On Thursday, August 21, around 120 researchers, gardeners and community members, gathered as the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences hosted its annual Twilight Garden Tour Field Day at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station. Attendees experienced an evening filled with educational presentations, hands-on demonstrations and guided tours of the station’s award-winning gardens.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Friend of Agriculture Award to State Representative Chanz Green (R-Grand View), who represents the 74th Assembly District, in recognition of his steadfast support for the UW–Madison agricultural research stations. Green recently authored a budget motion to increase funding for the stations by $2 million to help upgrade facilities and equipment, ensuring continued innovation and outreach across Wisconsin. 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,” said Peters. “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.”
The budget motion authored by Rep. Green details the importance of the 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,” said Rep. Green. “This budget motion was crucial to providing the support needed for innovation, research, and updated facilities and equipment for these research stations across our state.”
Field day attendees enjoyed guided tours of the station’s research plots, highlighting ongoing projects on hazelnuts, table grapes, and honeyberries (elongated, blue berries with a flavor described as a cross between a blueberry and raspberry). Spooner’s garden is an official All-America Selections (AAS) display garden featuring grapes, flowers and vegetables and has received multiple awards in the National Landscape Design contest sponsored by AAS.
Specialists from the UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the UW–Madison Division of Extension, as well as local garden volunteers were on hand to provide expert consultations for attendees who brought plant, insect and disease samples – or photos – for advice. The day continued a tradition that connects the public with the latest in horticultural research and celebrates the partnerships that make it all possible.
For more information about ongoing research and future events, visit https://ars.wisc.edu.
UW–Madison’s Agricultural Research Station Network
Spooner station is part of UW–Madison’s Agricultural Research Station network, which is supported by the university and through state and federal funding. Research projects conducted at ARS network stations are funded by a variety of sources, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and private industry.
