Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/
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- Shout outs
- Sign up now: 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits for participants. Volunteer from the comfort of the air-conditioned Floral Building, and then stay to check out the fair! Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
- MGVs protecting youth: at Mini College the Statewide Program Coordinator reminded volunteers that all OSU volunteers are required by university policy to report suspected child abuse discovered while performing duties related to OSU youth programs. Both employees and non-employees must immediately report suspected child abuse and neglect to either the Department of Human Services or law enforcement. Learn more: https://youth.oregonstate.edu/abuse
- Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31
- Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on November 19 in Tangent.
- Are you a trainee who needs help completing your service? Schedule a visit about volunteering or contact Elizabeth Records.
- Thank you everyone who is reporting service and continuing education! Here are goals to meet for two popular tracks for returning volunteers from our Guide to Volunteering:
- Certified Continuing Master Gardener Volunteer: A Master Gardener Volunteer who has graduated and wishes to remain active in the program beyond the initial year and volunteer in an educational role. Certified continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are required to recertify each year by completing 20 hours of volunteering, 10 hours of continuing education and submitting completed OSU volunteer paperwork.
- Continuing Master Gardener Volunteer (non-certified): a Master Gardener Volunteer who has graduated and wishes to remain active in the program beyond the initial year but not volunteer in a direct educational role(s). Non-certified continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are still required to complete program agreements annually. Non-certified Continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are not eligible to provide education to public (presentations, plant clinic, serving as a mentor, any direct education, etc.) until they become certified.
- Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on November 19 in Tangent.
- Volunteers needed
- Plant Clinic at State Fair 9/3 – 9/4, Salem OR. Volunteers get free wristbands and parking permits. Sign up HERE.
- Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
- Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
- Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds. Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome. If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
- Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
- Continuing education opportunities:
- NEW! 2022 Dry Farming Field Day: The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms Program is offering the 8th annual Dry Farming Field Day. Come learn about multiple dry farming research projects, taste different varieties of dry-farmed produce and visit with other growers and researchers in the Dry Farming Collaborative. Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (844 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97331). This event is free to attend but registration is required. Space is limited. Farmers and service providers: https://beav.es/ib5; gardeners: https://beav.es/ibi. For more info and registration please visit: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/projects/dry-farming or contact Teagan Moran at 541-713-5011 or Teagan.moran@oregonstate.edu.
- Rich Little entomology learning ops:
- desk sessions most Thursdays 9-11:30 – learn how to identify and solve insect issues with longtime MGV Rich, a retired entomologist, and coordinator of BEEvent Pollinator Conference. Sign up with Rich on the Benton plant clinic schedule and bring a sample insect or insect-damaged plant.
- LIVE entomology workshop September 15th 6-8 pm. At the Linn Extension Office and open to both Linn and Benton County Master Gardeners. Sign up HERE.
- Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
- September 13: Compost Can-do: develop a system that meets your needs
- Find more HERE.
BCMGA News
- The next board meeting will be Monday, September 12, 3:00-5:00. We are looking at holding an inperson meeting but will keep the Zoom option. See the next Board update email for in-person and online locations.
- 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.
