Tag Archives: Program updates

Benton 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.

BCMGA Membership Meeting: The first membership meeting of the new year will be held on Monday, January 30 in the Sunset Room of the Sunset Building. It will also be available via Zoom. Please enter by the east side door rather than the front entrance if you attend in person. The speaker will be Stephanie Hazen who will discuss Monarch Butterflies and plants that support them beyond Milkweed. Doors open at 6:30, the program begins at 7:00. Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplash
  • Shout outs
    • 1/24 & 1/26 – Learn About the Oregon Season Tracker Program! Are you interested in how the seasons change throughout Oregon? The OSU Extension Oregon Season Tracker program engages volunteer observers across the state who report their local precipitation patterns and plant phenology by monitoring rain gauges and observing native plants in their backyards, farms, woodlands, and schools. Join us to learn more about the Oregon Season Tracker community science program – including how the data contributions help climate science researchers in Oregon and beyond and how you can volunteer! Webinars will be hosted on January 24, 2-3 pm, and January 26, 6-7 pm. Learn more and register at: https://beav.es/5BV. A recording will be sent out to those who register but are unable to attend, for any questions please contact Sarah at sarah.cameron@oregonstate.edu.  Report service as Citizen Science: indirect.
    • Insights into Gardening is sold out! Wow! For folks who are sad that they missed this, invite them to check out our many other great events.
  • BCMGA News
    • OSU Extension Needs Assessment Committee and OMGA Advocacy Committee: BCMGA member Judith Kenner is serving on these two committees. The Needs Assessment group will be sending out a questionnaire to all Master Gardeners. Please take the time to do it. It will provide vital information to inform the OSU Extension administration about Master Gardener program needs. OMGA Advocacy group is launching a campaign to push for more state funding for Extension programs. They are asking MGs to contact their legislators to ask that Extension funding be increased. See the 6-month action plan and time line in the link. It is not too soon to start now. This is extremely important to the future vitality of Master Gardeners and Extension as a whole. View the presentation here.
  • Volunteer opportunities
    • Grow a LatinX Garden!
      • For the past three years, a group of Master Gardeners has maintained an educational demo garden at Calvin Community Garden next to Calvin Presbyterian Church. The crops in this garden are carefully selected to be culturally appropriate for LatinX communities, crops with which many of us were unfamiliar, like chilacayote and epazote, as well as tomatoes, peppers, and tomatillos. Produce donations to Food Banks have averaged 500 pounds per year.
      • BCMGA paid for the construction of six raised beds at the garden. We use those beds as well as one large in-ground garden plot to raise the vegetables. With the departure of some of the Master Gardeners who helped with the Calvin garden, we are in search of Master Gardeners or Master Gardener Trainees who could help us to maintain those gardens by planting, weeding, watering and/or harvesting.
      • If you have a couple of hours a week to donate to this effort, we would LOVE to talk more with you. If you happen speak Spanish, even better, although that’s not a requirement. We share the work with a flexible schedule to accommodate times that are convenient for you including weekends. We need to know by the end of February or early March that we have a minimal crew to support this garden or we will have to discontinue our efforts.
      • We have offered educational workshops in Spanish as well. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the broader community, use your Spanish language skills and have a lot of fun. We would like to continue the tradition. This is another opportunity that is a more concentrated effort. Spanish is not required for support roles.
      • If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Ellen Tappon, eltapp@gmail.com, or Lynn Trimpe, trimpelynn@gmail.com.
    • Demo Garden 2023 is starting up! On Tuesday, January 24, 12-3, we are planning projects, selecting vegetables and discussing new growing ideas. The planning meeting is at the Extension office in the conference room. Potluck first, discussion second. If you’re interested in volunteering at the Demo Garden, at the Benton County Fairgrounds come and help us figure out what we’re going to do. We love to have new members and if you have ideas for projects, even better.
    • Questions? Call or text Rosalind at 541-908-3991 or Dan at 805-490-1014.
    • NEW! The Plant Sale Propagation team will be seeding many new fun and interesting perennials at the Philomath High School Greenhouse, 2054 Applegate St Saturday, January 28 -10am-12pm (We’re trying another weekend date for MGs that work or can’t attend during the week.) All MGs are welcome to come help! Please reach out to Leslie, lesliehauser107@gmail.com, if you have any questions or need help finding the greenhouse.
    • Plant Problem Scenarios 2023 – Calling all returning Master Gardeners! Join the fun! Meet and get to know the 2023 Master Gardeners Trainees and help prepare them for the help desk and clinic tables. Are you a  recent graduate? Participating as a facilitator in Plant Problem Scenarios will be an excellent way to get acquainted with experienced facilitators.  And our introduction/refresher sessions for facilitating the scenarios will not only sharpen up your skills but also be a fantastic time for new and experienced MGs to socialize.
      •  For the 2023 trainees, we will be conducting four scenario sessions in February (Feb 2, 9, 16, 23) from (10:30  to 11:45  ) in the Benton County Extension Sunset room.  Each session will end with a presentation by 2-3 committee chairs and a brown bag meet and greet.  The facilitators will work in teams of 2.  Don’t worry if you are new to PPS, we will pair you up with someone who is experienced. Note: You do not have to attend all four sessions! (Although we would love it if you did!) Learn more and sign up HERE.Contact Deb Kern (NewfandCardi@gmail.com) or Ann Brodie (annbrodie143@comcast.net) for more details. 
    • The Public Seed Library is a new collaborative project of the Benton County Master Gardeners and the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, with the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library serving as the host partner. The free, volunteer-run Public Seed Library is expected to open at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library downtown by March ’23. Learn more and donate seeds. New volunteer opportunities coming soon!
    • Volunteer for Insights into Gardening: Saturday, February 11, 2023. Insights into Gardening is coming and we need your skills, and you need volunteer hours for 2023! Registration opens on January 2nd for the classes. As you are thinking about the classes you want to take at Insights, you can also sign up for a needed task. Many of the tasks allow you to attend classes but you must register in advance. Any questions about volunteering for a specific task, contact Susan Hoffman, shoff@peak.org.
      • SIGN UP HERE. Note there are two tabs with different jobs on each.
    • Help kids learn cultural connection and conservation at dual immersion schools in Corvallis! The Willamette-Laja Twinning Partnership needs Master Gardener expertise for planning bird/pollinator and food gardens, and leading school volunteers and students in successfully installing the gardens. To learn more please contact Elza.
    • Community science – Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Explore and sign up. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”. 
  • 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.)
    • Soil Amendment Sale: Order soil amendments and feed the microbes, fungi, and other members of the soil micro-herd, who will in turn help feed your plants and give you a bountiful harvest! 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.

