Tag Archives: Continuing education

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

Benton Master Gardener Volunteer eNews

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

  • Shoutouts
    • Jumping worm alert: 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.
      • 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.
    • Welcome intern Caitie Smith! Caitie’s duties include coordinating blog and social media posts for the new MGV Seasonal Content Team. Learn more about Caitie’s interests as a researcher and educator.
    • No eNews the second half of July. Elizabeth will be away. If you have items to share during this time please send to Jana Tindall.
    • Got tablets, USB microscopes, or outreach kits? Nicole Mason-Martin, office specialist, is working to track down these items and create a system for checkout. If you have any of these items please contact Nicole at the office.
  • Volunteers needed
    • NEW: Demo Garden Plant Clinic at Benton County Fair 8/3 – 8/6. Various shifts for demo garden volunteers, certified volunteers, and trainees. Participants will be contacted with information on getting fair passes in advance. Sign up.
    • NEW: OSU Extension Benton County Fair Booth 8/6 To sign up please email (Elizabeth.mcgovern@oregonstate.edu) Fair entry and parking passes are available to booth volunteers.
      • 1:00am-10:00pm
      • 11:00am-3:00pm
      • 3:00pm-7:00pm
      • 7:00pm-10:00pm
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • NEW: Plant Clinic at State Fair 9/3 – 9/4, Salem OR. Volunteers get free wristbands and parking permits. Sign up HERE.
    • Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
    • OMGA – Joy of Gardening Conference Mini-College will be held July 28-30, 2022, live at OSU Campus! Learn more and get tickets. Several local volunteers are presenting.
    • Rich Little entomology learning ops:
      • desk sessions Thursdays 9-11:30 – learn how to identify and solve insect issues with longtime MGV Rich, a retired entomologist, and coordinator of BEEvent Pollinator Conference. Sign up with Rich on the Benton plant clinic schedule and bring a sample insect or insect-damaged plant.
      • 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.
  • BCMGA News: 
    • The next board meeting will be Monday, July 11, 3:00-5:00 via Zoom. See email for link to join.
    • BCMGA Membership Outing July 12. Janet Magedanz has arranged for a visit to Little Prince Nursery. See email for details or for more information, contact Janet at jkmagedanz@gmail.com
  • 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.)
    • Open House: Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture Jul 26, 2022 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. 844 SW 35th St Corvallis, OR 97333. Save the date for our open house and tour at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture. Open to the public; families welcome!
    • 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

Benton Master Gardener Volunteer eNews

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OMGA – Joy of Gardening Conference Mini-College will be held July 28-30, 2022, live at OSU Campus! Learn more and get tickets.
  • Shoutouts
    • Volunteers needed 6/18: Quilts in the Garden Plant Clinic. Join this fun event and sign up HERE. Or attend Quilts In the Garden: Enjoy a huge display of impressive quilts in five private gardens. Admission is $10 and includes a tour of all five gardens. Purchase tickets in person at local quilt shops.
    • 6/18: 21st Annual Through the Garden Gate tour! Saturday June 18th, 2022, 10:00 to 4:00, Six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets on sale June 1 at linnmastergardeners.com  
    • Rich Little entomology desk sessions Thursdays 9-11:30 – learn how to identify and solve insect issues with longtime MGV Rich, a retired entomologist, and coordinator of BEEvent Pollinator Conference. Sign up with Rich on the Benton plant clinic schedule and bring a sample insect or insect-damaged plant.
  • Volunteers needed –
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Farmer’s Market Clinic Table! 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of each month. Certified Master Gardeners are required to give advice but trainees may volunteer as well. If enough people volunteer, we can have two shifts. Please contact Debbie Lauer at 541-929-7544 or DSL2017@peak.org to sign up.
    • NEW: Plant Clinic at State Fair 9/3 – 9/4, Salem OR. Volunteers get free wristbands and parking permits. Sign up HERE.
    • Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
  • 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.)
    • Open House: Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture Jul 26, 2022 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. 844 SW 35th St Corvallis, OR 97333. Save the date for our open house and tour at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture. Open to the public; families welcome!

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

Benton MGV eNews

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All trainees and returning volunteers are invited!

