range of audiences and topics, including food preservation. A goal of her programming is to equip all Minnesotans with the food safety knowledge and skills they need to engage with our local food system. Amy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and a Masters of Science degree in Public Health Nutrition. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two cats.
Presenter - Jennie Wagner, Extension Educator - Horticulture (photo)
Jennie Wagner is an Extension Educator for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Jennie develops all educational materials for the Program and oversees the Horticulture Core Course for new volunteers. Her goals are to keep Master Gardener Volunteers apprised of the latest plant-related science and to help them communicate that science to the public. Jennie has a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science and an M.S. in Horticulture. She and her husband recently bought a house in Saint Paul and are in the process of converting their yard into a pollinator and bird-friendly landscape. They live with their dog, Leonard, who proudly wears his title of Head of Squirrel Management.
Saturday 10:30 AM Breakout Session: Outdoor Guided Walking Tour
Resilient woody species walk (This session is now FULL!)
10:30 am to 11:30 am // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 15)
If you want to learn about resilient woody species recommendations to share with others, look no further! Join University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist, Laura Irish-Hanson, as she guides you on a walking tour around the main buildings of the Landscape Arboretum. She will show recommended resilient woody plants mentioned in Dr. Brandon Miller’s keynote, as well as other species that withstand varying climatic conditions while still looking amazing in the landscape.
Presenter - Laura Irish-Hanson, Extension Educator - Horticulture (photo / video)
Laura Irish-Hanson is the statewide Extension Educator for Resilient Managed Horticultural Landscapes. She is a leader for promoting managed horticultural landscape systems through multiple perspectives in collaboration with property owners, community organizations, urban stakeholders, and others at the University of Minnesota. Focus areas are climate adaptation and gardening, lowering expenses through efficient inputs and maintenance, underutilized native and resilient plants, and ecosystem support. Laura regularly appears on the WCCO Radio Smart Gardens show from 8-9AM on Saturday, dial in to AM 830 or listen on your favorite podcast app. She offices at the Farm at the Arb in Chaska. Prior to joining UMN Extension in 2024, Laura has over 9 years of experience in traditional horticulture-focused classroom and laboratory teaching, involvement in a multidisciplinary extension program between SNAP-Ed and the Iowa Master Gardener program, and a Master of Science in Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture from Iowa State University. Last year she finished building a small, unheated greenhouse in her backyard, which she uses to grow food year-around.
Saturday 10:30 AM Breakout Session: Outdoor Guided Walking Tour
The perennial path to a beautiful garden (This session is now FULL!)
10:30 am to 11:30 am // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 15)
Join Jennifer and Betsy in the Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden as they give a brief history of perennial gardens and introduce some favorite plants. Designing both a border and island perennial bed will be discussed, as well as having continuous flowering from early spring through late fall. We look forward to strolling down the perennial path with you!
Presenter - Jennifer Knutson, Hennepin County Master Gardener (photo - right)
Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She has been a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener since 2007. Jennifer is a member of the Minnesota Horticultural Society and North Star Lily Society. She has been writing a syndicated garden column for Minnesota newspapers since 2008.
Presenter - Betsy Massie, Hennepin County Master Gardener (photo - left)
Betsy is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound — Tacoma, Washington. She became a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener in 2011. Betsy chaired the Hennepin County Master Gardeners’ Youth Education Committee from 2016 through 2020 and currently spends a great deal of time with youth education programs as well as in her own perennial garden.
Saturday 12:30 PM Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Common vegetable diseases
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Minnesota summers -- the sun is shining, grass is dewy, and there are spots on our tomato plants. This presentation will talk about vegetable diseases we commonly see in Minnesota gardens, from identification to management to making the best of the inevitable.
Presenter - Marissa Schuh, Extension Educator (photo)
Marissa Schuh is a horticulture Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Extension Educator with University of Minnesota Extension. In this role, she works with produce growers, horticulture professionals, and gardeners to troubleshoot issues, as well as develop relevant, timely educational content and programming. She has experience working with specialty crop growers on insect, disease, nutritional, weed, food safety, and regulatory issues. Marissa grew up in Minnesota, holds a master's degree in entomology from Michigan State University (MSU), and previously served as a vegetable extension educator with MSU Extension.
