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Linn Master Gardener eNews

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

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program staff by the second or last Wednesday of each month. Please use this event checklist to ensure all needed information is included in your request.

Do you know how to identify emerald ash borer? On June 30, 2022, emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic beetle that infests ash trees, was discovered in Forest Grove, Oregon, marking the first confirmation of the invasive pest on the West Coast. In Oregon, the establishment of EAB could devastate whole habitat types that are dominated by Oregon ash such as ash swales and sensitive riparian zones, as well as reduce urban forest cover. This pest has proven deadly to all ash species in North America and Europe, including the native Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia).

  • Shoutouts
    • Volunteer opportunity: Become a Forest Pest Detector and report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”.
    • Continuing education opportunity: Learn how to identify EAB and how to respond if it is found locally. Earn up to 1 hour of continuing education for following these steps:
      • Be alert: It is important to stop new outbreaks before they start. Early detection, coupled with rapid response, can stop the spread of new and emerging invasive species before they become established.
      • Learn to recognize ash trees.
      • Know how to identify the emerald ash borer:
        Insect identification: Adult: 7.5 to 13.5 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inch) long, slender, and metallic olive to emerald green; active June through July Larva: 2.6 to 3.2 cm (1 to 1.3 inches) long, creamy white, with bell-shaped segments; found under the bark throughout the year; causes damage to tree by eating tissue below the bark. See photos and learn the hosts, signs and symptoms.
      • Report sightings of emerald ash borer: Report online at the Oregon Invasive Species Council hotline.
      • Share information about emerald ash borer with others, including neighbors, fellow gardeners, hikers, mushroom hunters and campers.
      • Do not move or transport ash wood: Even after a tree has died or has been cut down, there is still the possibility for the emerald ash borer to be present in the wood. Keeping the wood on the same site as the infected tree can help to slow the spread of the insect.
  • Shoutouts
    • Linn Master Gardeners win award for pollinator newsletter! Congratulations to Linn County Master Gardener Association for winning the Marje Luce Search for Excellence from Oregon Master Gardener Association, for their publication Bee Notes.
    • In Memory – Marti Olsen. We were sad to learn that onetime Master Gardener volunteer Marti Olsen passed away in July 2022. Fellow volunteers recall that Marti truly loved gardening, especially roses. Marti, we miss you.
    • Save the date: Master Gardener Graduation and Celebration 11/19/22
    • Rich Little entomology learning opportunities
      • Starting soon – LIVE entomology workshops on August 18th from 10 am to 12 noon, and on 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 HERE.
      • 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
  • Volunteers needed
    • Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE. 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.
      • 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
    • 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.
    • 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.)
    • BNC (Basic Needs Center) Food Pantry Welcomes Produce from Home Gardens: The OSU BNC Food Pantry would love any extra produce from your gardens. Our community relishes fresh produce. If you have a surplus, contact the BNC (541-737-3747 / bnc@oregonstate.edu) for best time to drop off.

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.

Benton MGV eNews

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BCMGA presentation on Monday, February 21, 7:00-8:00 pm on zoom
Seed Starting -Tips for Success
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErdOitqT0vGdGqkO9WGq3RdLmXKh7rZLXG
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!
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash
  • Shoutouts
    • LOTS of new volunteer opportunities, see below!
    • Continuing ed: Fruit Tree Pruning workshop
      • 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
    • Containers needed: BCMGA  is putting together a display garden at the fairgrounds to show various types of edible vegetables, flowers and herbs that can be grown in containers.  We are looking for large (18” or larger) decorative pots for the garden, preferably ceramic or terra cotta.  If you have any extra pots that you can donate, please send a photo of the pots and an indication of size to Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net
  • 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.
    • BCMG Greenhouse Help: It’s time to begin growing veggies in the greenhouse at Philomath High School for the annual plant sale on May 7. Enroll HERE.
    • Presentation: Corvallis CERT (Community Emergency Response  Team) in Corvallis, Oregon is seeking a presentation for a group of volunteers that are interested in learning more about gardening, non-invasive species, native plants and more, as part of emergency response! If interested, please contact Elizabeth Records.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public as of January 2022, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Desk is open for solo volunteers, or grab our ipad and mini microscopes and work in the conference room with a friend. Sign up HERE.
  • Continuing education opportunities:
    • BEEvent – save the date: Sat. March 5, 2022. Learn more & sign up February 2022 at linnmastergardeners.com
    • 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.
    • New! 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.)