Linn MG eNews

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Have your friends or family always wanted to volunteer as community gardening educators? Invite them to apply to become Master Gardeners! The 2023 training combines online coursework with in-person plant problem scenarios and county-based garden labs – led by returning volunteers. Learn more and apply HERE by 12/31/2022.

  • Shout outs
    • 11/19 Master Gardener Celebration and Graduation. 2-4pm in Tangent. Small bites & treats potluck + awards. To RSVP CLICK HERE.
      • Got photos of fun MG events this year? To get them included in the slideshow, send them to Betty Goergen: goergenb (at) gmail.com
    • Thank you everyone for reporting service hours and re-enrolling!
      • Linn MGs and trainees completed 3820 service hours and 381 continuing education hours during the past year! They made 6,028 contacts. Congratulations!
    • If you want to participate in 2023 but still haven’t RSVP’d, please complete the DocuSign in your email. If you need paper forms or have questions please call Elizabeth: 541.730.3471
    • Trivia tournament with valuable prizes: November 17, 2022, 6-7pm, Bad Ash Bugs: Invasive and wood-boring insects of the PNW
  • Volunteer opportunities
    • New opportunities coming soon!
    • GARDEN EDUCATION CLASSES Help develop gardening classes at the Demo Garden for 2023. We have two beds set aside at the Demo Garden and two beds at Willamette Community Garden to use to teach gardening classes. Classes will start early 2023 and will be similar to Seed to Supper but with a hands on approach. Want to help design the classes email me, Betty at goergenb@gmail.com. Perfect way to earn Direct Education hours.
    • Community science. Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Explore and sign up. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”. 
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
  • 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.