Saturday 12:30 PM Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Climate-ready woodlands: rewilding your backyard woods
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm // Teaching Classroom (Capacity 40)
As Minnesota’s climate changes, landscapes will face increasing pressure from tree diseases and pests, heavier and more frequent rainfalls, warmer temperatures, and prolonged drought. New research in forest management, especially around climate change and invasive species, has highlighted the need for updated recommendations for tree selection. Using modeled climate response data from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Tree Atlas, University of Minnesota Extension created a suite of regionally specific recommendation lists of climate-resilient trees and plants ( z.umn.edu/climateready ). These lists also incorporate the benefits of trees and understory plants for charismatic microfauna, such as insects, which are often overlooked during planting decisions despite fulfilling critical roles in forest ecosystems. This program also includes strategies to nurture species that may be more vulnerable to climate change and/or forest health threats. Through adoption of these recommendation lists, managers and stewards can holistically improve forest health by enhancing the resilience of Minnesota’s woods to climate change. This presentation will also include an update on the various participatory science projects to help us understand how migration potential trees are doing in Minnesota.
Presenter - Angela Gupta, Extension Forester (photo)
Angela Gupta is a University of Minnesota Extension Professor of Forestry who specializes in terrestrial invasive species, climate ready woods and is a founding member of the MN Women’s Woodland Network. She’s done invasive species early detection education and outreach and has been a part of the MN Women’s Woodland Network since 2008. Angela earned an M.A. in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Kentucky. Before joining Extension, Angela was an industrial forester working with private landowners in Michigan and a US Peace Corps Agroforestry Extensionist in Kenya, East Africa.
Saturday 12:30 PM Breakout Session: Indoor Class & Outdoor Guided Walking Tour
How to recognize and manage microclimates (This session is now FULL!)
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm* // Azalea Classroom (Capacity 30)
Do you have one or more areas in your yard and garden that are different from the rest of your landscape? These are microclimates and they can be both exciting and frustrating as we try to establish gardens and lawns in them. Join University of Minnesota Extension Horticulture Educator Julie Weisenhorn as she unpacks microclimates, how to recognize them and how to manage them, and landscape features that create them. (* This is a 2-hour class with indoor lecture and outdoor guided walking tour.)
Presenter - Julie Weisenhorn, Extension Educator - Horticulture (photo / video)
Julie Weisenhorn holds master’s degrees in visual communication and horticulture from the University of Minnesota where she taught landscape design and served as state director of the Extension Master Gardener Program. As an Extension horticulturist, Weisenhorn has statewide responsibility for horticulture teaching, research, and outreach with special focus on plant selection and sustainable residential landscape design. Weisenhorn most recently designed and installed The Foodscape, a landscape surrounding the Myers Education Center at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. She also regularly appears on the popular WCCO Radio Smart Gardens show (Saturdays, 8-9am, AM 830). In her own words, “This is the best job I have ever had.”
Saturday 12:30 PM Breakout Session: Outdoor Guided Walking Tour
Resilient woody species walk (This session is now FULL!)
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 15)
If you want to learn about resilient woody species recommendations to share with others, look no further! Join University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist, Laura Irish-Hanson, as she guides you on a walking tour around the main buildings of the Landscape Arboretum. She will show recommended resilient woody plants mentioned in Dr. Brandon Miller’s keynote, as well as other species that withstand varying climatic conditions while still looking amazing in the landscape.
Presenter - Laura Irish-Hanson, Extension Educator - Horticulture (photo / video)
Laura Irish-Hanson is the statewide Extension Educator for Resilient Managed Horticultural Landscapes. She is a leader for promoting managed horticultural landscape systems through multiple perspectives in collaboration with property owners, community organizations, urban stakeholders, and others at the University of Minnesota. Focus areas are climate adaptation and gardening, lowering expenses through efficient inputs and maintenance, underutilized native and resilient plants, and ecosystem support. Laura regularly appears on the WCCO Radio Smart Gardens show from 8-9AM on Saturday, dial in to AM 830 or listen on your favorite podcast app. She offices at the Farm at the Arb in Chaska. Prior to joining UMN Extension in 2024, Laura has over 9 years of experience in traditional horticulture-focused classroom and laboratory teaching, involvement in a multidisciplinary extension program between SNAP-Ed and the Iowa Master Gardener program, and a Master of Science in Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture from Iowa State University. Last year she finished building a small, unheated greenhouse in her backyard, which she uses to grow food year-around.
