If you’re viewing this newsletter as an email and it is hard to read or missing the picture below, please view it on our website by CLICKING HERE.

Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program 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.

Featured volunteer plant clinic opportunities!

[T] various dates Plant Clinic at Benton County Extension Office. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct.

[T] various dates – Special Event Plant Clinics at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market and beyond. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct.

Shoutouts

• In memory: Dr. Bernadine Strik (Via Gail Langellotto): I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news. By now, you may have heard that Dr. Bernadine Strik, a true friend of the Master Gardener Program, recently passed away after a nearly 3-year battle with ovarian cancer. Bernadine was generous with her time, knowledge, and enthusiasm about berry cultivation. She regularly taught at Master Gardener annual classes, conferences, and webinars, even though her position was focused on serving Oregon’s commercial berry growers. Some may not know that the work she did for Oregon’s community and home gardeners was above and beyond the expectations of her position…. She was an amazing scientist and a genuine and wonderful human being.
  • The celebration of life for Bernadine Strik is planned for Tuesday, April 25, 2:00pm at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the Oregon State University campus.  There will be time for folks to share stories about Bernadine at the end of the service.
• Dam Proud Day. On April 26, Beavers everywhere will come together to support the things we do best: transformative educational experiences and life-changing research.
  • Oregon Master Gardener Program is excited to be raising support specifically for our Seed to Supper program and updating our foundational resource, the “Sustainable Gardening Handbook” to reflect current knowledge. Please join us in gathering your friends and colleagues to give to support the Master Gardener Program on Dam Proud Day, at any donation level. See you (online) April 26th!
  • I volunteered! How do I log my hours? Here are some resources to help!
    • How do I use the Volunteer Reporting System?
      • First Access Instructions PDF
        Tutorial Video Playlist
    • What categories do I use for various activities?
      • Please check out page 27 of the Volunteer sourcebook for examples.

• Volunteer opportunities [T] = includes opportunities that trainees can join now!
  • Plant clinics! See the featured opportunity above.
  • Trainees and returning volunteers are invited to help with BCMGA’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Unless otherwise noted, you are invited to sign up for as many slots as you wish.
    • [T] 5/5-5/6 BCMGA’s Plant Sale, Contact Leslie Hauser, Plant Sale Volunteer Coordinator, with questions or if you need help signing up. lesliehauser107@gmail.com, 702-340-6513. Report service as: Fundraiser: support
    • [T] Various dates Plant Propagation! Potting up perennial starts, labeling, and preparing thousands of plants for our upcoming sale. Report service as: Fundraiser: support
    • [T] Various dates BCMGA Veggie enthusiasts! We are ready to start planting veggies at the Philomath High School Greenhouse for the Plant Sale (Saturday, May 6). Sessions are planned (mostly) on Tuesdays (one Thursday) 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Please sign up for ONE session. This is a pretty popular activity, so we want to share the time. We’ll send out another reminder if needed to fill slots. Questions? Contact Jennifer Klammer, 541-602-0431 Report service as: Fundraiser: support
  • [T] various dates – 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

• Continuing Education [G] = opportunities that Trainees can use for Garden Lab credit.
  • [G] New! 5/2 Know Your Weeds Community Workshop, 6-7:30pm, Corvallis Community Center – Free! You may have some of our most noxious local weeds in your own backyard! These invasive species can spread quickly and negatively impact agriculture, forests, and waterways. Learn about some of our “Most Wanted” local weeds, how to spot them, and how to remove them in your own backyard. This workshop is presented in partnership with OSU Master Gardeners and the Benton Cooperative Weed Management Area. RSVP. Please bring a bagged sample of one or more weeds shown HERE.
  • 5/4 Public Seed Library Talks – Thinning, weeding, and succession planting – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • 5/10 Public Seed Library Talks – “Weather Wise” Gardening – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis
  • [G] 5/12 Growing Together LCMGA classes in the Demo Garden – Care & Maintenance for your Garden 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Anytime: Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022: watch recordings HERE
  • Anytime: Recordings of Zoom Master Gardener training from Curry County with your favorite guest lecturers from OSU and beyond, are available for any volunteer to take as continuing education. Trainees are also welcome to watch and supplement their classes. More links are being added weekly, see the current list HERE.
  • Anytime: The Oregon Master Gardener Program Online is available for returning volunteers, free of charge. Refresh your knowledge of MG basic training topics. Look for a link to apply in the email version of this post.