You’re invited: keep growing with us

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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.

Dear Master Gardeners,

I’m sharing this again in case you missed it earlier. You are invited to participate as a Master Gardener in 2022-2023!

  • Welcome back to all those who volunteered in 2021-2022!
  • Haven’t participated for a while? Not sure about next year? You can still re-enroll.
  • Are you a trainee on an extended service plan? Did you defer enrollment in 2022? Re-enroll now as your next step towards earning Master Gardener certification.

Whatever your role, you are essential and appreciated!

As always we are supporting our communities with garden education and more. I hope you’ll consider joining us. Here are the steps:

  • Log any service hours you completed, by 10/31/2022
  • Review the updated Volunteer Success Sourcebook, HERE.
  • Then check your email for directions and a DocuSign to re-enroll. Don’t see it? Check Spam or All Mail.
  • Please complete your re-enrollment before 11/1/2022.
  • County Master Gardener Associations, the non-profit collaborators of the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program, are currently accepting membership dues.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about re-enrolling in the Master Gardener Programs of Linn and Benton Counties. Please reach out with any other questions: 541-730-3471.

Best wishes for volunteering and gardening —

PS – don’t forget to RSVP for the Celebration and Graduation on November 19 in Tangent. All are welcome. To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Elizabeth Records – Program staff

Benton Master Gardener eNews

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Small bites & treats potluck
+ awards

To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Saturday, November 19, 2022 @2-4PM
Event Address:  Central Electrical Training Center Tangent, OR 97389
Contact: Elizabeth Records, program staff: elizabeth.records@oregonstate.edu 541-730-3471

We gather to honor your achievements as a Master Gardener volunteer and celebrate what our community can do together.
Be recognized for your commitment to growing knowledge, gardens, and communities.
Enjoy a dessert/small bites social (please bring something to share and label food suitable for particular dietary restrictions).
Celebrate our graduating class of new Master Gardeners.
Honor volunteer achievement with awards and prizes.
Family, friends and loved ones welcome. To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Best from your hosts—
Linn County Master Gardener Association
OSU Extension Service Master Gardener Program

with support from–
Benton County Master Gardener Association
  • Shout outs
    • Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31.
      • Log your hours 
      • Are you a trainee who needs help completing your service? I can email you plant clinic questions on demand!
      • Questions about completing your service? Schedule a visit about volunteering or contact Elizabeth Records: elizabeth.records (at) oregonstate.edu, 541-730-3471.
  • BCMGA News
    • The Fall 2022 OMGA (Oregon Master Gardener Association) newsletter, ‘The Gardener’s Pen’ is now out. Please take a moment to review the newsletter, which includes important updates on OMGA advocacy to improve MG Program funding.
    • Meetings: Please see member email for meeting locations in person and/or online.
      • 10/24 Membership meeting. The October membership meeting will be on Monday, October 24 rather than October 17.
        • Vote for 2023 BCMGA board members
        • Learn how to identify and report emerald ash borer with Jennifer Killian, City of Corvallis Urban Forester.
  • Volunteer opportunities:
    • Cocoon Care – Trainees welcome! Volunteer to help at Fall 2022 Mason Bee Cocoon Harvesting Classes. 10/8-10/25 (sites and times, including Corvallis). Assist instructors, support learners, and sell supplies. Some shifts are evenings or weekends. Learn more and RSVP. Report service as “instructor: direct”.
    • New! 10/25-11/3 Dig & Divide days for the BCMGA Plant sale. The Plant Sale Team is working on growing the inventory for our May 2023 sale NOW! We are hoping to reach this year’s goal of 40% of the plants in our inventory coming from Dig and Divides. That’s still a LOT of plants that need to get potted up in a very short time frame and we need help to do it. Please consider coming to some of the upcoming work sessions listed below. Contact Leslie Hauser at lesliehauser107 (at) gmail.com or 702-340-6513, if you have any questions or need help finding us.
      • Tuesday, October 25 10:00am – Dig at Jennifer Klammer’s Garden, 3343 NW Silktassel Dr.11:15am – Divide at Nellie Oehler’s farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
      • Thursday, October 27 11:15am – Divide only on this day at Nellie Oehler’s Farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
      • Monday, October 31 10:00am – Dig at Alsie Campbell’s Garden, 1403 NW Alta Vista Dr. 11:15am – Divide at Nellie Oehler’s farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
      • Thursday, November 3 10:00am – Dig at Calvin Community Garden, 1310 NW Cleveland Ave.11:15am – Divide at Nellie Oehler’s farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
    • Community science. Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Explore and sign up. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”. 
    • Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public on weekdays, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Sign up HERE. 
    • Demonstration Garden 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 (at) comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix (at) verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • 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.)
    • NEW – Prairie Plant Grant Opportunity! ***Apply by October 27th*** Do you have a volunteer project coming up this fall to plant a native prairie garden in a community space? This grant is not only for upland prairie plant diversity and the insects and other organisms that rely on it, but also for the human community. Learn more and apply.
    • NEW farm to school booster grants DUE November 8, 2022. Up to $2,000 for school garden projects (and maybe community garden projects)! Short application! Learn more and apply.

