About Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension

The mission of Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension is connecting people to university knowledge they can use.

By connecting county residents to up-to-date, objective, practical, research-based knowledge, we help them grow, change and prosper. They become more self-sufficient, lead healthier and safer lives, form strong and nurturing families, and thrive economically. Our primary customers are the people who live and work in Milwaukee County, both adults and youth. We make a special effort to reach those who are traditionally underserved including minorities, low-income families, and people with disabilities. Our customers value high-quality, low-cost educational opportunities that emphasize practical skills they can put to use immediately.

To learn more about our goals, programs and impact, visit the About Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension web page.

Master Beekeeping & the Urban Apiculture Institute
Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension & the Urban Apiculture Institute have started Wisconsin's first Certified Beekeeper program. In 2008, we secured a permit for an apiary at the community gardens in Wauwatosa and conducted our first Master Beekeeper class. To learn more, contact Linda Reynolds, 414-256-4652, or visit the Urban Apiculture Institute web page.

Foreclosure Prevention
Many homeowners in Milwaukee and across the state are losing their homes largely because they cannot make the escalating payments on adjustable rate mortgages. In cooperation with the City of Milwaukee, our foreclosure prevention program raises community awareness by working with professional and consumer groups to provide consumers with resources to prevent foreclosures and make informed lending choices. For more information, visit the Milwaukee Housing Help web page.

Nature in the Parks
Nature in the Parks is a cooperative effort of the UW-Cooperative Extension, the Wehr Nature Center, and the Milwaukee County Park System. We provide environmental education programming throughout the Milwaukee County Park System and at individual school sites in the form of school field trips, youth programming and summer day camps. For more information visit the Nature in the Parks website or call (414) 425-8550.

4-H Community Clubs
4-H provides real-life experiences for youth through practical, learn-by-doing educational programs. It is for all youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Wherever you live, suburb or city, 4-H has something for you. 4-H activities help youth develop self-esteem, become responsible young adults, gain a sense of belonging and improve decision-making, communication and leadership skills. To learn more about 4-H programs in Milwaukee County, visit the 4-H web page.

Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by UW-Extension specialists and agents in many aspects of horticulture. In return for their training, Master Gardeners volunteer to help with educational programs in horticulture and a wide variety of community service projects. For more information about the SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 414-256-4661 or visit the SEW MG web site.

Youth Development
Youth Development programs teach children and youth culturally-appropriate life skills in responsibility, decision-making, problem solving and leadership through practical, interactive, hands-on activities. Programs include: Civic Engagement, Pre-College and Career Planning, Children’s Gardening, and Cultural Competency.  Other program areas are: Teen Fatherhood, Boys to Men Project, Youth / Adults Partnership and Entrepreneurial Training (train the trainer). For more information, visit the Youth Development web page.

Poverty Awareness for Community Engagement (PACE)
Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension offers custom-designed training for professionals who work with people living in poverty. This training provides key lessons for understanding social class, gender, white privilege, oppression, and racism. To learn more about the training and how to schedule a session for your organization, go to our Poverty Awareness web page.

Horticulture Help Line
Have a yard or garden question? From 9 am to Noon Monday through Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents may call 414-256-4664 to consult our Horticulturists or Master Gardeners. For more answers to your yard and garden questions, visit the Horticulture Help Line web page.

Rent a Garden
2009 is the 37th year that Extension has rented gardens in Milwaukee County. For urban residents who do not have a place to garden, the garden plot rental program provides an opportunity to grow nutritious food, save grocery money, enjoy some exercise and share family traditions. To learn more about renting a garden, visit the Garden Rental web site or contact Carleen Xiong at 414-256-4606 or by email.