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Wisconsin: Local Resources

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Wisconsin Emergency Management and ReadyWisconsin

Wisconsin Emergency Management, part of the Department of Military Affairs, runs public preparedness outreach through ReadyWisconsin, aligned with the national Ready.gov framework.

Where to find it: readywisconsin.wi.gov.

UW-Madison Division of Extension: Wisconsin’s version of the other states’ land-grant Extension programs, recently restructured

The University of Wisconsin’s Division of Extension runs the same category of program as every other state covered on this site, and recently changed its onboarding structure.

A newer, online-first entry point

As of 2026, the path to becoming a Wisconsin Master Gardener starts with an annual fall online course, “Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening,” followed by a winter Master Gardener Onboarding course (up to 5 years allowed between the two). Full certification requires 36 hours of training plus a passing exam score, then 24 hours of volunteer service annually, along with 10 hours of continuing education, to maintain it.

Where to find it: mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu lists the program and county associations.

CERT: supported through ReadyWisconsin

Wisconsin’s CERT program follows the same nationwide FEMA model in place since 1993, with ReadyWisconsin serving as the state’s central information point for getting involved locally.

Where to find it: readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/be-involved.

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