Linn Master Gardener eNews

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

Bookmark our page

Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities

https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/
  • Invasive alerts
    • Jumping worms: Rich Little has confirmed the presence of invasive jumping worms in the Linn MGV Demonstration garden. Worms and their tiny cocoons move around in soil and plant materials. These worms destroy soil structure. Once introduced control options are very limited. When you visit the demo garden please check in with lead volunteers on appropriate precautions.
      • Now is a good time for all volunteers to review how to identify jumping worms and discuss how to prevent their spread. Earn 0.5 hours of continuing education for each of these activities:
        • reviewing this resource and sharing three takeaways when you report to VRS.
        • sharing best practices to prevent jumping worms in local MGV and partner projects through a chat with fellow volunteers or project partners.
    • Emerald ash borer is now in Oregon. It has the potential to devastate habitat and reduce urban forest cover. It is deadly to all ash species in North America and Europe. It’s important to learn what emerald ash borer looks like and to report sightings. We’ve gathered information to help you identify them, how to report them, and know what to look for. Please share this information with others. https://beav.es/ih2
  • Shoutouts
    • Rich Little entomology learning opportunities:
      • Diagnostics desk sessions/Office plant clinic. Thursdays 1-3 – learn how to identify and solve insect and plant issues with longtime MGVs Rich and Susan. These two are retired scientists and coordinates of the BEEvent pollinator conference. Sign up and make sure to bring a sample to work on if there’s not one from a client.
      • NEW – Save the dates for live workshops on August 18th from 10 am to 12 noon, and September 15th 6-8 pm. These will be at the Linn Extension Office and open to both Linn and Benton County Master Gardeners. Sign up coming soon.
  • Volunteers needed
    • New dates at Linn County Fair and Mennonite Village: Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE.
      • Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
    • Sign up now: 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits will be mailed to participants as soon as they are available. Learn more and RSVP.
      • Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 10:00am-12:00pm. 
      • Report service as Educational Garden (Maintenance): Indirect.
  • Continuing education opportunities:    
    • Drop-in classes In the Demo Garden (free). Master Gardeners are teaming up to discuss gardening. Each session features a short talk, demonstrations and valuable information to take home.
      • Planting your Garden—How and when to prepare the soil, plant, and transplant vegetables and ornamentals. June 30th Thursday 6 pm
      • Container Gardening—Growing in containers unleashes possibilities for gardening in a small space. July 9th Saturday 10 am
      • Plant a Fall Garden —It is not too late to plant a garden to enjoy in fall through winter. August 11th Thursday 6 pm
      • Growing & Using Herbs—Learn to start, grow and care for perennial and annual herbs. August 27th Saturday 10 am
      • Harvesting Fruits & Vegetables—How to determine the peak flavor and ripeness of fruits and vegetables. Sept 8th Thursday 10 am and 6 pm
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • OSU Plant Clinic has moved! This fee-for-service clinic is now located in Room 2614 of Cordley Hall. Please address all future packages and checks to the below address: OSU Plant Clinic, 2614 Cordley Hall, 2701 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331

