MARINETTE, Wis. — The 24th annual Spring Garden Conference sponsored by Northern Lights Master Gardeners Association will be held on Saturday, March 30, at the UW Green Bay – Marinette Campus. Attendees will have a choice between two highly qualified UW Wisconsin – Madison keynote speakers, and a choice of three sessions from 16 being offered.

Featured keynote speakers include: Dr. Brian Hudelson, director of the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, who will cover common methods for disease control, their pros and cons, and how those techniques can be adapted for use in the home garden; and Dr. Laura Jull, associate professor and Extension specialist for Woody Ornamental Horticulture, who will share her experiences with good replacements for invasive trees and shrubs in Wisconsin.

This year’s conference will provide a wide range of educational sessions, many of which are taught by trained Master Gardener volunteers, keynote speakers, and area professionals. Hands on workshops continue to be popular sessions and will again be offered.

Attendees should plan on a full day event starting with registration at 8 a.m. that includes continental breakfast, a soup, salad and sandwich buffet, a full day of sessions, displays, raffle and sale of garden related items.

The all-inclusive registration fee for this event is $40. Workshops will have an additional fee to cover materials.

Brochures covering the sessions and registration are available at local libraries, partnering businesses and the UW Extension office. A printable version, registration, and more information can be found online at https://marinette.extension.wisc.edu and on Facebook.

Registrations must be received with payment prior to March 18. Early registration is recommended as many sessions and workshops fill rapidly.

Northern Lights Master Gardener volunteers and the UW Extension partner to provide learning opportunities by helping communities better understand horticulture and the environment. There are 54 certified Master Gardeners serving Marinette and Oconto counties and Menominee and other parts of the U.P. Many of educational events are conducted at Harmony Arboretum or other community locations.

Contact the Marinette UW Extension office at 715-732-7510 or visit online https://marinette.extension.wisc.edu for further information on the conference, MGV training, or other horticulture questions.