Category Archives: Linn e-News

Linn Master Gardener eNews

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No eNews the second half of July. Please see email newsletter for a list of who to contact for sharing events and other needs.

Bookmark our page

Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities

https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/
  • Invasive alerts
    • Jumping worms: Rich Little has confirmed the presence of invasive jumping worms in the Linn MGV Demonstration garden. Worms and their tiny cocoons move around in soil and plant materials. These worms destroy soil structure. Once introduced control options are very limited. When you visit the demo garden please check in with lead volunteers on appropriate precautions.
      • Now is a good time for all volunteers to review how to identify jumping worms and discuss how to prevent their spread. Earn 0.5 hours of continuing education for each of these activities:
        • reviewing this resource and sharing three takeaways when you report to VRS.
        • sharing best practices to prevent jumping worms in local MGV and partner projects through a chat with fellow volunteers or project partners.
    • Emerald ash borer is now in Oregon. It has the potential to devastate habitat and reduce urban forest cover. It is deadly to all ash species in North America and Europe. It’s important to learn what emerald ash borer looks like and to report sightings. We’ve gathered information to help you identify them, how to report them, and know what to look for. Please share this information with others. https://beav.es/ih2
  • Shoutouts
    • Rich Little entomology learning opportunities:
      • Diagnostics desk sessions/Office plant clinic. Thursdays 1-3 – learn how to identify and solve insect and plant issues with longtime MGVs Rich and Susan. These two are retired scientists and coordinates of the BEEvent pollinator conference. Sign up and make sure to bring a sample to work on if there’s not one from a client.
      • NEW – Save the dates for live workshops on August 18th from 10 am to 12 noon, and September 15th 6-8 pm. These will be at the Linn Extension Office and open to both Linn and Benton County Master Gardeners. Sign up coming soon.
  • Volunteers needed
    • New dates at Linn County Fair and Mennonite Village: Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE.
      • Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
    • Sign up now: 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits will be mailed to participants as soon as they are available. Learn more and RSVP.
      • Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 10:00am-12:00pm. 
      • Report service as Educational Garden (Maintenance): Indirect.
  • Continuing education opportunities:    
    • Drop-in classes In the Demo Garden (free). Master Gardeners are teaming up to discuss gardening. Each session features a short talk, demonstrations and valuable information to take home.
      • Planting your Garden—How and when to prepare the soil, plant, and transplant vegetables and ornamentals. June 30th Thursday 6 pm
      • Container Gardening—Growing in containers unleashes possibilities for gardening in a small space. July 9th Saturday 10 am
      • Plant a Fall Garden —It is not too late to plant a garden to enjoy in fall through winter. August 11th Thursday 6 pm
      • Growing & Using Herbs—Learn to start, grow and care for perennial and annual herbs. August 27th Saturday 10 am
      • Harvesting Fruits & Vegetables—How to determine the peak flavor and ripeness of fruits and vegetables. Sept 8th Thursday 10 am and 6 pm
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
  • 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.)
    • OSU Plant Clinic has moved! This fee-for-service clinic is now located in Room 2614 of Cordley Hall. Please address all future packages and checks to the below address: OSU Plant Clinic, 2614 Cordley Hall, 2701 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331

Linn Master Gardener Volunteer eNews

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TODAY – Thu 6/23/2022 6:00 PM 

LCMGA general meeting and social at demo garden. 