• OSU Extension Master Gardener Program News
  • Congrats Elza on your new role! Via Brooke Edmunds, Interim Program Coordinator: “I’m writing with news of a transition in our program. Elza Records has taken a new position with OSU and May 3^rd is her last day with our Master Gardener Program. Please see her message to you HERE. Thank you, Elza, for all you did to elevate the Master Gardener Program in Linn and Benton Counties! And congrats on your new role! So, what’s next for our Master Gardener Programs? Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working with Elza, the Extension office managers, our regional administrator, and Association leadership to map our next steps to ensure that your activities are supported. Thank you in advance for your patience as we negotiate this major transition. (Note: I do expect some delays as our regional administrator is out of the office until next month.) I will keep you updated.”
  • OSU Extension Service is hiring for Statewide Extension Master Gardener Program Manager to lead the statewide program after Gail Langellotto takes a new job this summer. Learn more and share this application with anyone who might be the right person for this job!
  • Stormi’s story: Master Gardeners are on-the-ground community scientists. Stormi is heavily involved in her local community work of Master Gardeners working to help preserve the threatened Oregon Silverspot Butterfly (OSB). In a partnership with the Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD) Stormi worked with fellow Master Gardeners “to conduct very small-scale “tests” that could help increase the adult OSB’s feeding area and determine how far adult OSBs will travel. Read the post.
  • OSU Extension FREE Catalog – Popular this Week
    • EM 8677 Analytical Laboratories Serving Oregon
    • EC 1304 Growing Blueberries in Your Home Garden
    • EM 9027 Growing Your Own

• BCMGA News
  • Congratulation to the new Public Seed Library!  The driving force behind this effort is Master Gardener Jill Farrow.  It is a community collaboration with OSU Extension, Corvallis Public Library, and the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition.  Several Benton Master Gardeners have participated as speakers and as volunteers at the Saturday plant clinics.  Our BCMGA volunteers have reported back that it has been a great experience and very worthwhile for the community.  Thank you to all MGs who have helped to make this a huge success.  The seeds are virtually gone, however, individuals can still make donations of new or partially used seek packets, especially for those crops whose seeds do not save well.

• 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.)
  • The Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s Food Action Team is beginning to plan for the Edible Garden Tour ’23. The project lead has asked for the following message to be shared with gardening groups. Would you please share the word? Thank you. Note responses are requested by April 30.

If you’re viewing this newsletter as an email and it is hard to read or missing the picture below, please view it on our website by CLICKING HERE.

Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program 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.

Shoutouts

• Trainees and returning volunteers are invited to help with BCMGA’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Unless otherwise noted, you are invited to sign up for as many slots as you wish.
  • [T] 5/5-5/6 BCMGA’s Plant Sale, Contact Leslie Hauser, Plant Sale Volunteer Coordinator, with questions or if you need help signing up. lesliehauser107@gmail.com, 702-340-6513. Report service as: Fundraiser: support
  • [T] Various dates Plant Propagation! Potting up perennial starts, labeling, and preparing thousands of plants for our upcoming sale. Report service as: Fundraiser: support
  • [T] Various dates BCMGA Veggie enthusiasts! We are ready to start planting veggies at the Philomath High School Greenhouse for the Plant Sale (Saturday, May 6). Sessions are planned (mostly) on Tuesdays (one Thursday) 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Please sign up for ONE session. This is a pretty popular activity, so we want to share the time. We’ll send out another reminder if needed to fill slots. Questions? Contact Jennifer Klammer, 541-602-0431 Report service as: Fundraiser: support

• Volunteer opportunities [T] = includes opportunities that trainees can join now!
  • Flex schedule Returning volunteers – meet new trainees and invite them to your favorite activities! It’s a new day for mentoring – special skills are no longer required! Thank you, Alan Taylor, 541-929-4141, alantaylor@alyrica.net Report service as: Master Gardener Class Mentor: Direct
  • [T] 4/8, 4/22, 4/29 – Seed to Supper in the Garden is an intro gardening class for new gardeners who qualify for food assistance. We need instructors and helpers for a two-class series at Willamette Community Garden in Corvallis! 4/8 @10-11:30am, all volunteers meet to plan. 4/22 & 4/29 from 10am -12pm are the class dates. RSVP by adding your name to this spreadsheet or emailing cget.bentonmg@gmail.com Report service as Instructor: direct or Educational Event Planning: indirect.
  • New! [T] 4/8 and various dates – Special Event Plant Clinics at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market and beyond. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct.
  • New! [T] various dates Plant Clinic at Benton County Extension Office. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct.
  • [T] various dates – 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

