Extension educator outlines climate-smart landscaping as Wisconsin grows warmer and wetter

A University of Wisconsin Extension educator gave a presentation on landscaping strategies to adapt to climate change, summarizing state climate data and offering practical recommendations for homeowners and gardeners in Oshkosh and Winnebago County.

The educator said atmospheric carbon dioxide has risen from a preindustrial baseline of about 280 parts per million to roughly 420 ppm now, and noted that “climate change isn't a hoax. It's it really costs money and really hurts us.” The talk reviewed temperature and precipitation trends for Wisconsin, shifts in plant hardiness zones, and specific planting and yard-care practices to increase resilience.

The presentation drew on data from the state climatology office, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and university climate centers. The presenter said average temperatures in Wisconsin are roughly 3 degrees higher than in 1950, winters have warmed most, and overall precipitation has increased by about 20 percent in parts of the state. The presenter also cited recent extreme events and economic impacts, saying that 2020–2021 produced nearly $500,000,000,000 in weather-related damages nationwide.

For local gardeners, the educator highlighted practical adaptations: installing drip irrigation and organic mulches to conserve soil moisture; switching portions of turf to low-mow grasses, sedges or “bee lawns”; and selecting native or broadly adaptable plants such as little bluestem, big bluestem, switchgrass and a range of asters, goldenrods, milkweeds and native shrubs to support pollinators and tolerate variable moisture and temperature.

The presenter said plant hardiness zones have shifted, noting that Oshkosh's zone in 2023 was close to 5a or 5b, several zones warmer than historical values. He advised planning for both wetter winters and drier summers, planting trees for summer shading, using berms or rain gardens to manage large rainfall events, and preferring winter mulches and larger pots to reduce freeze-thaw damage.

On lawn and equipment choices, the educator recommended electric tools over two-stroke gasoline engines when possible, and urged leaving some leaves for pollinators rather than aggressive fall cleanups. He suggested synthetic fertilizer application be limited (for example, around Memorial Day and Labor Day) or replaced with slow-release or organic options to reduce runoff and leaching.

The presentation included examples and resources: a rain garden installed in a Dane County backyard by a master gardener and a planned Winnebago County demonstration irrigation installation funded by a grant. The presenter encouraged residents to adopt small, practical changes—mulching, native plantings, reduced lawn area and efficient irrigation—saying individual choices can have collective benefits.

The talk closed with contact information and links to additional resources, including a Wisconsin climate impacts wiki and extension materials.