Category Archives: Linn e-News

Linn MGV eNews

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Need a badge? Order replacement MGV badges by 11:59 pm on 9/31/2021. To order CLICK HERE.
  • Program updates: In case you missed it earlier – OSU has updated guidelines regarding event planning, as shared by Statewide program coordinator Gail Langellotto in a recent update. The takeaway: in-person non-credit educational events, such as those offered by MGVs, can currently proceed without having to card participants, so long as participants register. Things can change, so offering hybrid events and/or having a virtual plan B would still be wise. If you are planning an event, get the latest information and more details on this important topic. – Elizabeth Records, interim coordinator
  • Shout outs
    • LCMGA board meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month at 1pm, on Zoom. See your email for link to attend.
    • It is just about four weeks until the close of the service year!
      • Continuing volunteer? There are no official service targets to remain certified at this time, but please log your service and continuing education hours so we can show stakeholders how much volunteers are still doing. Also, take advantage of the great continuing education options.
      • 2nd year trainee? Please aim to complete 40 service hours, counting from winter 2020, by 10/31/21 if you would like to earn your first certification this year. Please aim for 50% plant clinic or direct service. Having challenges? Let’s talk – we can figure something out!
      • Everyone who would like to participate in any volunteer activities in 2022, needs to re-enroll by reviewing the soon-forthcoming Guide to Volunteering 2022 and completing annual program paperwork. This will be sent by DocuSign in early October, or can be completed as a hard copy and sent to the office. Look out for a post with full directions coming soon.
  • Mason bee cocoon care workshops for the Willamette Valley are back this fall! Watch our own MGVs’ fun instructional movie on your own schedule to learn how you can have three times as many bees through basic cocoon care. Then join a cocoon care Q&A to troubleshoot the pests and parasites that attack mason bees. Sign up for October Q&As.
  • Calling all community scientists! Before you clean out your mason bee cocoons, please send a sample to the Pollinator Health Lab at OSU. We’re working to better understand some new exotic bees and bee pests and predators that have been recently introduced into Oregon. You can help! Take the Mason Bee Survey.
  • Volunteers needed
    • This week: Demo garden. 
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page.
    • What are Distance Garden Consults? Master Gardener connect with gardeners via Zoom visit to trouble shoot their garden concerns. You can always do more research and follow up. Zoom, email and internet are the only tech needed. If this interests you please contact Elizabeth. 
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs)
    • This week: For the Love of Hummingbirds-Marion County Master Gardener Association Speaker Series. Be the guest of Brooke Edmunds and Marion County Master Gardener Association, Sep 30, 2021 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PDT. No cost, registration required. Learn more and RSVP.
    • Future and anytime continuing education opportunities are now found on the Continuing Education page.
  • Extension updates. New publication: Integrated Pest Management for Bed Bugs in Schools. While schools are generally inhospitable to bed bugs, it’s not uncommon to encounter bed bugs in school settings. This comprehensive guide for school facility managers addresses best practices for preventing and addressing infestations.
  • 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 is currently recruiting for one position, with responsibilities to the Extension Master Gardener Program. Staff / Educational Program Assistant Position in Gold Beach, Oregon, serving the Curry County Master Gardener Program. Anyone interested should contact Gail Langellotto.

No eNews this week

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There’s not much news to share. However, there are announcements about pollinators!

  • Mason bee cocoon care workshops for the Willamette Valley are back this fall! Watch our own MGVs’ fun instructional movie on your own schedule to learn how you can have three times as many bees through basic cocoon care. Then join a cocoon care Q&A to troubleshoot the pests and parasites that attack mason bees. Sign up for October Q&As.
  • What is the 2021 Mason Bee Survey about? The blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) can develop diseases and populations of predators and pests can build up. In addition there are some new exotic bees and bee pests and predators that have been recently introduced into Oregon. Our friends with Oregon Bee Project are looking for your help to establish baseline on the health of stocks of these bees, which ultimately will help track the health of these bees over time. Learn more and share your bee data.