• Continuing Education [G] = opportunities that Trainees can use for Garden Lab credit.
  • 4/11 Growing Oregon Gardeners – Global Gardening: Asian Vegetables for Pacific Northwest Gardens, – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, ZOOM. Learn more & RSVP: beav.es/SJk
  • 4/12 Public Seed Library Talks – Row covers, vertical gardening, and irrigation – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • 4/13 Trauma: The What, Why and How We Can Respond – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (lunch break noon to 1:00 pm, food provided). Sunset Building, 4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis. RSVP. Understanding how common trauma is and how it affects learners can help community educators like us to reach more people and reduce barriers to learning. 
  • [G] 4/14 Growing Together – Seed Starting – 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Linn County Master Gardener Association Demonstration Garden in the Fairgrounds, 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany
  • 5/4 Public Seed Library Talks – Thinning, weeding, and succession planting – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • Anytime: Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022: watch recordings HERE
  • Anytime: Recordings of Zoom Master Gardener training from Curry County with your favorite guest lecturers from OSU and beyond, are available for any volunteer to take as continuing education. Trainees are also welcome to watch and supplement their classes. More links are being added weekly, see the current list HERE.

• OSU Extension Master Gardener Program News
  • Program funding – how stakeholders like you can help:
    • Via Jennifer Alexander, Extension Communications Director: “We need to ensure that state legislators continue to hear directly from their constituents—including youth—about the impact of Extension and need for state funding. As one legislator put it to us on Statewides Day, we need to “flood them.” A push over the next few weeks would be helpful, as we head toward the next hearing for the Statewides budget bill that’s set for April 21. Here are resources to take action:
      • Letter portal, which makes it easy for stakeholders, community members to personalize a letter to their state legislators to share personal impact and urge funding support.
      • Find your legislator tool, if people prefer to contact legislators directly.
      • Schedule for Ways & Means committee budget road show public hearings—Members of the public have the opportunity to testify at each of these scheduled hearings regarding their perspectives and priorities around the state budget.
        • April 8, Portland Community College, 10:00 a.m.-noon
        • April 14, Newport Performing Arts Center, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
        • April 21, Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
        • April 28, Four Rivers Cultural Center, Ontario, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
      • And use this Slide deck with key points to support their informational outreach.

• BCMGA News
  • Board Meeting Update: The April meeting will be on Monday, April 10 from 9 to 11 a.m.
    • This is a Zoom meeting. See email version of the newsletter for a link.
  • From BCMGA board president: “I hope many of you have communicated with your legislative representatives asking that Extension and other statewide OSU outreach programs will be fully funded to keep these programs at the level they need to be. A bill has been introduced to the Ways and Means Committee. It is bill SB 458. Please refer to this bill when writing to you legislator. Timing is important. The Ways and Means Committee will meet in March. Judith Kenner has a new message about this in BCMGA News and has provided a great template from which you can construct a message to your legislator. There is also a link to sample letters at the bottom. Please check out the latest OMGA newsletter and website.
  • When you contact elected representatives please copy Judith (judithkenner@gmail.com) or let her know how you have communicated.
  • Here is a list of our local representatives:
    • Corvallis
      • House Speaker Dan Rayfield, House District 16, rep.danrayfield@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Philomath
      • Representative David Gomberg, House District 10
        • rep.davidgomberg@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Dick Anderson, Senate District 5
        • sen.dickanderson@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Albany
      • Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, House District 15
        • rep.shellyboshartdavis@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov

• 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, check back soon.

If you’re viewing this newsletter as an email and it is hard to read or missing the picture below, please view it on our website by CLICKING HERE.

Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program 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.

Shoutouts

• The BCMGA Membership meeting has been rescheduled to March 27 (next Monday).  The speaker will be Dr. Samuel Chan.  He will be speaking on jumping worm.  This will be a hybrid meeting (in-person or Zoom).  Doors open at 6:30 for the in-person meeting.  The program begins at 7:00 p.m.
• Program funding – how stakeholders like you can help: 
  • Via Jennifer Alexander, Extension Communications Director: “We need to ensure that state legislators continue to hear directly from their constituents—including youth—about the impact of Extension and need for state funding. As one legislator put it to us on Statewides Day, we need to “flood them.” A push over the next few weeks would be helpful, as we head toward the next hearing for the Statewides budget bill that’s set for April 21. Here are resources to take action:
    • Letter portal, which makes it easy for stakeholders, community members to personalize a letter to their state legislators to share personal impact and urge funding support.
    • Find your legislator tool, if people prefer to contact legislators directly.
    • Schedule for Ways & Means committee budget road show public hearings—Members of the public have the opportunity to testify at each of these scheduled hearings regarding their perspectives and priorities around the state budget.
      • April 8, Portland Community College, 10:00 a.m.-noon
      • April 14, Newport Performing Arts Center, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
      • April 21, Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
      • April 28, Four Rivers Cultural Center, Ontario, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
    • And use this Slide deck with key points to support their informational outreach.
    • There’s more info on our legislative and stakeholder relations resource page
  • Exciting opportunity to support the Master Gardener program. On April 26, 2023, Master Gardeners and supporters will come together to show our belief in the Master Gardener program and Oregon State University’s Dam Proud Day. This 24-hour period is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of the Oregon State community, including supporting Master Gardeners and stretching ourselves toward our aspirations. As a featured fund on Dam Proud Day, we have a special opportunity to raise money to support our work. Here’s how Master Gardener volunteers, past and present, can help NOW. Read the post and get involved.

