By Blake Jackson
On Thursday, August 21, nearly 120 researchers, gardeners, and community members gathered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ annual Twilight Garden Tour Field Day, held at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station.
The evening featured a mix of educational presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and guided tours through the station’s award-winning gardens.
A key moment during the event was the presentation of the Friend of Agriculture Award to State Representative Chanz Green (R-Grand View), who represents Wisconsin’s 74th Assembly District.
The honor recognized his strong advocacy for UW-Madison’s agricultural research stations. Rep. Green recently introduced a budget motion that secured an additional $2 million in funding to improve station facilities and equipment, strengthening innovation and outreach efforts statewide. The award was presented by Mike Peters, director of the Agricultural Research Station Network.
“The agricultural research stations are a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s agricultural success,” Peters said. “Our faculty, researchers and students are finding solutions that farmers, gardeners and communities can use on their farms right here in Wisconsin and across the country. Representative Green’s support helps ensure we can continue this vital work and expand our impact.”
Green’s budget motion highlighted the significance of these stations: “The agricultural research stations operated by UW are the research and development laboratories for Wisconsin’s $104 billion agricultural sector, hosting more than 1,350 studies annually. Wisconsin farms deploy the practices tested at these farms to improve their economic returns, protect their natural resources and provide healthy, nutritious food for consumers.”
“These agricultural research stations in Wisconsin especially the one here in Spooner are vital to supporting our local economy, protecting natural resources, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our family farms,” Green said.
Attendees also toured research plots featuring projects on hazelnuts, table grapes, and honeyberries blue, elongated fruits with a taste similar to a blend of blueberries and raspberries. Spooner’s gardens, an official All-America Selections (AAS) display site, showcased flowers, vegetables, and grapes and have won multiple awards in the National Landscape Design contest.
Experts from UW-Madison and the UW Division of Extension, along with local volunteers, provided plant, insect, and disease consultations.
The event continued a tradition of linking communities with cutting-edge horticultural research while celebrating partnerships that sustain Wisconsin agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Wisconsin, Education