Linn MGV eNews

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Through the Garden Gate - 21st Annual Tour. Saturday June 18th 2022 10:00 to 4:00 For the first time since 2019! Six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets ($15) on sale May 1 at linnmastergardeners.com Or in person starting at 9:30 AM June 18, Albany Visitor’s Center 250 Broadalbin St. SW. Your ticket purchase supports gardening & pollinator education. OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by two weeks ahead of the event to Elizabeth Records, 541-730-3471 or elizabeth.records@oregonstate.edu
Save the date for Through the Garden Gate! Volunteer opportunities and tickets coming soon.
  • Shoutouts
    • NEW! Trainees and returning volunteers! Linn County Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Upcoming dates at Farmers Markets and more to come.
      • Sign up HERE.
      • Interested in scheduling booth at the Lebanon Farmers Market? Please contact Elizabeth.
    • Save the dates:
      • PNW Gardening Series returns
        • May 19: Don Lyon — seed starting
        • June 2: Rich Little — insects
  • Did you miss the 8th Annual BEEvent Pollinator Conference? You can still register at www.LinnMasterGardeners.com to access the great information shared by the experts. The recorded conference is now available for you to watch at your convenience.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – help plan the Linn County demonstration garden for 2022 and get involved in this fun hands-on project. For more information contact raneewebb66 (at) gmail.com
    • Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  Get volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • Speakers’ bureau – are you an organized, outgoing person interested in helping connect interested volunteers with community organizations needing gardening education? Please contact Elizabeth Records.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Job: The Oregon State University Division of Extension and Engagement invites applications for a full-time Office Specialist 1 for the OSU Extension Service Benton County Office. This position is located in Corvallis, Oregon.This Office Specialist 1 is a member of the OSU Extension Benton County Office support team and contributes to a welcoming and respectful workplace culture. This position provides routine office support tasks for the OSU Extension Benton County Office. The Office Specialist provides educational resources and general assistance to Extension clients and/or refers clients to the appropriate faculty or staff member. The ability to travel is required to perform office-related errands such as picking up or delivering materials to the OSU main campus, supply stores, printing and mailing. https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/116390
    • Got Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs? Donate them for research! Jana Lee, a research entomologist at OSU, has a postdoc student needing brown marmorated stink bugs for his research, Ryan Paul. We would be willing to stop by local homes to collect any BMSB where people see them, or pick up any container with them.  If any BMSB are put into a container, they need air since they will ‘stink’ themselves to death in a closed container.  There should also be a wet towel, and some food like carrot stick, bean, apple slice or grape. If you have stink bugs, contact:
      • Jana Lee, Research Entomologist  jana.lee@usda.gov
      • Paul Ryan ryanp@oregonstate.edu

Linn MGV eNews

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

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

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

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

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

– Elizabeth Records – program coordinator (interim)