• Volunteer opportunities [T] = includes opportunities that trainees can join now!
  • Needed now: Returning volunteers – meet new trainees and invite them to your favorite activities! It’s a new day for mentoring – special skills are no longer required! Thank you, Alan Taylor, 541-929-4141, alantaylor@alyrica.net
  • [T] 3/25 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic– 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • [T] 4/1 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic– 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • [T] 4/8 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic– 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • [T] 4/8, 4/22, 4/29 – Seed to Supper in the Garden is an intro gardening class for new gardeners who qualify for food assistance. We need instructors and helpers for a two-class series at Willamette Community Garden in Corvallis! 4/8 @10-11:30am, all volunteers meet to plan. 4/22 & 4/29 from 10am -12pm are the class dates. RSVP by adding your name to this spreadsheet or emailing cget.bentonmg@gmail.com
  • [T] various dates – 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
  • Various dates: Master Gardener Desk (Office Plant Clinic): 
  • Various dates – Peaceful Valley Seed in North Albany is seeking volunteer presenters for various topics including composting, spring perennials, sustainable landscaping, summer garden maintenance, summer pruning and more. Certified volunteers who are interested may contact the organizer directly: Kimberly Montgomery 541.981.2248 kimberly@groworganic.com Report service as Instructor: Direct.

• Continuing Education [G] = opportunities that Trainees can use for Garden Lab credit.
  • 4/6 Public Seed Library Talks -Starting seeds inside, direct seeding, and transplanting – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • 4/11 Growing Oregon Gardeners – Global Gardening: Asian Vegetables for Pacific Northwest Gardens, – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, ZOOM. Learn more & RSVP: beav.es/SJk
  • 4/12 Public Seed Library Talks – Row covers, vertical gardening, and irrigation – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • 5/4 Public Seed Library Talks – Thinning, weeding, and succession planting – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • Anytime: Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022: watch recordings HERE
  • Anytime: Recordings of Zoom Master Gardener training from Curry County with your favorite guest lecturers from OSU and beyond, are available for any volunteer to take as continuing education. Trainees are also welcome to watch and supplement their classes. More links are being added weekly, see the current list HERE.

• OSU Extension Master Gardener Program News
  • Friendly reminder to event organizers: Please be sure to post the exact location, time, and other essentials of events prominently in promos and sign-ups. We have a large incoming class and many people are unfamiliar with the logistics of recurring events that are well-known to returning MGs. The class of 2023 thanks you!
  • Call for nominations: this year’s Oregon Master Gardener Awards. We are excited to celebrate the good work of OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Please remember that May 15th is the due date for all Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA) awards. All awards should be submitted electronically. Remember that all award nominations must be COLLABORATIVELY prepared, working with your local Master Gardener Association and your local Master Gardener Program staff.  You can learn more about the awards on the OMGA website. (Check back as links are added). Read the update from OSU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM NEWS.
  • NEW from the free Extension Catalog: Shrubs and Trees for Bees – by Scott Mitchell, Sandy DeBano and Andony Melathopoulos. Published March 2023. Great resource for MGs and gardeners!
  • Popular OSU Extension Service publications this week:
    • Managing Moss in Lawns in Western Oregon
    • Growing Your Own (BILINGUAL)
    • Raised Bed Gardening
    • Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators

• BCMGA News
  • • From BCMGA board president: “I hope many of you have communicated with your legislative representatives asking that Extension and other statewide OSU outreach programs will be fully funded to keep these programs at the level they need to be. A bill has been introduced to the Ways and Means Committee. It is bill SB 458. Please refer to this bill when writing to you legislator. Timing is important. The Ways and Means Committee will meet in March. Judith Kenner has a new message about this in BCMGA News and has provided a great template from which you can construct a message to your legislator. There is also a link to sample letters at the bottom. Please check out the latest OMGA newsletter and website.
  • When you contact elected representatives please copy Judith (judithkenner@gmail.com) or let her know how you have communicated.
  • Here is a list of our local representatives:
    • Corvallis
      • House Speaker Dan Rayfield, House District 16, rep.danrayfield@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Philomath
      • Representative David Gomberg, House District 10
        • rep.davidgomberg@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Dick Anderson, Senate District 5
        • sen.dickanderson@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Albany
      • Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, House District 15
        • rep.shellyboshartdavis@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov
  • Calling all Volunteers!!  🌿 Sign up to help at BCMGA’s Plant Sale, our biggest fundraiser of the year! Click HERE to choose your job and shift times. Volunteers needed for BOTH DAYS and ALL SHIFTS: Friday, May 5 –  SET UP, and Saturday, May 6 – SALE DAY!! Contact Leslie Hauser, Plant Sale Volunteer Coordinator, with questions or if you need help signing up. lesliehauser107@gmail.com, 702-340-6513.
  • NEW! Mason Bees Flash Sale: Master Gardener Pat Wray has a surplus of Mason Bees. He is donating 100 straws to BCMGA and we will have a flash sale. We are selling 5 straws for $25. Supply is limited. Pick up for the bees will be at Philomath High School greenhouse on Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. If you are interested in purchasing Mason bees, you can on the link below and pay by credit card. https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ZK4VK7DP8QGXD/checkout/MLFW7HFWEZ7AFRLIRRC QWWZ3

• 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, check back soon.

If you’re viewing this newsletter as an email and it is hard to read or missing the picture below, please view it on our website by CLICKING HERE.

Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program 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  [T] = includes opportunities that trainees can join now!

• [T] New! Volunteers needed, trainees welcome: Seed to Supper in the Garden is an intro gardening class for new gardeners who qualify for food assistance. We need instructors and helpers for a two-class series at Willamette Community Garden in Corvallis! 4/8 @10-11:30am, all volunteers meet to plan. 4/22 & 4/29 from 10am -12pm are the class dates. RSVP by adding your name to this spreadsheet or emailing cget.bentonmg@gmail.com
• Master Gardener Desk (Office Plant Clinic): Plant clinic is open for you to refresh your skills! (The pH meter is still being repaired.) Trainees – there will be special shifts for you soon, with helpers to start you off right! Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
• [T] New! 3/14-4/11 (Tuesdays 1pm-3pm): 2023 Greenhouse Help – Veggies and Herbs. Learn more and sign up for one slot!
• Returning volunteers – meet new trainees and invite them to your favorite activities! It’s a new day for mentoring – special skills are no longer required! Thank you, Alan Taylor, 541-929-4141, alantaylor@alyrica.net
• Returning volunteers – plant clinic is open for you to refresh your skills! (The pH meter is still being repaired.) And questions are coming in that need your skills! Sign up HERE.

• Volunteer opportunities [T] = includes opportunities that trainees can join now!
  • [T] 3/10 Plant Sale Team – propagation – 1:00-3:00, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. RSVP to lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/11 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic – 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • 3/18 Spring into Gardening “Our Changing Landscape”, a one-day educational event organized by Yamhill County Master Gardener Association. For more information and registration, go to the Yamhill County MGA website ycmga.org. All classes (except Topiary) count toward Continuing Education hours
  • [T] 3/18 Plant Sale Team – propagation – 10:00-12:00, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. RSVP to lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/18 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic – 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • [T] 3/24 Plant Sale Team – propagation – 1:00-3:00, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. RSVP to lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/25 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic– 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • [T] various dates – 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
  • Various dates – Peaceful Valley Seed in North Albany is seeking volunteer presenters for various topics including composting, spring perennials, sustainable landscaping, summer garden maintenance, summer pruning and more. Certified volunteers who are interested may contact the organizer directly: Kimberly Montgomery 541.981.2248 kimberly@groworganic.com Report service as Instructor: Direct.