Bring a sweet or savory snack 
Socialize with new and returning volunteers
For questions please contact Betty Goergen: goergenb (at) gmail.com

Directions to Demo Garden: Take Knox Butte to the Expo Center, at the stop lights turn onto Timber Drive and continue to stop sign. Turn right onto Dogwood (which becomes Price Road) and continue past Expo Center parking lot to the blue entrance gate. Drive through the gate and through the back parking to the Demo Garden. We will have signs to direct you to our Demonstration Garden. 
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1NfonLdRE-k8_fOnbbzCIY7IgnMxO3JDY&usp=sharing

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

  • Shoutouts
    • Sat. June 25, 11am-2pm. Volunteers needed – Lebanon – Summit ACE Garden Center Plant Clinic. To participate please contact Betty Goergen: goergenb (at) gmail.com
    • June 30th Thursday 6 pm – Drop-in classes In the Demo Garden (free). Master Gardeners are teaming up to discuss gardening. Each session features a short talk, demonstrations and valuable information to take home. Planting your Garden—How and when to prepare the soil, plant, and transplant vegetables and ornamentals. June 30th Thursday 6 pm
    • Remembering Carolyn Larime – Master Gardeners – share your memories of Carolyn. You can also read Carolyn’s obituary.
    • Diagnostics desk sessions/Office plant clinic. Thursdays 1-3 – learn how to identify and solve insect and plant issues with longtime MGVs Rich and Susan. These two are retired scientists and coordinates of the BEEvent pollinator conference. Sign up and make sure to bring a sample to work on if there’s not one from a client.
  • LCMGA News:
    • 2022 LCMGA Board Meetings IN PERSON Tue 7/5/2022 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Linn County Extension. 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent. Dial-in by calling the office at (541) 967-3871. No Zoom at this time.
  • Volunteers needed
    • NEW: Linn Office Plant Clinic – diagnostics & skills training (Thursdays 1-3).
    • 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits will be mailed to participants as soon as they are available. Learn more and RSVP.
    • Trainees and returning volunteers! Linn County Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Upcoming dates at Farmers Markets and more to come. Sign up HERE. NEW dates at the Brownsville Farmers Market.
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  Get volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • Do you want to earn direct service volunteer hours? Create and deliver an informal presentation or workshop on a research-based gardening topic. Presenters wanted for the Gardening in the PNW Lunchtime Series at Albany Public Library’s main branch. Please contact Dan Murphy to learn more.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
    • OMGA – Joy of Gardening Conference Mini-College will be held July 28-30, 2022, live at OSU Campus! Learn more and get tickets.
    • Linn & Dual MGV Trainees – online plant clinic mentor sessions. Please RSVP HERE with some dates and times that work for you. You can attend more than one of these dates:   
    • Drop-in classes In the Demo Garden (free). Master Gardeners are teaming up to discuss gardening. Each session features a short talk, demonstrations and valuable information to take home.
      • Planting your Garden—How and when to prepare the soil, plant, and transplant vegetables and ornamentals. June 30th Thursday 6 pm
      • Container Gardening—Growing in containers unleashes possibilities for gardening in a small space. July 9th Saturday 10 am
      • Plant a Fall Garden —It is not too late to plant a garden to enjoy in fall through winter. August 11th Thursday 6 pm
      • Growing & Using Herbs—Learn to start, grow and care for perennial and annual herbs. August 27th Saturday 10 am
      • Harvesting Fruits & Vegetables—How to determine the peak flavor and ripeness of fruits and vegetables. Sept 8th Thursday 10 am and 6 pm

Linn Master Gardener Volunteer eNews

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In Memory of Carolyn Larime

Carolyn Larime passed away June 6, 2022. Carolyn was an active Master Gardener since she completed her training in 2015. She was one of two Master Gardeners responsible for starting the Willamette Community Garden in Albany, Oregon. She devoted many hours to the garden, instructing gardeners while all the while maintaining the garden. Every year she helped to plan, organize, promote, and grow the majority of plants for a plant sale that supports the garden. As part of the garden plan, a bed was located outside the fenced area so that people walking the nearby path (mainly homeless persons) can access fresh fruits and vegetables. Carolyn served as a Member at Large on the Linn County Master Gardeners Board and was part of the planning committee for BEEvent Pollinator Conference. She was recognized as Linn County Master Gardener of the Year in 2018. Carolyn, you will be missed.