Spots will fill fast so RSVP today.


6/5 – Plant Problem Scenarios at Linn Demo Garden 
Albany Fairgrounds (10-11:30 and 12:30-2) 
RSVP required
Practice three plant problem scenarios with the PPS team to hone your plant clinic skills. 
Great for returning volunteers seeking recertification. 

6/12 – Water quality and your Garden + Urban Garden Row tour + Snack Social 
Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (Corvallis). 
RSVP required.
10 am: Water quality and your garden: stream tour with Sean Fleming, Master Gardener volunteer and water resources expert. 
11 am: urban garden row tour with Kathleen Dennis, formerly of Oregon Garden. Learn about a new volunteer opportunity
11:30 am: informal social at the gazebo, bring a snack to share or your own lunch
  • NEW: Plant Clinic at State Fair 9/3 – 9/4, Salem OR. Volunteers get free wristbands and parking permits. Sign up HERE.
  • Shoutouts –
    • Dual county MGV Trainees – online plant clinic mentor sessions for Linn Plant Clinic. Please RSVP HERE with some dates and times that work for you. You can attend more than one of these dates:   
      • Saturday June 4, 10am-12pm (Elizabeth)
      • Wednesday June 8, 1pm-3pm (Diane) 
      • Friday June 10, 9am-11am (Elizabeth)
      • Saturday June 11, 10am-12pm  (Elizabeth)
    • 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 or attend the 6/12 tour. 
    • Kudos – Seed to Supper in the Garden taught by the Community Gardening Education Team – “I am sending so much gratitude for your seed to supper event that I and my daughter and 3 year old granddaughter attended. It was very informative, and we really enjoyed it. Thank-you and everyone for all of their kindness and hard work!” – Laura – participant.
  • Volunteers needed –
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Farmer’s Market Clinic Table! 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of each month. Certified Master Gardeners are required to give advice but trainees may volunteer as well. If enough people volunteer, we can have two shifts. Please contact Debbie Lauer at 541-929-7544 or DSL2017@peak.org to sign up.
    • Trainees and other Volunteers Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  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.)
    • Get your tickets now for the 21st Annual Through the Garden Gate tour! Saturday June 18th, 2022, 10:00 to 4:00, Six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets on sale June 1 at linnmastergardeners.com  
    • Open House: Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture
      • Jul 26, 2022 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. 844 SW 35th St Corvallis, OR 97333. Save the date for our open house and tour at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture. Open to the public; families welcome! Meet the bees, see the veggies, smell the flowers, & learn all about OSU’s latest projects. Learn more about OSU Department of Horticulture research projects including urban ecology and pollinator health research, honeybee research and demonstration hives, Oregon Bee Atlas, organic vegetable production, OSU Extension Small Farms Program, dry farming vegetables, OSU Master Gardener Program, and more.

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.  

