MONROE — The Green County Master Gardeners Association will present its 13th annual Gardening Symposium. “Garden Inspirations for All Seasons — Birds, Bees and Backyards!” will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at Turner Hall, 1217 17th Ave. Experienced and novice gardeners are encouraged to attend. Participants will receive lunch, refreshments and resource materials with paid registration. 

The key note speaker will be Bill Volkert, naturalist. Volkert has many years of experience exploring and traveling the wild areas of distant lands in search of wildlife and landscapes. He regularly conducts presentations about his adventures and shares insights as a naturalist into the places he has traveled. Volkert will focus his program on experiences in natural landscaping and land management. He worked as the naturalist and wildlife educator for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at Horicon Marsh for 27 years. 

In addition, other speakers and topics for the symposium include:

●  Susan Carpenter, UW Arboretum — will discuss Wisconsin’s Bumble Bee Brigade including bumble bee history, ID, habitat, and monitoring programs. 

●  Mike Davis, Green County Master Gardeners Association, will be presenting on Soil Amendments

● Mike Korelsky, of Winterland Nursery, will be recommending various shrubs for yards including the very popular Hydrangeas.

● South East Wisconsin Master Gardener Volunteers, will share their expertise on Lifelong Gardening.

Early registration closes March 1. After March 1, the price increases. More information is available through the Extension Green County by calling 608-328-9440 or check the website at: http://green.extension.wisc.edu.