Master Gardeners – share your memories of Carolyn.

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

  • Shoutouts
    • Sun 6/12/22 10:00am- 11:30am – Water quality and your garden + Urban Garden Row tours + social in Corvallis at Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture. For all trainees and returning volunteers from the Linn & Benton MGV programs. Learn more and RSVP.
    • Thu 6/23/2022 6:00 PM – LCMGA general meeting and social at demo garden. Bring a sweet or savory snack and socialize with new and returning volunteers.
    • Plant Problem Show and Tell – Yellow Leaves on Ilex crenata – by Molly Miller, Master Gardener Trainee. You can earn plant clinic hours for writing a Show and Tell!
  • Garden Tour Tickets Available Now! 
    • For the first time since 2019, the OSU Linn County Master Gardener Association is hosting their garden tour. This year the tour will be held on Saturday, June 18, and will feature six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets:
      • In-person at Albany Visitor’s Association – 110 SE 3rd Ave
        • On sale now
        • Day of the Tour – 9:30-2:00
  • Do you want to earn direct service volunteer hours? Create and deliver an informal presentation or workshop on a research-based gardening topic. Presenters wanted for the Gardening in the PNW Lunchtime Series at Albany Public Library’s main branch. Please contact Dan Murphy to learn more.
  • LCMGA News:
    • 2022 LCMGA Board Meetings IN PERSON Tue 7/5/2022 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Linn County Extension. 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent. Dial-in by calling the office at (541) 967-3871. No Zoom at this time.
  • Volunteers needed
    • 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits will be mailed to participants as soon as they are available. Learn more and RSVP.
  • Trainees and returning volunteers! Linn County Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Upcoming dates at Farmers Markets and more to come. Sign up HERE. NEW dates at the Brownsville Farmers Market.
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  Get volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
    • OMGA – Joy of Gardening Conference Mini-College will be held July 28-30, 2022, live at OSU Campus! Learn more and get tickets.Coming soon, for all interested trainees and volunteers – diagnostics desk sessions with Rich, Susan, and Ann. Practice identifying specimens, measuring soil pH and more.
    • Linn & Dual MGV Trainees – online plant clinic mentor sessions. Please RSVP HERE with some dates and times that work for you. You can attend more than one of these dates:   
      • Friday June 10, 9am-11am (Elizabeth)
      • Saturday June 11, 10am-12pm  (Elizabeth)
    • Drop-in classes In the Demo Garden (free). Master Gardeners are teaming up to discuss gardening. Each session features a short talk, demonstrations and valuable information to take home.
      • Planting your Garden—How and when to prepare the soil, plant, and transplant vegetables and ornamentals. June 30th Thursday 6 pm
      • Container Gardening—Growing in containers unleashes possibilities for gardening in a small space. July 9th Saturday 10 am
      • Plant a Fall Garden —It is not too late to plant a garden to enjoy in fall through winter. August 11th Thursday 6 pm
      • Growing & Using Herbs—Learn to start, grow and care for perennial and annual herbs. August 27th Saturday 10 am
      • Harvesting Fruits & Vegetables—How to determine the peak flavor and ripeness of fruits and vegetables. Sept 8th Thursday 10 am and 6 pm

Linn Master Gardener Volunteer eNews

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Earn plant clinic hours and help kids learn to love gardening! We need volunteers from 9-1 (or as long as supplies last). Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=w.manageSignUp#/35383828/slots/
Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
  • Shoutouts
    • Linn & Dual MGV Trainees – online plant clinic mentor sessions. Please RSVP HERE with some dates and times that work for you. You can attend more than one of these dates:   
  • Friday June 3, 12pm-2pm (Elizabeth)
  • Saturday June 4, 10am-12pm (Elizabeth)
  • Wednesday June 8, 1pm-3pm (Diane) 
  • Friday June 10, 9am-11am (Elizabeth)
  • Saturday June 11, 10am-12pm  (Elizabeth)

If you need other days or times please let me know a few options that work for you.

