The Madeline Island Community Garden (MICG) is always growing—literally and figuratively! We evolve each year to meet community needs, make the best use of resources, and embrace the talents of those ready to lend a hand. This year, we are thrilled to announce two co-gardeners who will help ensure a thriving garden and impactful outreach activities. Please join us in welcoming Becky Wygonik and Ashli Kanzler.
We are also delighted to welcome Robin Trinko Russell to the MICG board. Robin is a long-time resident of Madeline Island, widely known and admired throughout the community. Her expertise as a Master Gardener will be a valuable asset to the garden’s operations and goals, and we look forward to her insight and contributions as we embark on the 2025 season.
About Becky “Bizy” Wygonik:
Boozhoo!
My name is Becky Wygonik and my nickname is Bizy.
I am Ojibwe and have lived on Lake Superior for 22 years in Washburn, WI. Now I’m starting a new chapter in life on Madeline Island. Before choosing to be a gardener for the community garden, I devoted myself to many creative and civic projects, organizations, occupations, and events throughout the last 20+ years. I truly live up to my nickname, Bizy. You may remember me from organizing and hosting the large puppet workshops, Live Art 2024, last summer for the 4th of July Parade. That was such a great time! I’ve owned and operated four small businesses, served as President for the Washburn Chamber of Commerce, coached varsity softball in Bayfield and Washburn, and raised a son through the Washburn school district. It’s time to return to the land and put my decades of experience cultivating my own vegetable, herb, and perennial gardens to work.
Having grown up in a family where gardening played a central role, I have developed a strong appreciation for food security, food sovereignty, food preservation, and the importance of fresh produce in our lives. I am particularly drawn to MICG’s mission of supporting St. John’s Food Pantry. I’m eager to participate in supporting our neighbors with produce and value-added foods from our gardens.
You can expect positive and fun energy in the garden this year. I am so stoked to be working with Ashli Kanzler in the garden! Together, we are planning some exciting and useful garden programming for the 2025 season to help educate and get involved with our island garden community. We encourage you all to stop by the garden and introduce yourselves, tell us your stories, make friends, and help us continue the good work of Kyra, Jami, and the dedicated and hard-working members of the MICG board of directors. All are welcome here.
About Ashli Kanzler:
Hi there, Madeline Island community!
I’m Ashli Kanzler.
Hi there, Madeline Island community! I’m Ashli Kanzler. You may recognize me from tending your local watering holes over the past three years. I am grateful and excited to be part of the Madeline Island Community Garden team for the 2025 season. I look forward to bringing my 12 years in agriculture out of hibernation to grow food for our community. Working toward food security, strengthening my relationship with the land, as well as food preservation and soil science activities with fellow Islanders are just a few of the things I want to center this year. Thank you for this opportunity to now tend our garden!