Featured Continuing Education: Nov 10, 2021 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm PST. The film “Gather” is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. Watch the trailer for Gather. After the film screening, we will host a panel with Dr. Samantha Chisholm Hatfield and Dr. David Lewis discussing Native American resilience, plants, and the renaissance of Native food systems. Learn more and RSVP.
Shout outs
Welcome 2022 board members!
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 a few days 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.
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 $)
Coming soon($): “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.
The Gardeners Pen newsletter of the Oregon Master Gardener Association is back! Huge thanks to Master Gardener volunteer, Ann Kinkley (Linn County), for stepping forward to revive the newsletter. Read the new issue.
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.)
The Evening Garden Club is holding their 2021 Fall Bulb-a-Palooza! This is to support their community gardening grants and horticulture scholarships. Many, many exciting and beautiful varieties to choose from! Go to corvalliseveninggardenclub.org to find the online ordering form. They will begin taking orders as soon as the bulbs arrive, sometime in the next few days. Note: Cash or Check will be accepted at time of pick up. Supplies are limited. To see some of the bulbs available click here.
Today! Oct 21 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PDT OnlineWillamette Community Garden: Gardening in the PNW Lunchtime Talks with Carolyn Larime. Get a teaser of the wonders of Willamette Community Garden in this tiny minute-movie, then join us for garden show and tell. Learn how this MGV-led project is boosting food security for people from all walks of life! Pre-registration required – click the event title to register.
Shout outs
Your opinion counts – MGV Celebration. 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.
It is almost 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.
Saturday: Mason bee cocoon care workshops for the Willamette Valleyare 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.
Volunteers needed
New! (Nov 9-19) LCMGA Annual Mason Bee Cocoon Cleaning in Sweet Home. Put on some old, warm clothes for this outdoor, hands-on fundraising event preparing mason bee cocoons for sale. Report service as: Fundraiser: support.
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!
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.
The Gardeners Pen newsletter of the Oregon Master Gardener Association is back! Huge thanks to Master Gardener volunteer, Ann Kinkley, for stepping forward to revive the newsletter. Read the new issue.
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 this space.
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
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.
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 $)
Happening now: Mason bee cocoon care workshops for the Willamette Valleyare back this fall! Watch a fun instructional movie on your own schedule to learn how you can have three times as many bees through basic cocoon care. Then join a cocoon care Q&A to troubleshoot the pests and parasites that attack mason bees, along with emeritus entomologist Rich Little and the Linn MGV Pollinator Project members. Sign up for October Q&As.
New ($):“Gardening for Resilience”, the annual UVM Extension Master Gardener conference, will be held virtually on November 5-6, 2021, 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.
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.)
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 $)
Happening now: Mason bee cocoon care workshopsfor the Willamette Valleyare back this fall! Watch a fun instructional movie on your own schedule to learn how you can have three times as many bees through basic cocoon care. Then join a cocoon care Q&A to troubleshoot the pests and parasites that attack mason bees, along with emeritus entomologist Rich Little and the Linn MGV Pollinator Project members. Sign up for October Q&As.
New ($):“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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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 – Visit the Benton County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for recurring events.
This week: 9/30/2021 10am-12pm. Perennial herb propagation. Sign up.
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.
Liaison to Sustainability Coalition: Attend Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Meetings, Quarterly meetings, Annual Town Hall meeting. Share information and activities related to sustainability between MG and Sustainability Coalition. Please contact Judith Kenner or Jennifer Klammer if interested.
Community Garden Action Team & Seed to Supper: Teaching hands-on gardening to underserved community members. Contact Judith Kenner if interested.
Central Park Committee Chair needed. The chairperson is responsible for coordinating work parties, recruiting new committee members at committee fairs, interfacing with Corvallis Parks and Recreation, reporting committee activities to the BCMGA board, submitting an annual budget to BCMGA and approving expenditures from that budget, as well as storing committee owned tools. Please contact Kathi Tucker if you are interested.
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.
New: The Introduction to Inclusive Excellence in Extension course supports members of the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension community in understanding OSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as Extension’s federal Civil Rights responsibilities, so they can be equipped to act in a manner that is consistent with OSU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence. To register for this anytime course CLICK HERE.
BCMGA updates are now found in the President’s mailings.