  • Garden Tour Tickets Available Now! We’re pleased to announce that we will once again be hosting our annual garden tour event, on Saturday, June 18. After missing two years due to the pandemic, we can’t wait to see everyone again! At a very affordable $15 each, tickets are available online and will be mailed to you (USPS). They can also be purchased at the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Street SE through the day of the event. Get your tickets HERE!
  • NEW – Trainees welcome–Urban Garden Row at OSU: Especially for busy folks or those with limited transportation: Work alongside Kathleen Dennis, formerly of the Oregon Garden, to learn plant identification, gardening techniques, landscape design for urban garden features like containers and trellises. Create Social media and blogs about projects in the Urban Garden to reach local and Statewide audiences, especially gardeners growing in small spaces, containers and community gardens. Based at Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticutlure on campus. To learn more, please contact Elizabeth Records. 
    • Save the dates: PNW Gardening Series returns to Albany Main Branch Library: June 2: Rich Little — insects
    • Don’t be scammed: Approximately 400 Oregon State University student, staff and faculty accounts have been compromised by an email phishing attack that took place on Monday, May 16. Please review available materials on Phishing.
  • LCMGA News:
    • 2022 LCMGA Board Meetings IN PERSON Tue 6/7/2022 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Linn County Extension. 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent. If you would prefer to dial in please contact Elizabeth for directions.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees and returning volunteers! – Through the Garden Gate Tour needs volunteers. Train on 6/11, then volunteer on 6/18. Learn more and sign up HERE.
    • Trainees and returning volunteers! Linn County Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Upcoming dates at Farmers Markets and more to come. Sign up HERE.
    • Coming soon – Brownsville Farmers Market
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  Get volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  

Linn MGV eNews

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No RSVP required – just drop by!
  • Shoutouts
    • Trainees and returning volunteers! – Through the Garden Gate Tour needs volunteers. Train on 6/11, then volunteer on 6/18. Learn more and sign up HERE.
    • Trainees and returning volunteers! Linn County Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Upcoming dates at Farmers Markets and more to come.
      • Sign up HERE.
      • Coming soon – Brownsville Farmers Market
      • Interested in scheduling booth at the Lebanon Farmers Market? Please contact Elizabeth.
    • Save the dates:
      • PNW Gardening Series returns
        • June 2: Rich Little — insects
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  Get volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • 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:  Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
  • 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.)
    • El laboratorio de abejas melíferas de la OSU y el OSBA presentan el programa de apicultor maestro de Oregón en español. Aprenda la biología de las abejas melíferas, el manejo de colonias estacionales, la producción de miel y más. No se necesita experiencia y no es necesario tener su propia colmena. ¡Y es GRATIS! Nuestros días de campo le presentarán el fascinante mundo de las abejas melíferas. Le prestaremos un velo y analizaremos las colmenas de abejas vivas. Aprenderá cómo manejar adecuadamente sus colonias con un enfoque en la salud, la nutrición, y la hibernación. Asista a los 3 días de campo (21 de mayo, 9 de julio y 10 de septiembre), reciba clases en línea y lleve registros. Responda una prueba al final del año y recibirá la primera certificación en el Programa de apicultor maestro de Oregón. Los días de campo se llevarán a cabo en el Apiario educativo de Oak Creek de la OSU en Corvallis. Le enviaremos detalles al registrarse. El espacio está limitado a 25 participantes. ¡Inscríbase hoy mismo! Los participantes deben ser mayores de 18 años.¿Está interesado? Inscríbase AQUÍ ¿Preguntas? Contacte a Carolyn Breece a carolyn.breece@oregonstate.edu