Benton MGV eNews

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Welcome to the team: Nicole Mason-Martin, office specialist
Nicole is the new office specialist at Benton County Extension – say hi to her when you next visit.
All meeting room requests, equipment reservations, copy jobs, etc., should be directed to Nicole. 
Nicole M. Mason-Martin, Office Specialist
Oregon State University / OSU Extension Service Benton County
4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333
nicole.masonmartin@oregonstate.edu
541-713-5002
  • Shoutouts
    • 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. 
    • Plant problem show and tell: Lilacs with puny blossoms and leaf spots – Plant Problem Show and Tell from trainee Catherine W. Trainees – you can write one of these and earn plant clinic credit right now! Send in a Plant Problem Show and Tell. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct or if you are a continuing volunteer, as Continuing Education.
    • 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.
    • Seeds for educational programming: OSU Extension MGV Program received a large number of seed packets left over from the Grow This! Challenge. If you are offering an educational opportunity to the public where free seeds are needed, please email Elizabeth Records to reserve some.
    • Got Plant Sale lawn signs? If you had a lawn sign out this year, please either:  (i) save it and put it out again for next year’s Plant Sale; or (ii) drop it off at the Extension Office.  Thanks for your cooperation. – Bob Smythe
  • BCMGA news
    • PPS receives kudos. Many folks have worked on developing and refining the Plant Problem Scenarios, but you may not know that BCMGA received not only the statewide Search for Excellence Award but also the national award for them. Here’s what was said recently: I am the MG working with Marcia using the Problem Scenario Book for our Metro trainees’ Diagnostics Workshop. I just wanted to say what a masterful work this is. What an amazing tool for MG training, and what an amazing effort everyone did to put it together. I realize that it was designed as a role play guide. However, it is certainly up there with any of the references we might choose to guide clients. Thanks to you and everyone who worked on this book. Well done, indeed. Claudia
  • Volunteers needed
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Farmer’s Market Clinic Table! It’s time for the outdoor farmer’s market in downtown Corvallis. Beginning in May the Master Gardener clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market will be the 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of each month. Certified Master Gardeners are required to give advice but trainees may volunteer as well. If enough people volunteer, we can have two shifts. Please contact Debbie Lauer at 541-929-7544 or DSL2017@peak.org to sign up.
    • Trainees and other Volunteers Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. The BCMGA maintains a demonstration garden at the Benton County Fairgrounds to demonstrate planting possibilities, practices and techniques for home vegetable gardens.  It is supported by a small but lively group of volunteers who have a lot of fun working in the garden and learning from each other.  We would love to have new volunteers – no experience is necessary.  We are currently meeting on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Seasonal content team:
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton 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.)
    • 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  

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

Benton MGV eNews

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Plant sale
Proceeds benefit gardening education.
Benton County Fairgrounds – 110 SW 53rd St Corvallis, OR 97389 Solar Barn & Floral Courtyard May 7, 2022 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • The 2022 Plant Sale is on! 
    • We are planning a debrief meeting after the Plant Sale so we can continue to make it better. If you have comments to share after the sale, you can attend the meeting on Tuesday, May 10, at 1:00 in the Extension Conference Room. Or send your thoughts to Kathy Clark at bobandkathyclark@gmail.com. Thanks, Kathy
  • Correction: Debbie Lauer’s email address had an error in eNews. The correct email for Debbie is DSL2017@peak.org
  • Shoutouts
    • Volunteer opportunity: Trainees and other Volunteers Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. The BCMGA maintains a demonstration garden at the Benton County Fairgrounds to demonstrate planting possibilities, practices and techniques for home vegetable gardens.  It is supported by a small but lively group of volunteers who have a lot of fun working in the garden and learning from each other.  We would love to have new volunteers – no experience is necessary.  We are currently meeting on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Clinic Table Volunteers Needed! We will be holding three clinic tables at special events this spring. Both certified Master Gardeners and Trainees are needed. This is a great opportunity for mentors and trainees to work together! SIGN UP HERE.
      • –May 21 is the Poultry Swap and Homesteading Fair, 10:00 to 4:00 at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Volunteers will work shifts of 2-4 hours depending on the number of volunteers.
      •  –May 28 is the NAACP Great Tomato Giveaway, 10:00-12:00 at the Southtown Co-op. This event is in partnership with the Linn Benton chapter of the NAACP and Crescent Valley High School Students for Environmental Change.
      • –June 18 is Quilts in the Garden. Details on hours and locations are still being worked out.
  • BCMGA news
    • Next Board Meeting is Monday, May 10, 3:00 – 5:00. Please see Board President’s newsletter for directions on how to participate.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Farmer’s Market Clinic Table! It’s time for the outdoor farmer’s market in downtown Corvallis. Beginning in May the Master Gardener clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market will be the 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of each month. Certified Master Gardeners are required to give advice but trainees may volunteer as well. If enough people volunteer, we can have two shifts. Please contact Debbie Lauer at 541-929-7544 or DSL2017@peak.org to sign up.
  • 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.)
    • Dry Farming Institute Spring Fundraiser. Do you want to experiment with dry farming or minimal irrigation? These top-performing drought tolerant crop varieties are a good place to start! Thank you for supporting the Dry Farming Institute. The deadline for pre-ordering plants has passed. We will be selling plants at the Willamette Valley Hardy Plant Group plant sale at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene on May 7th, from 9am to 2pm.
    • 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