Paul Hartman’s Story:

After beginning his career selling encyclopedias in the late 1960s, Paul Hartman enrolled at the UW- Madison where he received his Bachelor’s and Master degrees in horticulture. This led him to Brown County where Paul began working as the Brown County UW Horticultural Agent in January of 1976. During his 30-year career as the local Horticultural Agent, Paul became somewhat of a local celebrity appearing on TV and radio and writing a weekly column in the Green Bay Press Gazette.

In 1995, Paul co-founded the Green Bay Botanical Garden. In 1997, Paul was instrumental in raising the funds to preserve a plot of land set for development on the far eastside of Green Bay. This land was encompassed into the Baird Creek Greenway, and the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation was born.

In 1979, Paul helped establish the NEW Master Gardener Program. Paul has touched numerous Northeast Wisconsin organizations with his volunteer efforts and knowledge. In appreciation and honor of Paul’s countless hours to the community, the Foundation would like to build the gazebo and finish the restoration of the native prairie that is a perfect example of flora and fauna that Paul has championed for all these years. To honor his work we hope people will come and enjoy the birds, wildlife, and beauty of the land.