Saturday 12:30 PM Breakout Session: Outdoor Show-N-Tell Class
Unusual fruit and nut trees for Minnesota (This session is now FULL!)
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 15)
Have you ever planted a fruit tree and waited years to see it produce fruit? This is common. So, if you’re planning to grow new fruit or nut bearing trees, should you plant them now? With our MN climate warming, Minnesotans may be able to plant trees that are common to southern states. Learn about Chestnuts, Persimmons, Papaws, Northern Pecan and other fruit and nut trees to try. Currently grown fruit and nuts trees will also be reviewed. Plant cuttings plus resources will be discussed in this outdoor show and tell session.
Presenter - Gary Wyatt, Extension Educator - Agroforestry (photo)
Gary Wyatt is an Agroforestry Extension Educator and Extension Professor with the University of Minnesota Extension in the Extension Regional Office in Mankato, MN. Gary promotes sustainable Agroforestry practices that are economical and protect our soil, water, wildlife, and natural resources. Current programs include climate-ready trees for a warming climate, silvopasture, living snow fences, invasive species, windbreaks, riparian buffers, forest farming, tree and shrub selection, community and school food forests, edible and decorative woody plants and non-timber forest products. Gary has more than 41 years of Extension experience in Minnesota.
Saturday 2:00 PM Breakout Session: Indoor Class
Growing for clean water: gardening to safeguard Minnesota’s water resources
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm // MacMillan Auditorium (Capacity 200)
Six percent of Minnesota is covered by freshwater, more than any other U.S. state. As gardeners, our practices can influence the cleanliness and water quality of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams. In this presentation, you will learn the role that soil plays in water quality and how turf, trees and management practices can affect the water running off of your property. You will gain knowledge about gardening strategies you can implement to promote clean water and how to effectively share these strategies with your community.
Presenter - Jennie Wagner, Extension Educator - Horticulture (photo)
Jennie Wagner is an Extension Educator for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Jennie develops all educational materials for the Program and oversees the Horticulture Core Course for new volunteers. Her goals are to keep Master Gardener Volunteers apprised of the latest plant-related science and to help them communicate that science to the public. Jennie has a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science and an M.S. in Horticulture. She and her husband recently bought a house in Saint Paul and are in the process of converting their yard into a pollinator and bird-friendly landscape. They live with their dog, Leonard, who proudly wears his title of Head of Squirrel Management.
Saturday 2:00 PM Breakout Session: Outdoor Guided Walking Tour
Resilient woody species walk (This session is now FULL!)
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 15)
If you want to learn about resilient woody species recommendations to share with others, look no further! Join University of Minnesota Extension horticulturist, Laura Irish-Hanson, as she guides you on a walking tour around the main buildings of the Landscape Arboretum. She will show recommended resilient woody plants mentioned in Dr. Brandon Miller’s keynote, as well as other species that withstand varying climatic conditions while still looking amazing in the landscape.
Presenter - Laura Irish-Hanson, Extension Educator - Horticulture (photo / video)
Laura Irish-Hanson is the statewide Extension Educator for Resilient Managed Horticultural Landscapes. She is a leader for promoting managed horticultural landscape systems through multiple perspectives in collaboration with property owners, community organizations, urban stakeholders, and others at the University of Minnesota. Focus areas are climate adaptation and gardening, lowering expenses through efficient inputs and maintenance, underutilized native and resilient plants, and ecosystem support. Laura regularly appears on the WCCO Radio Smart Gardens show from 8-9AM on Saturday, dial in to AM 830 or listen on your favorite podcast app. She offices at the Farm at the Arb in Chaska. Prior to joining UMN Extension in 2024, Laura has over 9 years of experience in traditional horticulture-focused classroom and laboratory teaching, involvement in a multidisciplinary extension program between SNAP-Ed and the Iowa Master Gardener program, and a Master of Science in Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture from Iowa State University. Last year she finished building a small, unheated greenhouse in her backyard, which she uses to grow food year-around.
Saturday 2:00 PM Breakout Session: Outdoor Show-N-Tell Class
Unusual fruit and nut trees for Minnesota (This session is now FULL!)