Linn MGV eNews

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Albuca  spirilis, “the result of an unholy mating between chives and a Slinky toy.”
Photo and humor by Susan Morton.
Share your garden photos and stories for this space!
  • Program updates: OSU has updated guidelines regarding event planning, as shared by Statewide program coordinator Gail Langellotto in a recent update. The takeaway: in-person non-credit educational events can currently proceed without having to card participants, so long as participants register. Things can change, so offering hybrid events and/or having a virtual plan B would still be wise. If you are planning an event, get the latest information and more details on this important topic. – Elizabeth Records, interim coordinator
  • Shout outs
  • Volunteers needed –
    • Demo garden. Visit the Linn County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for these opportunities, and more.
    • What are Distance Garden Consults? Early results from the Oregon Master Gardener Needs Assessment show that clients are very interested in personalized consultations. For this pilot volunteer opportunity they would request an appointment with a Master Gardener for a Zoom visit to trouble shoot their garden concerns. You can always do more research and follow up. Zoom, email and internet are the only tech needed. If this interests you please contact Elizabeth.
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs)
  • LCMGA updates are now found in the President’s mailings.
  • Extension updates.
    • Report to the Oregon Master Gardener Association Board of Directors (4th Quarter meeting, 2021) from Statewide Coordinator.
    • It is just about six weeks until the close of the service year!
      • Continuing volunteer? There are no official service targets to remain certified at this time, but please log your service and continuing education hours so we can show stakeholders how much volunteers are still doing. Also, take advantage of the great continuing education options.
      • 2nd year trainee? Please aim to complete 40 service hours, counting from winter 2020, by 10/31/21 if you would like to earn your first certification this year. Please aim for 50% plant clinic or direct service. Having challenges? Let’s talk – we can figure something out!
      • Everyone who would like to participate in any volunteer activities in 2022, needs to re-enroll by reviewing the soon-forthcoming Guide to Volunteering 2022 and completing annual program paperwork. This will be sent by DocuSign in early October, or can be completed as a hard copy and sent to the office. Look out for a post with full directions coming soon.
    •  Want to propose a new and original project for volunteer service? Please use this updated project proposal form.
  • 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 Soil and Water Conservation District Fall Bulb And Seed Sale: The Fall Native Bulb and Seed Sale is going virtual for 2021. Place your order online between September 1-30. You will receive an email with a link to schedule your order pick up time for a mid-October date.

