Outagamie County Master Gardener Association 
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Karen Oberhauser • Past Director, UW-Madison Arboretum • Director, Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
For almost 40 years, Karen and her students have conducted research on monarch butterfly ecology. She started the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP), which continues to engage hundreds of volunteers throughout North America. As director of the UW-Madison Arboretum, she engaged the public in meaningful ecological data collection. She uses monarchs and the connections people feel for this amazing insect to promote greater understanding of science and conservation. Karen has authored over 100 papers on her research and has degrees in biology, science education, and ecology and behavioral biology. Karen is passionate about the conservation of the world’s biodiversity and building connections between humans and the natural world.
Scott Johnson • Low Technology Institute
Scott has been carrying out research into low tech since he tried to build a catapult in 6th grade. He is a jack of all trades — but a master of none — including carpentry, gardening, electric, plumbing, beekeeping, brewing, butchery, baking and more. His interest in past technologies led him to obtain a PhD in anthropology focusing on archaeology. He’s taught at universities across the US and Canada and led international field projects funded by the National Science Foundation and National Geographic Society. He is also the author of several books. Today, he works at the Low Technology Institute and lives in the historic village of Cooksville, Wisconsin with his wife, kid and dog. He enjoys a good cup of tea, aikido, running and books.
Rachel Price • Van Zeeland Nursery and Landscape
Rachel holds an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture with a focus on Greenhouse Operations. With hands-on experience in garden center management, and design at Van Zeeland Nursery, she has developed expertise in plant care, customer relations and operational management. As a landscape designer, Rachel combines a strong foundation in horticultural science with a flair for artistic creativity and ingenuity, crafting outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually stunning.
Kellie Johnson • Branching Out & Co. and Van Zeeland Nursery & Landscape
Get ready to bloom! Kellie Johnson is a business whiz with a green thumb who brings joy to life through flowers. As the manager of Branching Out Floral Shop, she pours her heart and soul into crafting stunning arrangements that brighten every occasion. When she’s not dazzling clients with her floral artistry, she’s a key player at Van Zeeland Nursery & Landscape, where she helps cultivate a thriving environment (both professionally and literally!). Since discovering her floral passion in 2024, Kellie has been on a creative journey, constantly exploring new techniques and bringing smiles to faces one beautiful bouquet at a time.
Tom Jensen • Van Zeeland Nursery & Landscape
For over six decades, Tom has cultivated a passion for horticulture, beginning with his earliest experiences in his grandparents’ garden. His dedication to the field is evidenced by his two degrees and extensive professional career, which includes positions at some of Wisconsin’s leading companies. Furthermore, he has served as a curator at the Paine Art Center and Gardens, shared his expertise as an instructor at Fox Valley Technical College, and engaged audiences through presentations to numerous garden clubs, the Wisconsin Federation of Garden Clubs, and Wisconsin Master Gardeners.
Rob Zimmer • Rob Zimmer Outdoors
Rob is a nature and garden author/writer/radio host well-known to northeast Wisconsin audiences. Through a variety of multimedia offerings, he shares the beauty he sees out in nature every day. He recently added ride-alongs to his repertoire, engaging nature enthusiasts in-person on his wanderings across the state. Find him on Facebook under Rob Zimmer Outdoors, where you can learn more about his speaking engagements, appearances on WHBY, popup events and digital magazine, “UNTAMED.”