Linn MGV eNews

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  • Interested? Email elizabeth.records@oregonstate.edu
  • Work with staff, intern and a small-medium group of volunteers to create blogs and social media, based on OSU Garden Calendar and Master Gardener Program Priorities.
  • Work with staff and intern to review posts for copyediting, quality sources and consistency with OSU style guide.
  • Work with Extension staff and intern to publish posts to program blog
  • Create social media posts from blog highlights, using Canva templates provided.
  • Bonus activities: identify volunteer activities that tie into garden calendar items and enhance posts with video or photos from events.
  • Shoutouts
    • NEW! Trainees and returning volunteers! – Through the Garden Gate Tour needs volunteers. Train on 6/11, then volunteer on 6/18. Learn more and sign up HERE.
    • Trainees and returning volunteers! Linn County Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Upcoming dates at Farmers Markets and more to come.
      • Sign up HERE.
      • Interested in scheduling booth at the Lebanon Farmers Market? Please contact Elizabeth.
    • Save the dates:
      • PNW Gardening Series returns
        • May 19: Don Lyon — seed starting
        • June 2: Rich Little — insects
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  Get volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • 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:  Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:May 10: Growing Great Roses!
  • 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.)
    • Save the date for the 21st Annual Through the Garden Gate tour! Saturday June 18th, 202210:00 to 4:00, Six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets on sale June 1 at linnmastergardeners.com  
    • El laboratorio de abejas melíferas de la OSU y el OSBA presentan el programa de apicultor maestro de Oregón en español. Aprenda la biología de las abejas melíferas, el manejo de colonias estacionales, la producción de miel y más. No se necesita experiencia y no es necesario tener su propia colmena. ¡Y es GRATIS! Nuestros días de campo le presentarán el fascinante mundo de las abejas melíferas. Le prestaremos un velo y analizaremos las colmenas de abejas vivas. Aprenderá cómo manejar adecuadamente sus colonias con un enfoque en la salud, la nutrición, y la hibernación. Asista a los 3 días de campo (21 de mayo, 9 de julio y 10 de septiembre), reciba clases en línea y lleve registros. Responda una prueba al final del año y recibirá la primera certificación en el Programa de apicultor maestro de Oregón. Los días de campo se llevarán a cabo en el Apiario educativo de Oak Creek de la OSU en Corvallis. Le enviaremos detalles al registrarse. El espacio está limitado a 25 participantes. ¡Inscríbase hoy mismo! Los participantes deben ser mayores de 18 años.¿Está interesado? Inscríbase AQUÍ ¿Preguntas? Contacte a Carolyn Breece a carolyn.breece@oregonstate.edu

Linn MGV eNews

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Through the Garden Gate - 21st Annual Tour. Saturday June 18th 2022 10:00 to 4:00 For the first time since 2019! Six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets ($15) on sale May 1 at linnmastergardeners.com Or in person starting at 9:30 AM June 18, Albany Visitor’s Center 250 Broadalbin St. SW. Your ticket purchase supports gardening & pollinator education. OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by two weeks ahead of the event to Elizabeth Records, 541-730-3471 or elizabeth.records@oregonstate.edu
Save the date for Through the Garden Gate! Volunteer opportunities and tickets coming soon.
  • Shoutouts
    • NEW! Trainees and returning volunteers! Linn County Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Upcoming dates at Farmers Markets and more to come.
      • Sign up HERE.
      • Interested in scheduling booth at the Lebanon Farmers Market? Please contact Elizabeth.
    • Save the dates:
      • PNW Gardening Series returns
        • May 19: Don Lyon — seed starting
        • June 2: Rich Little — insects
  • Did you miss the 8th Annual BEEvent Pollinator Conference? You can still register at www.LinnMasterGardeners.com to access the great information shared by the experts. The recorded conference is now available for you to watch at your convenience.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – help plan the Linn County demonstration garden for 2022 and get involved in this fun hands-on project. For more information contact raneewebb66 (at) gmail.com
    • Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  Get volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • 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:  
  • 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.)
    • Job: The Oregon State University Division of Extension and Engagement invites applications for a full-time Office Specialist 1 for the OSU Extension Service Benton County Office. This position is located in Corvallis, Oregon.This Office Specialist 1 is a member of the OSU Extension Benton County Office support team and contributes to a welcoming and respectful workplace culture. This position provides routine office support tasks for the OSU Extension Benton County Office. The Office Specialist provides educational resources and general assistance to Extension clients and/or refers clients to the appropriate faculty or staff member. The ability to travel is required to perform office-related errands such as picking up or delivering materials to the OSU main campus, supply stores, printing and mailing. https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/116390
    • Got Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs? Donate them for research! Jana Lee, a research entomologist at OSU, has a postdoc student needing brown marmorated stink bugs for his research, Ryan Paul. We would be willing to stop by local homes to collect any BMSB where people see them, or pick up any container with them.  If any BMSB are put into a container, they need air since they will ‘stink’ themselves to death in a closed container.  There should also be a wet towel, and some food like carrot stick, bean, apple slice or grape. If you have stink bugs, contact:
      • Jana Lee, Research Entomologist  jana.lee@usda.gov
      • Paul Ryan ryanp@oregonstate.edu