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 15)
Have you ever planted a fruit tree and waited years to see it produce fruit? This is common. So, if you’re planning to grow new fruit or nut bearing trees, should you plant them now? With our MN climate warming, Minnesotans may be able to plant trees that are common to southern states. Learn about Chestnuts, Persimmons, Papaws, Northern Pecan and other fruit and nut trees to try. Currently grown fruit and nuts trees will also be reviewed. Plant cuttings plus resources will be discussed in this outdoor show and tell session.
Presenter - Gary Wyatt, Extension Educator - Agroforestry (photo)
Gary Wyatt is an Agroforestry Extension Educator and Extension Professor with the University of Minnesota Extension in the Extension Regional Office in Mankato, MN. Gary promotes sustainable Agroforestry practices that are economical and protect our soil, water, wildlife, and natural resources. Current programs include climate-ready trees for a warming climate, silvopasture, living snow fences, invasive species, windbreaks, riparian buffers, forest farming, tree and shrub selection, community and school food forests, edible and decorative woody plants and non-timber forest products. Gary has more than 41 years of Extension experience in Minnesota.
Saturday 2:00 PM Breakout Session: Outdoor Guided Walking Tour
Hosta talk (This session is now FULL!)
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm // Group will meet in Great Hall (Capacity 20)
Learn about selecting and growing hostas during this outdoor class! While touring the Arboretum gardens, we'll discuss the different kinds of hostas (size, color, shape), as well as examples of companion plants for hostas.
Presenter - Jackie Froemming, Extension Educator - Horticulture (photo)
As part of the State Leadership Team of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Jackie is tasked with creating and providing resources for the more than 3,000 Master Gardeners across the state. Jackie creates tools that Master Gardener groups will use to convey the public value of volunteer activities and projects. Jackie’s work also includes building program capacity to reach diverse, underserved, and youth groups across the state, and to build leadership capacity with both current and future local coordinators across the state.
Notes regarding registration…
Volunteers must register to attend the conference - no walk-ins.
You will register through the Arboretum and you will be asked to create an Arboretum account.
Conference capacity is 200
“Early Bird” registration fees (15% off regular fees) available during the month of April (register by 3:00 pm on April 30)!
One complimentary conference T-shirt to volunteers that register during the month of April (register by 3:00 pm on April 30)!
After registration, volunteers will receive an email from the Arboretum with a link to a SignUp Genius site where volunteers will indicate the breakout sessions that they would like to attend. All efforts will be made to grant first choices, but some indoor classes and outdoor guided walking tours have limited space. Register early to get a seat in your first-choice breakout sessions.
Registration deadline is 3:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025
Financial assistance to cover the registration fee is available. Please email your request to mgweb@umn.edu
“Plus One" Policy – Each registered volunteer can invite up to one guest to come along to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to visit the gardens during the conference. However, if the guest will be attending the conference sessions, the guest must register.
Cancellation Policy -- You may cancel your registration and receive a full refund minus a $5.00 cancellation fee if we are contacted 2 WEEKS prior to the conference. Please call the Education Department at 612-301-1206 to cancel your registration. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of the conference cannot be refunded. Volunteers can transfer their paid registrations to a fellow Master Gardener if they are not able to attend.
Additional notes regarding the conference…
Discounted hotel lodging is available to registered conference participants. Here is the link for the discount at the Holiday Inn Express, a 10% off of the regular rate at the time of the conference. ARBORETUM HOTEL DISCOUNT
Note – Volunteers will get the Arboretum lodging discount automatically when using that link. There is not a special link for the MG conference.
Other nearby lodging options:
Chaska Super 8 -- 830 Yellow Brick Rd, Chaska, MN 55318 (952) 448-7030
Town Square Place -- 1 River Bend Pl, Chaska, MN 55318 (952) 295-4146
Take advantage….$5.00 off a purchase of $25 or more at the Arboretum Gift & Garden Store during the conference. Just present your MG badge at the time of your purchase to receive the discount.
Hours attending the conference should be counted as continuing education hours rather than volunteer hours.
Due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. sickness, weather), the topics, the speakers and the outdoor tours could be subject to change.
We would like to recognize the contributions made by the members of the Conference Planning Committee... to all of you, Thank You!
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