• Continuing Education [G] = opportunities that Trainees can use for Garden Lab credit.
  • NEW! 3/11-3/19 Sunset Virtual Gardening Festival has free live-streamed webinars on dozens of gardening topics eligible for Master Gardener continuing education. (Recordings have a fee. ) All research-based topics count for continuing education, not including floral arranging, garden tours, Mindful Monday topics, and Field Guide to Outside Style. Learn more and register for free.
  • New! Anytime. Recordings of Zoom Master Gardener training from Curry County with guest lecturers from OSU and beyond, are available for any volunteer to take as continuing education. Trainees are also welcome to watch and supplement their classes. More links are being added weekly, see the current list HERE.
  • [G] 3/11 The Food Garden – Basic Organic Gardening (start of free 6-class series) 10:00am-12:00pm, Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent Street Lebanon. RSVP to casteen@aol.com
  • 3/14 Growing Oregon Gardeners – Put It to the Test: Improving Garden Fertility with Soil Analysis, Soil Regions, and Microclimates – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, ZOOM. Learn more & RSVP: beav.es/Sov
  • 3/16 Gardening in the PNW – Garden Planning presented by Karin Magnuson – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, OSU Linn County Extension office 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent
  • 3/16 Public Seed Library Talks – Choosing a good garden spot, soil and fertilizer, use of compost, mulch and soil thermometer – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • 3/23 Gardening in the PNW – TBA Topic, – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, OSU Linn County Extension office 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent
  •  [G] 3/31 Growing Together – Soils & cover crops – 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Linn County Master Gardener Association Demonstration Garden in the Fairgounds, 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany
  • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022: watch recordings HERE.

• OSU Extension Master Gardener Program News
  • Introducing a new award: Growing & Belonging. What does it mean to grow our work inclusively? To create an environment where everyone belongs? Let’s find out, together, with our new Growing & Belonging County, and Statewide Awards. Read the update from OSU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM NEWS.
  • Call for nominations: this year’s Oregon Master Gardener Awards. We are excited to celebrate the good work of OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Please remember that May 15th is the due date for all Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA) awards. All awards should be submitted electronically. Remember that all award nominations must be COLLABORATIVELY prepared, working with your local Master Gardener Association and your local Master Gardener Program staff.  You can learn more about the awards on the OMGA website. (Check back as links are added). Read the update from OSU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM NEWS.
  • Popular OSU Extension Service publications this week:
    • Managing Moss in Lawns in Western Oregon
    • Growing Your Own (BILINGUAL)
    • Raised Bed Gardening
    • Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators

• BCMGA News
  • New! Board Meeting Update: The March meeting will be in-person on Monday, March 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. It will be held in the Sunset Room at the Extension Office.
• • From BCMGA board president: “I hope many of you have communicated with your legislative representatives asking that Extension and other statewide OSU outreach programs will be fully funded to keep these programs at the level they need to be. A bill has been introduced to the Ways and Means Committee. It is bill SB 458. Please refer to this bill when writing to you legislator. Timing is important. The Ways and Means Committee will meet in March. Judith Kenner has a new message about this in BCMGA News and has provided a great template from which you can construct a message to your legislator. There is also a link to sample letters at the bottom. Please check out the latest OMGA newsletter and website.
  • When you contact elected representatives please copy Judith (judithkenner@gmail.com) or let her know how you have communicated.
  • Here is a list of our local representatives:
    • Corvallis
      • House Speaker Dan Rayfield, House District 16, rep.danrayfield@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Philomath
      • Representative David Gomberg, House District 10
        • rep.davidgomberg@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Dick Anderson, Senate District 5
        • sen.dickanderson@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Albany
      • Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, House District 15
        • rep.shellyboshartdavis@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov
  • NEW! Mason Bees Flash Sale: Master Gardener Pat Wray has a surplus of Mason Bees. He is donating 100 straws to BCMGA and we will have a flash sale. We are selling 5 straws for $25. Supply is limited. Pick up for the bees will be at Philomath High School greenhouse on Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. If you are interested in purchasing Mason bees, you can on the link below and pay by credit card. https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ZK4VK7DP8QGXD/checkout/MLFW7HFWEZ7AFRLIRRC QWWZ3

• 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.)
  • Evening Garden Club accepts applications for 2023 Grants Program. Corvallis Evening Garden Club is accepting applications until March 20, 2023. The Evening Garden Club supports the expansion of gardening, education and beautification in the Corvallis community through its Grants Program. The EGC offers grants to Benton County nonprofit organizations to carry out worthy gardening related projects. To learn more about the program and to apply please visit our website: https://corvalliseveninggardenclub.org/grants/ 

Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program 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.

The Moore Family Center at OSU is seeking Linn and Benton County Master Gardener volunteers to serve as Garden Mentors and/or Garden Educators for the 2023 Hope Grows Here project, a gardening and nutrition education program for cancer survivors. Hours spent on both opportunities qualify for your required Master Gardener volunteer hours. Please join Candace Russo, project manager, for an informational session via Zoom on Wednesday, March 8^th from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend at that time. Register for Info Session HERE.