  • Shoutouts
    • Did you miss the 8th Annual BEEvent Pollinator Conference? You can still register at www.LinnMasterGardeners.com to access the great information shared by the experts. The recorded conference is now available for you to watch at your convenience.
    • Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 1:00-3:00.  The first priority will be weeding.  For now parking will be in the parking lot behind the Expo buildings.  Go all the way along the back to get to the Demo Garden.  We are also working on setting up a few Saturday work parties.  Those who have expressed an interest in Saturday’s will get an e-mail soon with more details.   When the afternoons start getting hot, we will switch to morning hours.  Get your volunteer hours by helping make the Demo Garden look great.  
    • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • eNews spring schedule: MGV eNews for Linn County volunteers will be published second and fourth Thursdays with occasional updates inbetween.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – help plan the Linn County demonstration garden for 2022 and get involved in this fun hands-on project. For more information contact raneewebb66 (at) gmail.com
    • In-person outdoor community plant clinics coming up this spring to a garden center near you. Locations and times still TBD – likely Saturdays, with an opportunity to engage trainees. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Records.
    • Speakers’ bureau: are you an organized, outgoing person interested in helping connect interested volunteers with community organizations needing gardening education? Please contact Elizabeth Records.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
  • Continuing education opportunities
    • BEEvent – tickets to view recordings are available at linnmastergardeners.com
    • OSU Extension Master Gardeners announce 2022 Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series schedule It’s a new year and a new slate of free online learning webinars with Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series. Whether you want to learn how to finally be better with your irrigation, understand if cleaning up leaves in the fall is really good or not so good for the insects in the garden, or get excited for all things roses, there’s a class for you.  
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
    • April 12: Plant Grow Harvest Repeat: Succession Planting
    • May 10: Growing Great Roses!
    • June 14: Irrigation Choices and Design for the Home Garden and Landscape 
    • Find more HERE.
  • Extension News
    • Dr. Staci Simonich is appointed as Oregon State University’s new Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, effective March 28. Read the post.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Benton County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale is back live and in person, scheduled for May 7 from 9-3! This big plant sale is worth visiting Corvallis! https://www.bentonmg.org/plant-sale

Benton MGV eNews

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

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

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

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

– Elizabeth Records – program coordinator (interim)

  • Shoutouts
    • March 2022 Membership Meeting. Time: Mar 21, 2022 07:00 PM
      Join us as we listen to Sharon Knight of Garland Nursery speak about various new items available to enhance your gardening experience – from new fertilizers to new tools. The presentation will be a live event from the barn at Garland Nursery. See members email for the link to join.
  • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • eNews spring schedule: MGV eNews for Benton County volunteers will be published first and third Thursdays. Second and fourth Thursdays, look for a newsletter from BCMGA board president.
    • LOTS of new volunteer opportunities, see below!
    • 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
    • The 2022 Plant Sale is on! This is BCMGA’s biggest and only fundraiser this year to support all our education programs. It takes many volunteers to make this event a success. If you are not comfortable working with the public, there are still plenty of opportunities to help. Please mark your calendars to “save the dates”.
      • Friday, May 6: Loading and unloading plants/Sale set up
      • Saturday, May 7: Sale All day and Clean Up
        • Leslie Hauser, this year’s Volunteer Coordinator, is already beginning to fill the lead positions. Contact her at lesliehauser107@gmail.com or 702-340-6513 if you have worked one of the lead positions at a previous sale and would like to continue in that role.
    • The Grow Team is looking for volunteers to help start seeds at the Philomath High School greenhouses to have plants ready for the annual plant sale on May 7. Please follow the link to Sign Up Genius to volunteer to help with seed starting. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C45AAAE2AA57-bcmg1
    • The Outreach Committee is seeking a volunteer to coordinate clinic tables at local nurseries and related businesses this spring/summer. These are similar to the clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market except they can happen on weekdays, weekends or evenings. It is a great opportunity to connect with the community, and an easy way for our MGs and trainees to gain experience and hours. If you are interested in this position, please contact either Bob Smythe at smytherobert1@gmail.com or Nancy Tovar at njtovar@gmail.com
    • Mentors needed! We have a full class of people about to start training to become Master Gardeners. Mentors are key to helping these folks become effective problem solvers, as well as part of the Master Gardener community. At this time, mentors and trainees are unable to work together at the help desk in the Extension office but can do so in the conference room. They can also meet virtually from anywhere. Training for mentors is being updated to make these meetings easier, using new resources as well as refinements of the virtual help desk. There is a place for continuing Master Gardeners to serve at all levels, from working at the traditional desk to those totally online, so please volunteer to mentor the next generation and keep Master Gardeners thriving. Contact Alan Taylor, Mentor Committee chair, at tayloala@peak.org or 541-929-4141.
    • 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, 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.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:
    • BEEvent – ticket sales for the live webinar have closed, but 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:
  • 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.)
    • Evening Garden Club accepts applications for 2022 Grants Program: Corvallis Evening Garden Club is accepting applications until March 30, 2022.The Evening Garden Club supports the expansion of gardening, education and beautification in the Corvallis community through its Grants Program. The EGC offers grants to Benton County nonprofit organizations to carry out worthy gardening related projects. To learn more about the program and to apply please visit our website: https://corvalliseveninggardenclub.org/grants/

