Extension Waukesha County

Excellent ideas for any kid - not just 4-H members!

A Summer bucket list is a great idea for 4-H members to consider all the fun and ongoing hands on learning they still want to engage in now that school is out! What does your families' list look like?

Sign up today for the June 11th Introduction to Strategic Planning from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom at https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/KHaTIoT-TLumXnmMirX5KA #/registration!

During this free webinar, participants will explore what strategic planning is—and what it is not; why strategic planning matters for small towns and villages; conditions where strategic planning adds value; situations where communities should delay planning and focus on stabilization; and how strategic planning supports proactive, transparent governance.

This is the first session of our free Summer Webinar Series. Learn more at https://waukesha.extension.wisc.edu/community-development/sws/.

Ask you gardening questions live on May 20, 2026!

Free Online Gardening Programs Join Wisconsin Horticulture Extension for free online gardening programs — and watch from any device! Our topics are suitable for gardeners of any skill level.

Extension Waukesha County 4-H is working with the Waukesha County community to make "Love Bug" forms (the shell of a bug). A "Love Bug" is a friendly stuffed bug that can help make a child’s day. Our goal is to make 100 which will be distributed to local police and fire stations in our Waukesha County communities.

This is a beginner level sewing project that can make a big impact in the community. If you'd like to participate, you may use your own fabric or pick some up at the Extension office at the Waukesha County Courthouse Complex.

To view the pattern and additional information, visit https://webfiles.modafabrics.com/webfiles/fp_LoveBug.pdf.

Please drop off all "Love Bug" forms to the Extension office by June 5. All donated forms will be completed on June 18 at the Waukesha Public Library from 5:00-8:00 p.m. 4-H members, families, and anyone in the Waukesha County community are invited to help complete these forms during this Stuffing & Sewing Session.

Contact Sara, Associate 4-H Educator, with questions at [email protected]

Check out the Big 3 Apple Insect Webinar Series!

Raise your hand if you have an apple tree (or a few) in your yard. 🙋
Now raise your other hand if your apples always end up with pits or blemishes. 🙋🙋

That’s likely insect damage—it’s common, but it’s also manageable. If your goal is to have a better-looking apple harvest this year, join us for the “Big 3 Apple Insect Webinar Series,” hosted by statewide fruit outreach specialist Josie Dillon.

The first session on Friday, May 1, covers plum curculio, a widespread insect that harms fruits in the early growth stage. This session covers identification tips and timing for effective intervention. Register for free: hort.extension.wisc.edu/free-online-programs/

We are proud to recognize and thank our Housing Champion Sponsors for their support of the Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Summit happening on May 7th.

Their commitment helps bring together local leaders, housing practitioners, and decision makers to advance practical, data driven solutions to strengthen housing across our region.

Thank you to our Housing Champions sponsors!
• Associated Bank
• Neumann Developments, Inc.
• Heritage Consulting
• Adrenaline Homes

To learn more about our sponsors and register for the summit, visit:
go.wisc.edu/housingsummit

Please join the UW–Madison Extension Housing Research Group for our next housing webinar on Wednesday, April 29 at Noon previewing our regional housing summit in Milwaukee on May 7.

UW Madison Extension has a track record of offering outreach in support of community-led housing development. This outreach is facilitated through county Extension educators with assistance from a variety of statewide Extension specialists. A diverse range of housing tools and resources has been developed to aid these outreach efforts.

Attend this webinar to be introduced (or reintroduced) to the Housing Preparedness Index, Community-Led Housing Studies, First Impressions-Neighborhood Edition, Housing Mortgage/Income Gap Analysis, The 6 A’s of Housing Access, A Community Capital Housing Intervention Grid, and even some vintage Extension housing publications.

These webinars are designed to help local stakeholders strengthen their housing efforts, connect with useful resources, and spark ideas that make a real difference for Wisconsin communities.

To register, please visit https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/Lv9874goRQmmSfQg2FQFqw #/registration

Spring is the perfect time to clean out your kitchen.
Spring Cleaning Tip #6: A spring food safety check is a great way to keep your kitchen organized and reduce waste. Store foods properly, label leftovers, and keep similar items grouped so nothing gets lost or forgotten. Need guidance? Visit go.wisc.edu/answerline or call 1-866-540-4636.

Spring is the perfect time to clean out your kitchen.
Spring Cleaning Tip #5: Ensure your food storage containers are in good condition. No cracks, stains, or loose lids. Safe storage helps keep food fresh. More info: go.wisc.edu/answerline or 1-866-540-4636.

Spring is the perfect time to clean out your kitchen.
Spring Cleaning Tip #4: Check your pantry for expired foods, damaged packaging, and forgotten items. When in doubt, throw it out. More tips: go.wisc.edu/answerline or 1-866-540-4636.