Linn MGV eNews

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Photo by Susan Morton – caper flower, Capparis spinosa. What’s going on in your garden? Send photos for this space!
  • Program updates: Just in case you missed it last week – regarding OSU’s latest public health policies, our best options for volunteer activities are outdoor events with 25 people or less, and/or distance events. Many activities are not affected but some may need to adapt. If you are interested in planning indoor events or larger outdoor events please contact me to discuss the options. Please keep doing great volunteering activities and help everyone in our community stay well. Get the latest information and more details on this important topic. – Elizabeth Records, interim coordinator
  • Shout outs
    • For the Love of Hummingbirds-Marion County Master Gardener Association Speaker Series
      • Be the guest of Brooke Edmunds and Marion County Master Gardener Association, Sep 30, 2021 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PDT. No cost, registration required. Learn more and RSVP.
  • Volunteers needed –
    • Demo garden.
    • What are Distance Garden Consults? Early results from the Oregon Master Gardener Needs Assessment show that clients are very interested in personalized consultations. For this pilot volunteer opportunity they would request an appointment with a Master Gardener for a Zoom visit to trouble shoot their garden concerns. You can always do more research and follow up. Zoom, email and internet are the only tech needed. If this interests you please contact Elizabeth.
    • Visit the Linn County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for these opportunities, and more.
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs)
  • 9/14/2021 @3pm Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators | Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series.
  • New continuing education opportunity: The Introduction to Inclusive Excellence in Extension course supports members of the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension community in understanding OSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as Extension’s federal Civil Rights responsibilities, so they can be equipped to act in a manner that is consistent with OSU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence. To register for this anytime course CLICK HERE.
  • Extension updates.
    • It is just about two months until the close of the service year!
      • Continuing volunteer? Due to current circumstances, there are no official service targets to remain certified at this time, but please log your service and continuing education hours so we can show stakeholders how much volunteers are still doing. Also, take advantage of the great continuing education options we have.
      • 2nd year trainee? Please aim to complete 40 service hours, counting from winter 2020, by 10/31/21 if you would like to earn your first certification this year. Please aim for 50% plant clinic or direct service. Having challenges? Let’s talk – we can figure something out!
      • Everyone – who would like to participate in any volunteer activities in 2022, needs to re-enroll by reviewing the soon forthcoming Guide to Volunteering 2022 and completing annual program paperwork. This will be sent by DocuSign in early October, or can be completed as a hard copy and sent to the office. Look out for a post with full directions coming soon.
  • 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.)
  • Jobs: OSU is currently recruiting candidates for two positions, with responsibilities to the Extension Master Gardener Program. Both positions are located on the Oregon Coast. The first is a Professional Faculty / Program Coordinator position in Newport, Oregon, serving the Lincoln County Small Farms and Master Gardener Programs. The second is a Staff / Educational Program Assistant Position in Gold Beach, Oregon, serving the Curry County Master Gardener Program. Anyone interested should contact Gail Langellotto.
  • Got alyssum? “We have a parasitoid experiment in the works and our greenhouse alyssum is senescing. Do master gardeners have some in your yard(s)?  We need about 15 small flower heads three times a week.” –Katerina Velasco-Graham, MS. Please contact Katerina directly: grahkate (at) oregonstate.edu

Linn MGV eNews

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  • Program updates: Regarding OSU’s latest public health policies, our best options for volunteer activities are outdoor events with 25 people or less, and/or distance events. Many activities are not affected but some may need to adapt. Please keep doing great volunteering activities and help everyone in our community stay well. Get the latest information and more details on this important topic. – Elizabeth Records, interim coordinator
  • Shout outs:
    • Congratulations to Rene Miller, featured in this month’s Growing!
    • You have just 30 days left in the Master Gardener photography contest to submit your photos! Here’s an exciting update: there are prizes for the winners: 
      • First-place winners in each of the three categories will receive signed, autographed copies of the books Trees to Know, and Shrubs to Know. In addition, an OSU Foods of Oregon reusable tote.  
      • All second-place winners in each of the three categories will receive signed, autographed copies of the book Trees to Know. In addition, an OSU Foods of Oregon reusable tote.  
      • Make sure you are taking your photos for the categories! They need to be either people, places, or program priority photos, as shown above. You can get all of the details, including a guide to taking great photos on the program news blog here.   
  • Volunteers needed.
    • Demo garden.
    • What are Distance Garden Consults? Early results from the Oregon Master Gardener Needs Assessment show that clients are very interested in personalized consultations. For this pilot volunteer opportunity they would request an appointment with a Master Gardener for a Zoom visit to trouble shoot their garden concerns. You can always do more research and follow up. Zoom, email and internet are the only tech needed. If this interests you please contact Elizabeth.
    • Visit the Linn County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for these opportunities, and more.
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs unless noted with “$”)
  • LCMGA updates
    • Board meeting info: see this week’s eNews email.
  • Extension updates.
    • New continuing education opportunity: The Introduction to Inclusive Excellence in Extension course supports members of the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension community in understanding OSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as Extension’s federal Civil Rights responsibilities, so they can be equipped to act in a manner that is consistent with OSU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence. To register for this anytime course CLICK 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.)
    • Jobs: OSU is currently recruiting candidates for two positions, with responsibilities to the Extension Master Gardener Program. Both positions are located on the Oregon Coast. The first is a Professional Faculty / Program Coordinator position in Newport, Oregon, serving the Lincoln County Small Farms and Master Gardener Programs. The second is a Staff / Educational Program Assistant Position in Gold Beach, Oregon, serving the Curry County Master Gardener Program. Anyone interested should contact Gail Langellotto.
    • Got alyssum? “We have a parasitoid experiment in the works and our greenhouse alyssum is senescing. Do master gardeners have some in your yard(s)?  We need about 15 small flower heads three times a week.” –Katerina Velasco-Graham, MS. Please contact Katerina directly: grahkate (at) oregonstate.edu