Benton MGV eNews

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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.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public as of January 2022, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Desk is open for solo volunteers, or grab our ipad and mini miscroscopes and work in the conference room with a friend. Sign up HERE.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:
    • BEEvent – save the date: Sat. March 5, 2022. Learn more & sign up February 2022 at linnmastergardeners.com
    • 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.
    • New! 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.  This year’s schedule: 

February 8: The Science and Practice of Seed Starting: Secrets to success when growing by seed with Dennis Brown 

March 8: Local Beauties: Native Plants for Ecologically Enhanced Gardens and Landscapes with Nikkie West, Kathryn Prive and Rick Martinson 

April 12: Plant Grow Harvest Repeat: Succession Planting with Meg McAndrews Cowden 

May 10: Growing Great Roses! with Mark Windham 

June 14: Irrigation Choices and Design with Alec Kowalewski 

July 12: Best Ecological Ways to Control Pests with Silvia Rondon, Chris Hedstrom and Isaac Sandlin of the Oregon IPM Center 

August 9: Should You Leave Your Leaves? How autumn yard maintenance affects overwintering insects with Max Ferlauto 

September 13: Compost Can-do: develop a system that meets your needs with Linda Brewer 

October 11: Soil Fertility and Nutrient Cycling in Garden Beds & Home Landscapes with Gordon Jones 

November 8: TBA 

Linn MGV eNews

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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.
  • Shoutouts
    • LCMGA Board Meetings Time: Feb 1, 2022 01:00 PM on Zoom. See your email for a reminder with link the morning of the meeting!
  • BEEvent – save the date: Sat. March 5, 2022. Learn more & sign up February 2022 at linnmastergardeners.com
    • Continuing education opportunities:
      • 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.
      • New! 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.  This year’s schedule: 

February 8: The Science and Practice of Seed Starting: Secrets to success when growing by seed with Dennis Brown 

March 8: Local Beauties: Native Plants for Ecologically Enhanced Gardens and Landscapes with Nikkie West, Kathryn Prive and Rick Martinson 

April 12: Plant Grow Harvest Repeat: Succession Planting with Meg McAndrews Cowden 

May 10: Growing Great Roses! with Mark Windham 

June 14: Irrigation Choices and Design with Alec Kowalewski 

July 12: Best Ecological Ways to Control Pests with Silvia Rondon, Chris Hedstrom and Isaac Sandlin of the Oregon IPM Center 

August 9: Should You Leave Your Leaves? How autumn yard maintenance affects overwintering insects with Max Ferlauto 

September 13: Compost Can-do: develop a system that meets your needs with Linda Brewer 

October 11: Soil Fertility and Nutrient Cycling in Garden Beds & Home Landscapes with Gordon Jones 

November 8: TBA 

  • Extension updates:
    • We have a full class of applicants for 2022! Thanks to everyone who joined us for Master Gardener Meet & Greets! We have a great group of applicants and you showed them why Master Gardener is important to you!
  • 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 eNews

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Meet & greet
You’re invited: MGV 2022 Applicant Meet & Greets! This is a good opportunity to meet potential trainees, learn about their interests, and share what you enjoy about volunteering as a Master Gardener. A link to meetings will be in eNews.

