Our Mission
To increase the enjoyment and enthusiasm for water gardening through promotion, education, and shared experiences.
Our History
In the summer of 1997, Jan and Mark Schreier sat by their garden and wondered if there was anyone else who had a pond and if so, would they be interested in getting together and sharing experiences and ideas. After a little investigation, they easily found over 40 people who shared many of the same interests. These folks founded and created what is now the Minnesota Water Garden Society.
Current (2024) membership is approximately 417. Members include master gardeners, garden designers, landscapers and horticulturists, along with experts on growing lilies, container water gardening, pondless features, care of fish and more. Since its inception thousands of water gardening enthusiasts have joined and participated in the society.
Executive Committee
MWGS Board of Directors
Key Contacts
Waterlog Content Editor
Mary Erickson marymwgs@gmail.com
Waterlog Creative Editor
warren d mosier warren@cornerstonecopy.com
Facebook – Anne Flipp – aflipp@comcast.net
Facebook Forum
Gaelen Kesler –gaelenkes@comcast.net
StephenKesler – sfk133@comcast.net
Website
Marla Davenport – marlacdavenport@gmail.com
Mary Erickson – rmerickson17@aol.com
Water Garden Tour Co-chairs
Andrea Ingebretsen – jnaingi@comcast.net
Water Garden Bus Tour – Joe Brehmer – JBrehmer@comcast.net
Marketing Coordinator– Gaelen Kesler –gaelenkes@comcast.net
MWGS Friends Sale Committee
Steve Stoltz, Chair – mwgs2020@gmail.com
Mary Erickson rmerickson17@aol.com
Rick Erickson rmerickson17@aol.com
Christina Godfrey christina.a.godfrey1@gmail.com
Gaelen Kesler gaelenkes@comcast.net
MWGS State Fair Chair – Allen Eldridge – abeldredge@comcast.net
Monitors for Tour & State Fair –Geri Claytor – geri.claytor@charter.net
Meeting Program / Speakers – Steve Stoltz – mwgs2020@gmail.com
Meeting Prizes –Board Members
Meeting Refreshments – Brenda Bergson – bmbergs@live.com
Membership –Geri Claytor – geri.claytor@charter.net
Mentor Co-Chairs
Sharon Kirchner – js_kirchner@comcast.net
Sheila Morrow – smorrow@classythreadsofmn.com
Spring and Fall Picnic Co-Chairs
Geri Claytor – geri.claytor@charter.net
Jim Kirchner – js_kirchner@comcast.net
MWGS Logo Merchandise –Andrea Ingebretsen – jnaingi@comcast.net
Pond Pals – Norma Hustedde – bill.normah@usfamily.net
Pond Parties – Soni Forsman – forslilly@aol.com
Sunshine Coordinator –Sharon Kirchner – JS_Kirchner@comcast.net
Fish Acquisition/Care/Sales/Storage – Jeff Chudek at Minnesota Waterscapes www.mnponds.com