Linn MGV eNews

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Header showing volunteers in plant clinic, gardening and outdoor school.
New continuing education opportunity: The Introduction to Inclusive Excellence in Extension course supports members of the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension community in understanding OSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as Extension’s federal Civil Rights responsibilities, so they can be equipped to act in a manner that is consistent with OSU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence.
To register for this anytime course CLICK HERE.
  • Program updates: Per the recent order from the Governor, everyone needs to wear face coverings inside, and for outdoor activities where they cannot stay 6 feet apart, whatever their vaccination status. This is similar to last week’s public health policy update from OSU. Please keep doing great volunteering activities and help everyone in our community stay well. Get the latest information. 
  • Shout outs
    • Save the date for Gather screening and talk – Wednesday November 10th at 7pm. MGV continuing education opportunity. Gather is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. As Master Gardener Volunteers, learning about and supporting gardeners across cultures in cultivating food that is meaningful to their traditions, is an exciting way to connect with new audiences.
    • We need your photos and stories! What are you doing in the garden? Share a selfie or image of a lovely plant for our headline photo!
  • Volunteers needed.
    • Brownsville Plant Clinic: 3-6pm every Thursday from May into October.  Location is Park and Kirk in BV. If interested please contact Elizabeth Records. Organized by Don Lyon.
    • Thompson’s Mill in Shedd: Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site is establishing a pioneer heritage vegetable garden and is seeking volunteers who might be interested in helping to coordinate this project. Current priorities are to help prepare the large plot which is fenced and has water.  Soil needs amending with compost and manure, available on site. Contact Donald Lyon at phototraveler02 (at) gmail.com to arrange a visit. 
    • Demo garden.
    • Visit the Linn County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for these opportunities, and more.
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs unless noted with “$”)
  • LCMGA updates
    • Board meeting info: see this week’s eNews email.
  • Extension updates.
    • Featured plant clinic question: Tomato plants have browning leaves that showed up in the past few weeks. What could be the cause? To find out what volunteers think was happening, CLICK HERE.
    • Featured publication: When to pick the perfect pear. Don’t wait for pears to turn yellow or soft before you pick them. Instead, pick them before they mature and place them in cold storage.
  • 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 – please share local garden events or opportunities that don’t fit in other categories!