Linn MGV eNews

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Now available – Continuing Master Gardener volunteers may enjoy free access to this Master Gardener Online program

A computer monitor shows MGV training
Continuing Master Gardener volunteers may now enjoy free access to this Master Gardener Online program, similar to auditing live classes in past. All modules are optional and can be studied at your own pace. If it’s been a while since your first certification or you are transferring from another growing region, this will be a valuable learning experience that you may report as continuing education. This will be available now through the end of the service year.Any classes that cover topics you have not studied recently, may be reported for continuing education. See eNews to enroll.
  • Program Updates
    • Via Richard Riggs, Extension Regional Director Western Region: “OSU is following OHA guidance and has lifted the indoor mask mandate over the weekend.  You may still continue to wear masks indoors if you are more comfortable doing so, and I have asked all offices to maintain a stock of masks on hand to facilitate this.  Offices also no longer need to use/maintain the contact tracing forms.  Additionally, our indoor events no longer require social distancing, however people may be more comfortable maintain a distance so please accommodate them whenever possible.” This means that office plant clinic for volunteer pairs is now possible! We’ll continue to offer other options for plant clinic too. Check out the full post.

OSU is following OHA guidance and has lifted the indoor mask mandate over the weekend.  You may still continue to wear masks indoors if you are more comfortable doing so, and I have asked all offices to maintain a stock of masks on hand to facilitate this.  Offices also no longer need to use/maintain the contact tracing forms.  Additionally, our indoor events no longer require social distancing, however people may be more comfortable maintain a distance so please accommodate them whenever possible. 

The OSU vaccine requirement remains in place for all employees as does the positive case notification of OSU if you test positive.    Additionally, if you test positive or have symptoms of COVID please quarantine and do not come to work sick.  Some of our community partners (e.g. schools or food banks) will have their own COVID requirements and if you are working in those environments make yourself aware of and follow their requirements.   

As we adjust to the endemic phase of COVID there will be awkwardness and people will be uncomfortable, please be patient and show your coworkers and others grace as we reach a new normal. “

– Elizabeth Records – program coordinator (interim)

