Jefferson County UW Extension

08/27/2026

🌱 This Week in the Garden: Your Questions Answered, Week of August 24

It’s nice to see some good news once in a while. Did you see the news about the Nevada bumble bee sightings in Wisconsin?! Check it out from the Wisconsin DNR:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hhu57MA54/

❓Question:
How do I get rid of these worms and tents in my trees? (see photo below)

🌳Answer:
At this time of year, I have also seen the presence of fall webworms, especially at the tips of tree branches. Fall webworms construct these nests (aka silk tents or webs) and the caterpillars feed within the nest. DO NOT PANIC. Fall webworms are native insects.

The defoliation and presence of large webs is not attractive, but this damage is generally not significant on healthy, well-established trees. Fall webworms are rarely numerous enough to completely defoliate trees. By the time the leaves are being eaten, trees have already stored enough energy for their survival so fall webworms’ impact on trees is usually pretty minimal. There is no need to intervene. Wind and rain will usually eliminate webs over time.
While fall webworms might look similar to other tree pests, their impact is much different than the threat posed by spring caterpillars, such as the eastern tent caterpillar, forest tent caterpillar or spongy moth. Because these emerge in the spring, they can cause more damage to trees as the caterpillars eat the newly emerged leaves. Another difference: Forest tent caterpillars build smaller, flat silk mats, not large webs; spongy moth caterpillars do not create webs at all.
Do NOT attempt to burn the webs off. This will cause more harm to the tree. If you absolutely need to remove the nests, carefully prune out the nest - only if pruning will not affect the health of the tree.

🔗 Learn more:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fall-webworm-hyphantrea-cunea/

💬 Have a question of your own?
Reach out—we may feature it in an upcoming post!
You can reach Julie, your local horticulture educator by calling 262-741-4958, Text 262-374-4191, email [email protected] or use our online form: go.wisc.edu/PlantQ

📷Fall webworm

08/27/2026

Interested in 4-H? Come to the open house and learn all about it.

Join us at the Jefferson County UW-Extension Office on Wednesday, September 16th for a 4-H Open House! Stop by at any time between 4:00 and 6:00 pm to learn about 4-H, meet our educators, and get info on enrollment and 4-H opportunities available this year! There will also be activities, games, and prizes for youth! Members and non-members are invited to attend.

Club and project leaders are also invited to host a table at the open house. Please sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/toxgLn31TmznqGRE7

Please contact [email protected] with any questions or accessibility requests.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day!
Animals are known to make life a bit sweeter and we want to see photos of your furry best friends. Post yours in the comment!

Our administrative specialist, Lilianne, is shown here with her husband and her pups.

Bruce is a rottweiler who's first love is his favorite ball and second is food. He can high jump to catch his ball and will throw it at your feet for round two, three, twenty.... etc.

Suki is a mix with two colored eyes and one is also duo-toned. Her claim to fame is that she is on a bag of treats in Farm & Fleet. If you find them, snap a photo and share! She loves a good head scratch and will nudge you if you stop petting her.

Let's see your doggos!

08/25/2026

Fall Clean Sweep is coming in Sept!

For accepted items, fees and details, visit Jefferson County’s Clean Sweep page: https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/.../clean.../index.php

08/24/2026

First-time farmers can apply for a scholarship to attend WWASH.
There are only 90 available to act FAST! Deadline is Sept 14.

https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/wwash/

A merging of the Cover Crops Conference and Discovery Farms Conference in 2023, the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference brings farmers, consultants, and Extension and agency staff to the same table to learn about and talk through what’s new in soil health and water quality. Registration ope...

08/24/2026

Stay connected with Jefferson County UW Extension!
Looking for reliable, research-based information on agriculture, youth development, and community resources, all right here in Jefferson County? We've got you covered!

Follow us on Facebook for:
✅Upcoming workshops and events
✅Educational resources and tips
✅4-H program updates
✅Community programming news

👉Find us at
Stay informed, stay connected, and let's grow together!

08/21/2026

❗Last chance — register today❗

“Foundations in Gardening” is a 14-week online course designed for gardeners of all skill levels to learn at their own pace. The course teaches practical gardening skills along with easy-to-understand explanations behind why and how they work.

This course is only offered once per year, so don’t miss out!
Register now at go.wisc.edu/9v9t76

08/19/2026

TONIGHT!
Send your kids and see if they can ESCAPE! Kids don't need to be part of 4-H, ALL are welcome!!

Join us at the Watertown Public Library on Wednesday, August 19th for clues, games, and fun in a 4-H Escape Room! This activity will be held in the community room from 5:30 to 7:30 and students are welcome to start at any time. This Escape Room is a free activity primarily intended for youth ages 13-19, and is not limited to 4-H members–everyone is welcome to join!

Please contact [email protected] with any questions or accessibility requests.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

08/19/2026

Jefferson County Extension connects local people with trusted University of Wisconsin-Madison research, education, and resources.

We support youth through 4-H, strengthen agriculture and horticulture programs, and foster community development across Jefferson County.

Our educators work alongside residents, businesses, and local leaders to create practical solutions that help communities grow stronger and improve everyday life.

Find more information at our website: https://jefferson.extension.wisc.edu/

08/19/2026

Join your local horticulture educator, Julie, at the Lake Geneva Farmer's Market this Thursday morning. Julie will be available at our Extension booth, answering gardening questions and sharing credible and reliable resources. (No AI robots here). Then stick around and check out all the rest of the fresh produce, flowers and other vendors that the market has to offer!

Every Thursday you can visit the Lake Geneva Farmers Market and ask qualified Master Gardeners your gardening questions!

📅Thursdays through September
🕰️8:30 to Noon (ish)
📍Entrance to Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad Street, Lake Geneva