Linn MGV eNews

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Dr. Ivory Lyles
Welcome, Dr. Ivory Lyles, as the new Director of the Oregon State University Extension Service. We look forward to working with you, to promote and support sustainable gardening across Oregon!
  • Program updates: Oregon is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 due to the more virulent Delta variant. Your safety and health, as well as that of those we serve, is of utmost importance. In addition to following the university’s updated face covering policy, we can take additional actions to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities while we continue to serve. Get the latest information. 
  • Shout outs
    • We need your photos and stories! What are you doing in the garden? Share a selfie or image of a lovely plant for our headline photo!
    • Recertification question
      • Q: Are the direct and indirect public outreach hours still being waved for recertification?
      • A: Master Gardeners who were certified for the 2020 calendar year will maintain their certification in 2021. Service expectations will continue to be responsive to the public health situation that emerges in 2022. Please continue to report any volunteer hours completed. Every hour reported for this service year shows stakeholders that the Master Gardener program is worth supporting.
    • The Culture of Gardening: Today we’re publicly launching a storytelling initiative of the Master Gardener Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce. This initiative, called The Culture of Gardening, explores and shares the voices of gardeners growing plants to connect with their heritage, culture, and identity. Read the stories and share them.
  • Volunteers needed.
    • Brownsville Plant Clinic: 3-6pm every Thursday from May into October.  Location is Park and Kirk in BV. If interested please contact Elizabeth Records. Organized by Don Lyon.
    • Thompson’s Mill in Shedd: Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site is establishing a pioneer heritage vegetable garden and is seeking volunteers who might be interested in helping to coordinate this project. Current priorities are to help prepare the large plot which is fenced and has water.  Soil needs amending with compost and manure, available on site. Contact Donald Lyon at phototraveler02 (at) gmail.com to arrange a visit. 
    • Demo garden.
    • Visit the Linn County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for these opportunities, and more.
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs unless noted with “$”)
  • LCMGA updates
    • Board meeting info: see this week’s eNews email.
  • Extension updates
    • Featured plant clinic question: “There is a possum living under my house. Can I use mothballs to make it leave?” Can Master Gardener Volunteers recommend off-label uses of a pesticide? To see the answer, please CLICK HERE.
    • Featured publication: Managing Diseases and Insects in Home Orchards. As gardeners harvest insect-riddled or diseased fruit and wonder what went wrong, this guide can help them plan ahead for better crops in future.
  • 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 – please share local garden events or opportunities that don’t fit in other categories!

Linn MGV eNews

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Volunteering outside? Be aware of the potential for heat related injuries. If you are planning an outdoor event (or in a greenhouse), please review this information on symptoms of heat injuries, and how to respond, HERE. Please discuss these topics with other volunteers. Time spent reviewing this may be counted as continuing education. Please also check heat index ahead of events, and consider postponing work if heat index is above “moderate”. 
  • Program updates: OSU and the State require face coverings for indoor activities in public spaces. Please consider taking in-person volunteer activities outside to further reduce chances of exposure during a public health crisis. Few current MGV activities are affected. Get the latest information. 
  • Shout outs
    • Adult Learning and You. This is from a partner organization and comes highly recommended. It’s for people who teach farmers but the take-aways would apply well to MGVs and Extension staff teaching gardeners. You may report up to one hour of continuing education for reading this and writing about what you learned when reporting in VRS.
  • Volunteers needed.
    • Brownsville Plant Clinic: 3-6pm every Thursday from May into October.  Location is Park and Kirk in BV. If interested please contact Elizabeth Records. Organized by Don Lyon.
    • Thompson’s Mill in Shedd: Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site is establishing a pioneer heritage vegetable garden and is seeking volunteers who might be interested in helping to coordinate this project. Current priorities are to help prepare the large plot which is fenced and has water.  Soil needs amending with compost and manure, available on site. Contact Donald Lyon at phototraveler02 (at) gmail.com to arrange a visit. 
    • Demo garden.
    • Visit the Linn County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for these opportunities, and more.
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs unless noted with “$”)
  • LCMGA updates
    • Board meeting info: see this week’s eNews email.
  • Extension updates
    • Featured plant clinic question: What’s wrong with the stunted leaves of my beans and tomatoes?
    • Elizabeth Records (program staff) now has a bookable calendar. Schedule a zoom, call or visit with me to plan volunteer activities, share thoughts, or just check in.
  • 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.)

Linn MGV eNews

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Here’s a shoutout to four Master Gardener Volunteers who make an amazing difference for Linn County!
Clockwise from the top left: Rene Miller, Brenda Winslow, Bobbye Rainey and Nancy Ragghianti. Congratulations!

Read about their awards and achievements HERE.
Like and share on Facebook.

Linn MGV eNews

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Get to know the signs of heat stress in plants and more ways to prevent it here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/…/heatwave-garden-how…