- Please bookmark the Volunteer Resource Page. It has newsletter archives, an updated volunteer sourcebook, continuing education opportunities, and volunteering opportunities. It is your one-stop source for program essentials!
- Have an item for eNews? Please contact staff by the second or last Wednesday of each month. Please use this event checklist to ensure all needed information is included in your request.
- Shout outs
- Extension holiday closures happen between 12/24/2022 – 1/2/2023. eNews and plant clinics will be on break during this time.
- Via Elizabeth Records: “I have a new nickname – Elza. I am still fine with Elizabeth, too, but wanted to share a more informal option. I have never had a nickname that I like, but now I do!”
- You are invited to meet 2023 applicants and share your experiences with being a Master Gardener! Please RSVP to Elizabeth for one of these hourlong events:
- Tue 1/3/2023 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Tangent
- Thu 1/5/2023 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Tangent
- Sat 1/7/2023 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ZOOM
- Certified MGs – Please RSVP to be a “buddy” and introduce 1-2 trainees to your favorite MG activities. You do not need to know all MG skills and tools. If interested please contact Elza for questions.
- Extension News
- From Ivory W. Lyles, PhD, Director, OSU Extension Service: “We couldn’t do the work of OSU Extension without our volunteers. Thank you for serving your community in so many ways, and for all you do to help OSU Extension and Oregonians thrive! You continued to magnify our community impact as we navigated transitioning operations in a post-pandemic environment. I and all of us in Extension are grateful for your commitment to helping communities, families, youth, and all who are eager to learn. I wish you and yours wonderful holidays and look forward to continuing to lift up your impactful work in the coming year.”
- Coffee chats are back for 2023! If you are a board member, committee chair, or engaged volunteer, this is a chance to visit informally with program staff (Elza). Learn more and sign up HERE.
- FS 147 Picking and Storing Apples and Pears Revised December 2022
- LCMGA News
- Save the date – 9th Annual BEEvent. 9th Annual BEEvent Pollinator Conference- March 4, 2023, Linn Expo Center, Albany, Oregon. “Adapting Your Garden to the Coming Changes”. This in-person conference is back after a 2 year on-line only presence. Focus on Home Gardens and Small Farms. 9:00am – 3:30pm Registration will open in February: www.LinnMasterGardeners.com
- Reminder to pay your membership dues: LCMGA online dues payment: https://linnmastergardeners.com/product/dues for questions contact Betty Goergen: goergenb@gmail.com. You may also mail checks made out to LCMGA to the Extension Office at 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent, OR 97389
- Volunteer opportunities
- Seed Swap at the Albany Library Saturday, Jan 14, 2023. I need 2-3 MGs to help people select seeds and answer garden questions at this fun event. Assist with set up and clean up. Seeking 2-3 volunteers to help from 1:30-4:30. Please contact Elza to RSVP.
- Plant Problem Scenarios 2023- Calling all certified Master Gardeners! Join the fun! Meet and get to know the 2023 Master Gardeners Trainees and help prepare them for the help desk and clinic tables. Are you a recent graduate? Participating as a facilitator in Plant Problem Scenarios will be an excellent way to get acquainted with experienced facilitators. And our introduction/refresher sessions for facilitating the scenarios will not only sharpen up your skills but also be a fantastic time for new and experienced MGs to socialize. Learn more and sign up HERE.
- GARDEN EDUCATION CLASSES Help develop gardening classes at the Demo Garden for 2023. We have two beds set aside at the Demo Garden and two beds at Willamette Community Garden to use to teach gardening classes. Classes will start in early 2023 and will be similar to Seed to Supper but with a hands-on approach. Want to help design the classes email me, Betty at goergenb@gmail.com. Perfect way to earn Direct Education hours.
- Community science. Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Explore and sign up. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”.
- Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
- Continuing Education
- New – OSU Extension Master Gardeners Statewide Trivia Tournament! Each session is good for one Continuing Education Credit in the Master Gardener program. Win valuable prizes – garden mail-order gift certificates up to $100!
- Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022: watch recordings HERE.
- Save the date: Insights into Gardening is returning next year! After a 2-year hiatus, we will be back with more great educational and entertaining presentations. Once again we will be at LaSells Stewart Center with classes beginning at 9 AM. So, save the date – February 11, 2023! Online registration will begin January 2, 2023.
- 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.)
- Donate and bring home seeds at the Albany Library Seed Swap on 1/14 from 2-3PM. Interested in volunteering? Information is above.
