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

Steve Stoltz, President
Steve Stoltz, President
Jim Kirchner, Vice President
Jim Kirchner, Vice President
Vicki Strachota, Treasurer
Vicki Strachota, Treasurer
Mary Erickson, Secretary
Mary Erickson, Secretary

MWGS Board of Directors

Marty Barke
Marty Barke
Brenda Bergson
Brenda Bergson
Soni Forsman
Soni Forsman
Christina Godfrey
Christina Godfrey
Norma Hustedde
Norma Hustedde
Gaelen Kesler
Gaelen Kesler
Tom Lawrence
Tom Lawrence
Daryl Mayer
Daryl Mayer

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

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One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

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