Benton MGV eNews

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Save the date! In-person plant sale is back for 2022! See Volunteer opportunities for a chance to help grow plants for this fundraiser!
  • 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
    • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • eNews spring schedule: MGV eNews for Benton County volunteers will be published first and third Thursdays. Second and fourth Thursdays, look for a newsletter from BCMGA board president.
    • LOTS of new volunteer opportunities, see below!
    • 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
    • The 2022 Plant Sale is on! This is BCMGA’s biggest and only fundraiser this year to support all our education programs. It takes many volunteers to make this event a success. If you are not comfortable working with the public, there are still plenty of opportunities to help. Please mark your calendars to “save the dates”.
      • Friday, May 6: Loading and unloading plants/Sale set up
      • Saturday, May 7: Sale All day and Clean Up
        • Leslie Hauser, this year’s Volunteer Coordinator, is already beginning to fill the lead positions. Contact her at lesliehauser107@gmail.com or 702-340-6513 if you have worked one of the lead positions at a previous sale and would like to continue in that role.
    • The Grow Team is looking for volunteers to help start seeds at the Philomath High School greenhouses to have plants ready for the annual plant sale on May 7. Please follow the link to Sign Up Genius to volunteer to help with seed starting. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C45AAAE2AA57-bcmg1
    • The Outreach Committee is seeking a volunteer to coordinate clinic tables at local nurseries and related businesses this spring/summer. These are similar to the clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market except they can happen on weekdays, weekends or evenings. It is a great opportunity to connect with the community, and an easy way for our MGs and trainees to gain experience and hours. If you are interested in this position, please contact either Bob Smythe at smytherobert1@gmail.com or Nancy Tovar at njtovar@gmail.com
    • Mentors needed! We have a full class of people about to start training to become Master Gardeners. Mentors are key to helping these folks become effective problem solvers, as well as part of the Master Gardener community. At this time, mentors and trainees are unable to work together at the help desk in the Extension office but can do so in the conference room. They can also meet virtually from anywhere. Training for mentors is being updated to make these meetings easier, using new resources as well as refinements of the virtual help desk. There is a place for continuing Master Gardeners to serve at all levels, from working at the traditional desk to those totally online, so please volunteer to mentor the next generation and keep Master Gardeners thriving. Contact Alan Taylor, Mentor Committee chair, at tayloala@peak.org or 541-929-4141.
    • 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, 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.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:
    • BEEvent – ticket sales for the live webinar have closed, but shortly tickets to view recordings will be available 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.
    • 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.)
    • Do you have an edible garden? Consider being a host on the Edible Garden Tour. Please respond to this survey if interested: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FTPKW9
    • Gardener seeking part-time helper (paid) via Susan Hoffman: “I am writing because I have a friend, Sally Utt, who is historically a very good gardener, but is now totally blind.  She still gardens with some help.  She has asked me to try to find a person who would be willing to spend a few hours weekly or biweekly to tend some beds for her. She wants someone who already understands plants, pruning, etc. I am willing to make any connections, meet the person, connect with Sally. I thought that maybe with your contacts thru all the horticulture people, this would be a great opportunity for a student in horticulture, to do some hours, earn a small amount and ply their trade. If you have any other ideas, that would be great. It seemed that because she is willing to pay someone, a student would be perfect…a need for a little cash and a somewhat flexible schedule.” If you can help, please contact Susan.

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