• Garden Mentors
  • Garden Mentors are paired with participants (either 1:1 or with a small group) and meet regularly throughout the summer gardening season (May – September).
  • Time commitment Minimum: 1-2 hours for training, plus ½ hour a week for 20 weeks, May – September (total = 12 hours).
  • Optional: additional hours can be earned by attending garden gatherings a community garden sites during the summer.

• [T] Garden Educators
  • Garden Educators work with the Hope Grows Here study manager to develop and deliver four basic gardening classes in April. Classes will be delivered remotely or in-person, (remote classes will be recorded).
  • Time commitment Approximately 12 hours.

Shout outs

• 3/4 BEEvent! Trainees from both counties are welcome! People are especially needed to bring cookies! Learn more and RSVP. Time volunteering can count as fundraiser: support. Time learning can count for garden labs!
• Returning volunteers – meet new trainees and invite them to your favorite activities! It’s a new day for mentoring – special skills are no longer required! Announcement from Alan Taylor:
  • We have a large incoming class of trainees, and they need mentors to welcome them to our Association and to help them continue their training as Master Gardeners. The welcoming part is easy and any active Master Gardener, whether certified or not, can do it. Do you love the demo garden? Do you enjoy the teamwork and camaraderie of the plant sale? Do you value the opportunity to teach others about gardening through Seed to Supper? This is your chance to bring new blood to your favorite project…without needing to work at the help desk. Let me know if you want to help, and I will share info about the interests and talents of our trainees, and you can pick someone you would enjoy mentoring.
  • We also need a core group of dedicated help desk gurus to teach these trainees how to properly use the computers, the microscope and camera, and the pH meter and how to effectively communicate with the public in person, by phone, and by email to respond to their gardening questions. Let me know if you’d like to help, and I will arrange refresher training on using the desk…which we all need after the last few years.
  • Finally, we need Master Gardeners at our Farmers Market and other remote clinics who can work with those of our trainees who need to fulfill their service hours on weekends or in the evenings. People with experience with Ask an Expert will also be useful. Let me know if you are available, and I’ll get you in touch with those activities.
  • Thank you, Alan Taylor, 541-929-4141, alantaylor@alyrica.net

• OSU Extension Master Gardener Program News
  • Growing & Belonging: Winter Update – This is your Winter Update from your statewide Growing & Belonging committee. Four times a year we publish on the program news blog, sharing our work, findings, and resources to help keep you informed and engaged in creating a local Master Gardener program and association experience that is one of growing and belonging.
  • Seed to Supper Newsletter. Learn about this popular gardening class, see FAQs, and subscribe.
  • Popular publications this week:
    • Analytical Laboratories Serving Oregon
    • How do I test my garden soil?
    • Managing Diseases and Insects in Home Orchards

• BCMGA News
  • NEW! Annual BCMGA Membership Awards: It’s time to submit nominations to the Board for two of our annual BCMGA membership awards: Benton County Master Gardener of the Year, and Benton Behind the Scenes Award. Complete and send the attached nomination form to Membership Secretary Marge Alig at mvictoralig@gmail.com. The Board will select awardees at its April meeting. The nomination form will be available shortly at bentonmg.org in the Members section.
    • Benton County Master Gardener of the Year Award
      • This annual award recognizes the outstanding dedication and service of an OSU Master Gardener for Benton County. The award should be based on years of service, association involvement, leadership with BCMGA, and outstanding and unusual service.
    • Benton County Behind the Scenes Award
      • This annual award recognizes an OSU Master Gardener™ who works quietly and unselfishly behind the scenes to further the OSU Master Gardener Program. This is not a person who is out in front working on projects so everyone knows their contributions. It is likely that this person is NOT a committee chair or on the Board of Directors. Rather it is a person who few may actually know the level of their contributions. Please nominate a single individual.
  • OSU Extension Needs Assessment Committee and OMGA Advocacy Committee: The Needs Assessment group will be sending out a questionnaire to all Master Gardeners. Please take the time to do it. It will provide vital information to inform the OSU Extension administration about the Master Gardener program’s needs. OMGA Advocacy group is launching a campaign to push for more state funding for Extension programs. They are asking MGs to contact their legislators to ask that Extension funding be increased. See the 6-month action plan and timeline in the link. It is not too soon to start now. This is extremely important to the future vitality of Master Gardeners and Extension as a whole. View the presentation here.
  • OMGA Advocacy Committee: BCMGA member Judith Kenner shared these resources from OMGA about the advocacy effort for the Oregon Master Gardener Program and how to participate. Please check out the latest OMGA newsletter and website.
  • When you contact elected representatives please copy Judith (judithkenner@gmail.com) or let her know how you have communicated.
  • Here is a list of our local representatives:
    • Corvallis
      • House Speaker Dan Rayfield, House District 16, rep.danrayfield@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Philomath
      • Representative David Gomberg, House District 10
        • rep.davidgomberg@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Dick Anderson, Senate District 5
        • sen.dickanderson@oregonstatelegislature.gov
    • Albany
      • Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, House District 15
        • rep.shellyboshartdavis@oregonstatelegislature.gov
      • Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
        • sen.saragelser@oregonstatelegislature.gov