Tue 1/18/2022 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Wed 1/19/2022 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Thu 1/20/2022 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Sat 1/22/2022 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Shoutouts
    • BEEvent – save the date: Sat. March 5, 2022. Learn more & sign up February 2022 at linnmastergardeners.com
    • Movie and Discussion: The Ants and the Grasshopper, and a climate change discussion for gardeners with Vivek Shandas. Join us for the 40th anniversary of OSU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, when we will gather virtually to reflect upon environmental justice as a component to achieving social justice.  We will watch the documentary that chronicles Anita Chitaya’s story, “The Ants and the Grasshopper”. Afterward, stay for a live discussion with Dr. Vivek Shandas about climate change effects on vulnerable communities, the intersection of climate change and social justice, and what role gardeners can play to promote healthier living environments for all.
    • Heather Stoven on Biological Pesticides. January BCMGA Association Meeting 2022 (Open to the public) Monday Jan 24. Join guest speaker Heather Stoven. Heather will give a presentation about “biological pesticides”. While something like rotenone has been around forever, there are new agents involving plant extracts, bacterial cultures, etc., that are becoming available to farmers and home gardeners in recent years, offering an alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. Zoom in to learn more about these new developments and about uses and limitations.
      • Register in advance for this meeting HERE. After registering, will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 
  • Volunteers needed
  • Continuing education: It’s winter and most live events are on holiday. Take some ‘you time’ to learn something new in our huge library of recorded webinars.
  • Extension updates:
    • Master Gardeners join 40th anniversary of OSU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service exploring the intersection of climate change and social justice. How will you use your day of service? Read the whole article HERE.
    • We have a full class of applicants for 2022 but are inviting people to join the wait list until 1/15.
  • 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.)
    • 2022 Soil Amendment Sale Now Open!
      • More than just soil amendments! We also offer a wide selection of propagation supplies, organic pest controls, cover crop seeds, and poultry/livestock supplies.
    • Order with us to get bulk pricing and save on freight charges. We’ll group your order with those of other local farmers and gardeners so we all share in the savings. Proceeds help support Ten Rivers Food Web.
      • Here’s how it works:
        • Order online: Through January 31st.
        • Pick up your items: March 5th, 9am – Noon and 1 – 4pm, at the Benton County Fairgrounds

Linn MGV eNews

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Linn MGV Celebration & Recognition is set for December 8 @7PM on Zoom. Send Bobbye Rainey your photos of your garden activities – whether with MGVs or on your own – to share in our celebration slideshow.
Interesting insects, brilliant blooms, smiling faces – anything to bring some cheer!
  • Shout outs
    • Congratulations, Erin Steinke! Erin persisted through the challenges of the past 20 months and earned Master Gardener certification! Thank you Erin for your contributions to Oregon Season Tracker, plant clinic help, engagement with LCMGA and all you do!
    • Vote for LCMGA board members by 11/23! LCMGA members will get a link and password to vote securely online.
  • Volunteers needed
  • Continuing education: It’s nearly winter so things are quite. Take a moment to learn something new in our huge library of recorded webinars.
  • Extension updates:
    • Master Gardener applications for 2022 are open, with a new more flexible schedule and sliding scale pricing. Know someone who is ready to step up as a gardening educator or plant clinic researcher? They can find more information and apply HERE. Applications are coming in fast – folks who apply sooner have a better chance of joining us next year.
    • Helpful this week: Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard. Provides general rules for training, pruning, and limb bending, and explains open-center, central-leader, and espalier training. Outlines specific guidelines for training and pruning apple, pear, sweet cherry, sour cherry, peach, prune, plum, apricot, fig, persimmon, walnut, hazelnut, and chestnut trees. Includes 17 figures that illustrate various techniques.
  • 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 opportunities for future eNews.

Linn MGV eNews

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2021 is a year like no other. Share your thoughts and help find creative ways to celebrate Master Gardener achievements this year. Take the survey.
  • Shout outs
  • Volunteers needed
    • New! Highschool presentation – Harrisburg High School Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor is seeking a MGV to present on any of a range of horticulture topics. Various days, times and presentation themes available, and presentation could be live or Zoomed. If this interests you please contact Elizabeth! 
    • 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.
    • 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 unless noted with $)
    • Happening now: Mason bee cocoon care workshops for the Willamette Valley are back this fall! Watch a fun instructional movie on your own schedule to learn how you can have three times as many bees through basic cocoon care. Then join a cocoon care Q&A to troubleshoot the pests and parasites that attack mason bees, along with emeritus entomologist Rich Little and the Linn MGV Pollinator Project members. Sign up for October Q&As.
    • Oct 19 @6:30 pm – 7:30 pm PDT Online – Design a Sustainable Garden: A Beginner’s Guide
    • New ($): “Gardening for Resilience”, the annual UVM Extension Master Gardener conference, will be held virtually on November 5-6, 2021, with recordings available to all registered participants. The conference is for everyone who loves to garden in Vermont and beyond. This year, an amazing lineup of speakers will teach about  indigenous agricultural practices and their application in today’s gardens, how mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant health, heirloom plant cultivation, food resiliency, and how to develop community connections through gardens. For a complete description of the education sessions and speaker backgrounds, and to register, click on this LINK.
  • Extension updates.
    • Can Oregon Master Gardeners Answer Hemp or Cannabis Questions?  If someone calls the Master Gardener help desk, or submits a question through the Ask an Expert Service, can Master Gardener volunteers provide advice or support for growing hemp or cannabis? The short answer is ‘no’. 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.)
    • None this week.