  • Shoutouts
    • Did you miss the 8th Annual BEEvent Pollinator Conference? You can still register at www.LinnMasterGardeners.com to access the great information shared by the experts. The recorded conference is now available for you to watch at your convenience.
    • Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  The first priority will be weeding.  For now parking will be in the parking lot behind the Expo buildings.  Go all the way along the back to get to the Demo Garden.  We are also working on setting up a few Saturday work parties.  Those who have expressed an interest in Saturday’s will get an e-mail soon with more details.   When the afternoons start getting hot, we will switch to morning hours.  Get your volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • eNews spring schedule: MGV eNews for Linn County volunteers will be published second and fourth Thursdays with occasional updates inbetween.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – help plan the Linn County demonstration garden for 2022 and get involved in this fun hands-on project. For more information contact raneewebb66 (at) gmail.com
    • 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
    • BEEvent – tickets to view recordings are available at linnmastergardeners.com
    • 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.  
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
    • April 12: Plant Grow Harvest Repeat: Succession Planting
    • May 10: Growing Great Roses!
    • June 14: Irrigation Choices and Design for the Home Garden and Landscape 
    • Find more HERE.
  • Extension News
    • Dr. Staci Simonich is appointed as Oregon State University’s new Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, effective March 28. Read the post.
  • 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.)
    • Benton County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale is back live and in person, scheduled for May 7 from 9-3! This big plant sale is worth visiting Corvallis! https://www.bentonmg.org/plant-sale

Linn eNews

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2022 Bee Supplies Delivery
View pick up dates and locations.
Cut off for order Wednesday March 16th at 5:00. Order cocoons, habitats and books.

  • Program Updates

Via OSU Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, here is the latest on OSU’s public health measures. OSU’s policy of vaccine carding for certain events is going away, and most indoor settings will become mask-optional. Understanding that our community has a wide range of needs around these issues, the local Master Gardener program will continue to offer a selection of activities including inside, outside and online.

Please also note that County policies affect Extension activities, and in Benton County as of today (3/4/22), we are still waiting for County policies to be announced. Next week we should know more.

– Elizabeth Records – program coordinator (interim)

  • Shoutouts
    • Thank you Nancy, Ranee, Rich and Susan for taking the lead on a successful 8th Annual BEEvent! Thank you Bobbye and Diane for leadership in bee gear pick ups, and countless others who have lent a hand! And special thanks to Brooke Edmunds for tech support and Q&A moderation. Together, we put Linn County on the map for pollinator education!
    • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • eNews spring schedule: MGV eNews for Linn County volunteers will be published second and fourth Thursdays with occasional updates inbetween.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – help plan the Linn County demonstration garden for 2022 and get involved in this fun hands-on project. For more information contact raneewebb66 (at) gmail.com
    • 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:
    • BEEvent – shortly, tickets to view recordings will be available at linnmastergardeners.com
    • 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.  
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
  • Extension News
    • Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Urban Greenspace: To observe Oregon State University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the Master Gardener Program hosted a screening of the movie ‘The Ants and the Grasshopper’. The movie follows Anita Chitaya, as she travels from her home in Malawi, to farms and gardens across the United States to share her story of how climate change is impacting her village. Afterwards, Dr. Vivek Shandas of Portland State University joined us to discuss the intersection of historical racism, landscaping and greenspace, and environmental justice. Read the blog.
  • 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.

Linn MGV eNews

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Beefuddled, Beewildered, Beeknighted about bees?
Join Linn County Master Gardeners at the 8th annual BEEvent Pollinator Conference on March 5, 2022, via Zoom.
Our speakers will include:
–Olivia Carril, co-author of Bees in Your Backyard, Bee-plant relationships: A match made in heaven or love on the rocks?
–Erin Wickliffe, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Beneficial Insects
–Gail Langellotto, Professor of Horticulture at Oregon State University and State Coordinator of the Extension Service Master Gardener Program, Native Plant-Bee Associations in Western Oregon
–Sarah Kincaid, Bee Atlas Education Coordinator, The Oregon Orchard Bee Health Survey Cocoons
–Susan Morton and Ranee Webb, Linn County Master Gardeners, Blue Orchard Bees (in the Willamette Valley) & Best Practices
Registration is $25. The event will be broadcast live. Registrants will be able to access recording of the talks at their leisure beginning about a week after the event. Registration is at linnmastergardeners.com; mason bee housing and cocoons may also be purchased at that site.
  • 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.
  • 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.