• Volunteer opportunities [T] = includes opportunities that trainees can join now!
  • [T] 2/25 Plant Sale Team – propagation – 10:00-12:00, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. RSVP to lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/4 BEEvent! People are especially needed to bring cookies! Learn more and RSVP. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/10 Plant Sale Team – propagation – 1:00-3:00, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. RSVP to lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/11 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic – 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • 3/18 Spring into Gardening “Our Changing Landscape”, a one-day educational event organized by Yamhill County Master Gardener Association. For more information and registration, go to the Yamhill County MGA website ycmga.org. All classes (except Topiary) count toward Continuing Education hours
  • [T] 3/18 Plant Sale Team – propagation – 10:00-12:00, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. RSVP to lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/18 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic – 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • [T] 3/24 Plant Sale Team – propagation – 1:00-3:00, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. RSVP to lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Report service as Fundraiser: Support.
  • [T] 3/25 Seed Library Veggie Growing Clinic– 10:00am -1:00pm, Belushi room, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. Report service as: Plant Clinic: direct
  • [T] various dates – 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
  • Various dates – Peaceful Valley Seed in North Albany is seeking volunteer presenters for various topics including composting, spring perennials, sustainable landscaping, summer garden maintenance, summer pruning and more. Certified volunteers who are interested may contact the organizer directly: Kimberly Montgomery 541.981.2248 kimberly@groworganic.com Report service as Instructor: Direct.
  • Master Gardener Desk (Office Plant Clinic): The office is open and there are questions coming in from the public. Returning volunteers are encouraged to return to the desk, in particular, certified MGs comfortable with the pH meter and the microscope are needed. (Trainees – there will be special shifts for you soon, with helpers to start you off right!) Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct

• Continuing Education -[G] = opportunities that Trainees can use for Garden Lab credit.
  • [G] 3/4 BEEvent Pollinator Conference – 9:00am – 3:30pm, Linn Expo Center, Albany, Oregon or purchase a recording. “Adapting Your Garden to the Coming Changes”. $25-30. Registration at www.LinnMasterGardeners.com
  • 3/8 Public Seed Library Talks – Garden planning, crop families, succession gardening– 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • [G] 3/11 The Food Garden – Basic Organic Gardening (start of free 6-class series) 10:00am-12:00pm, Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent Street Lebanon. RSVP to casteen@aol.com
  • 3/14 Growing Oregon Gardeners – Put It to the Test: Improving Garden Fertility with Soil Analysis, Soil Regions, and Microclimates – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, ZOOM. Learn more & RSVP: beav.es/Sov
  • 3/16 Gardening in the PNW – Garden Planning presented by Karin Magnuson – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, OSU Linn County Extension office 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent
  • 3/16 Public Seed Library Talks – Choosing a good garden spot, soil and fertilizer, use of compost, mulch and soil thermometer – 6:00pm – 7:00 pm, Corvallis Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis.
  • 3/23 Gardening in the PNW – TBA Topic, – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, OSU Linn County Extension office 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent
  •  [G] 3/31 Growing Together – Soils & cover crops – 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Linn County Master Gardener Association Demonstration Garden in the Fairgounds, 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany
  • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022: watch recordings HERE.

• 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.)
  • 2/26 @1pm-2:30pm. MG Trainee David Barron (farmer, firefighter, dad) invites you to a community food systems walk and discussion. The topic will be how the food system works for black Oregonians. Community discourse event with a walk around Corvallis wrapping up at the cozy Bier Library. Bring kids and friends. Learn more and RSVP.
  • OSU Today is a daily e-mail newsletter provided by OSU News and Research Communication Services. The newsletter includes links to OSU stories in the news media. It also includes information news from campus, such as lectures, workshops and webinars. Anyone with an e-mail address can subscribe to OSU Today. If you’d like to try it out, you can subscribe here: https://today.oregonstate.edu/email/osu-today-signup. You can check out the web version here: https://today.oregonstate.edu/email​​​​​​​.