• Program updates 2/8/2022: This is to update Master Gardener volunteers on the latest public health requirements per OSU. Please let me know what question you have. 

–No change in current mask requirements at OSU – still need face coverings inside for now.

–Proof of vaccination or negative test no longer required for outdoor events and activities

Read the full message from OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator.

• Shoutouts
  • Online plant clinic needs a hand! Now’s a great time to get involved. on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Due to changing office needs the MGV in-office help desk has moved back to its old position.
• Volunteers needed
  • Call For Applications: Cohort II of the Master Gardener JEDI Task Force
    • JEDI stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity. Sometimes, we call ourselves the DEI Task Force.
    • Sometimes, we call ourselves the JEDI Task Force, because frankly, the word ‘JEDI’ is both more representative
    • of what we are trying to do, and is also more fun to say.
    • Applications for the second cohort of Master Gardener JEDI Task Force Members are now being accepted.
    • Click here to learn more and apply. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2022.
  • In-person outdoor community plant clinics coming up this spring to a garden center near you. Locations and times still TBD – likely Saturdays, with an opportunity to engage trainees. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Records.
  • Speakers’ bureau: are you an organized, outgoing person interested in helping connect interested volunteers with community organizations needing gardening education? Please contact Elizabeth Records.
  • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page.
• Continuing education opportunities:
  • Seed Starting -Tips for Success – Monday, February 21, 7:00-8:00 pm on zoom.
    • Benton Co. MGs Jennifer and Lisa draw from their experience seeding and growing on starts for the BCMGA plant sale. They will share strategies for starting veggies, annuals and perennials. PowerPoint presentation, demonstrations, and open Q/A. We’d love to hear from the audience: What is your favorite/most challenging plant you’ve started from seed? Be ready to answer in chat! Looking forward to growing season! Register in advance for this meeting.
  • Fruit Tree Pruning workshop – special invitation from Community Gardening Education Team
    • Saturday, February 26, 1:30-3:00 pm, The Giving Garden at Shepherd of the Valley, 2659 NW Highland Drive, Corvallis. Learn pruning basics on 10-year old apple, plum and pear trees trained in open vase shape on semi-dwarf root stock. We will have some hand tools available. Optional: Bring gloves, hand clippers. Wear weather appropriate clothing (rainwear, boots – long grass in orchard).  Please be ready to wear a mask if social distancing is difficult during demonstrations. Led by Meleah Ashford and Jennifer Klammer
  • Consider This, Oregon Humanities: Join us on March 10, 2022 for an online conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss. Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. This program will be streamed live at 5:00 p.m. Pacific on YouTube. RSVP for this free program.
  • OSU Extension Master Gardeners announce 2022 Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series schedule It’s a new year and a new slate of free online learning webinars with Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series. Whether you want to learn how to finally be better with your irrigation, understand if cleaning up leaves in the fall is really good or not so good for the insects in the garden, or get excited for all things roses, there’s a class for you.   March 8: Local Beauties: Native Plants for Ecologically Enhanced Gardens and Landscapes with Nikkie West, Kathryn Prive and Rick Martinson
• Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
  • None this week.