Benton MGV eNews

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MGV Project show and tell! Are you looking for a way to get better acquainted with fellow Master Gardeners while working on projects together, often safely outdoors? A way to serve your local community? Or have you wondered about all the committees that the Benton County Master Gardener Association has and what they do? Join us Monday evening, October 18, at 7:00 PM to hear a panel representing many of those committees, ask questions, and learn how you can join in their work. Following this discussion, we will elect new officers to serve the Association next year. Find a link to this event in your email!

  • Shout outs
    • Elect BCMGA board members for the next service year on October 18 at 7PM. Also attend for an overview of Master Gardener projects looking for volunteers, detailed above.

MOST CURRENT SLATE:

  • Past President–Deb Kern
  • President–Jana Tindall 
  • President Elect–Mary Mellard
  • Secretary (sharing position)–Cynthia Roler & Wendi Gale
  • Treasurer (sharing positions) Lynne Trimpe & Paula Lupcho
  • VP Programs—Janet Magedanz
  • At Large–Alan Taylor, Fred Prahal & Frank Garcia
  • It is just about three weeks until the close of the service year, on 10/31! Everyone who would like to participate in any volunteer activities in 2022, needs to re-enroll by reviewing Guide to Volunteering 2022 and completing annual program agreements. Everyone on this list should have received a DocuSign via email, or if requested, will soon receive a hard copy. Not sure about re-enrolling? Check out some common questions and answers. If you have questions not answered here please contact Elizabeth Records.
  • Volunteers needed – Visit the Benton County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for recurring events.
    • This week: – Plant propagation – donations and divisions. Many dates and times – drop in and sign up when you arrive. See full schedule.
    • Garden writing opportunity!  The BCMGA is looking for someone to prepare a monthly posting for the Neighborhood Plant Kiosk.  The posting generally relates to tasks to be completed in the garden for the following month (which can be found online) and generally takes approximately two hours to prepare.  Time preparing the post qualifies for volunteer service for certification purposes.  If interested, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or 541 760-0523.
    • Mountain View Elementary School Garden: The current emphasis is to get all students and teachers involved in the garden. A grade appropriate lesson in plant propagation is followed with the students planting in the garden. If possible, the lessons are scheduled so that the students can harvest before school is out in June. Fall crops can be harvested shortly after the September start of school, if that grade is still enrolled at the school. Please contact Glen Canning if you are interested.
    • Community Garden Action Team & Seed to Supper: Teaching hands-on gardening to underserved community members. Contact Judith Kenner if interested.
  • Continuing education (free to MGVs unless noted with $)
    • Happening now: Mason bee cocoon care workshops for the Willamette Valley are back this fall! Watch a fun instructional movie on your own schedule to learn how you can have three times as many bees through basic cocoon care. Then join a cocoon care Q&A to troubleshoot the pests and parasites that attack mason bees, along with emeritus entomologist Rich Little and the Linn MGV Pollinator Project members. Sign up for October Q&As.
    • New ($): “Gardening for Resilience”, the annual UVM Extension Master Gardener conference, will be held virtually on November 5-6, 2021, from 12-3:30 pm each day with recordings available to all registered participants. The conference is for everyone who loves to garden in Vermont and beyond. This year, an amazing lineup of speakers will teach about  indigenous agricultural practices and their application in today’s gardens, how mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant health, heirloom plant cultivation, food resiliency, and how to develop community connections through gardens. For a complete description of the education sessions and speaker backgrounds, and to register, click on this LINK.
    • Nov 9 @3:00 pm – 4:00 pm PST Online: Health Soils for Healthy People | Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series
  • BCMGA updates are now found in the President’s mailings.
  • Extension updates.
    • Can Oregon Master Gardeners Answer Hemp or Cannabis Questions? This question comes up, repeatedly, throughout the year. If someone calls the Master Gardener help desk, or submits a question through the Ask an Expert Service, can Master Gardener volunteers provide advice or support for growing hemp or cannabis? The short answer is ‘no’. 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.)
    • None this week.

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.