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 candidates for two positions, with responsibilities to the Extension Master Gardener Program. Both positions are located on the Oregon Coast. The first is a Professional Faculty / Program Coordinator position in Newport, Oregon, serving the Lincoln County Small Farms and Master Gardener Programs. The second is a Staff / Educational Program Assistant Position in Gold Beach, Oregon, serving the Curry County Master Gardener Program. Anyone interested should contact Gail Langellotto.
Albuca spirilis, “the result of an unholy mating between chives and a Slinky toy.” Photo and humor by Susan Morton. Share your garden photos and stories for this space!
Program updates: OSU has updated guidelines regarding event planning, as shared by Statewide program coordinator Gail Langellotto in a recent update. The takeaway: in-person non-credit educational events can currently proceed without having to card participants, so long as participants register. Things can change, so offering hybrid events and/or having a virtual plan B would still be wise.If you are planning an event, get the latest information and more details on this important topic. – Elizabeth Records, interim coordinator
Shout outs
Need a badge? Order replacement MGV badges by 11:59 pm on 9/31/2021. To order CLICK HERE.
Demo garden. Visit the Linn County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for these opportunities, and more.
What are Distance Garden Consults? Early results from the Oregon Master Gardener Needs Assessment show that clients are very interested in personalized consultations. For this pilot volunteer opportunity they would request an appointment with a Master Gardener for a Zoom visit to trouble shoot their garden concerns. You can always do more research and follow up. Zoom, email and internet are the only tech needed. If this interests you please contact Elizabeth.
Continuing education (free to MGVs)
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.
New: The Introduction to Inclusive Excellence in Extension course supports members of the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension community in understanding OSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as Extension’s federal Civil Rights responsibilities, so they can be equipped to act in a manner that is consistent with OSU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence. To register for this anytime course CLICK HERE.
It is just about six weeks until the close of the service year!
Continuing volunteer? There are no official service targets to remain certified at this time, but please log your service and continuing education hours so we can show stakeholders how much volunteers are still doing. Also, take advantage of the great continuing education options.
2nd year trainee? Please aim to complete 40 service hours, counting from winter 2020, by 10/31/21 if you would like to earn your first certification this year. Please aim for 50% plant clinic or direct service. Having challenges? Let’s talk – we can figure something out!
Everyone who would like to participate in any volunteer activities in 2022, needs to re-enroll by reviewing the soon-forthcoming Guide to Volunteering 2022 and completing annual program paperwork. This will be sent by DocuSign in early October, or can be completed as a hard copy and sent to the office. Look out for a post with full directions coming soon.
Community news(Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
Benton Soil and Water Conservation District Fall Bulb And Seed Sale: The Fall Native Bulb and Seed Sale is going virtual for 2021. Place your order online between September 1-30. You will receive an email with a link to schedule your order pick up time for a mid-October date.
MGVs check out the strawberry bed at the Laurs’ garden tour. Photo by Deb Kern. What’s going on your garden? Please share photos for this space.
Program updates: OSU has updated guidelines regarding event planning, as shared by Statewide program coordinator Gail Langellotto in a recent update. The takeaway: in-person non-credit educational events can currently proceed without having to card participants, so long as participants register. Things can change, so offering hybrid events and/or having a virtual plan B would still be wise. If you are planning an event, get the latest information and more details on this important topic. – Elizabeth Records, interim coordinator
Shout outs
Our office is open by appointment. Please schedule online through bookings or call our office at 541-713-5000, and sign in on arrival. Liz, Kelly and Yasmine thank you!
Need a badge? Order replacement MGV badges by 11:59 pm on 9/31/2021. To order CLICK HERE.
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.
What are Zoom Garden Consults? Early results from the Oregon Master Gardener Needs Assessment show that clients are very interested in personalized consultations. For this pilot volunteer opportunity they would request an appointment with a Master Gardener for a Zoom visit to trouble shoot their garden concerns. You can always do more research and follow up. Zoom, email and internet are the only tech needed. If this interests you please contact Elizabeth.
Volunteers needed – Visit the Benton County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up for recurring events.
NEW! 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.
NEW! 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.
NEW! Liaison to Sustainability Coalition: Attend Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Meetings, Quarterly meetings, Annual Town Hall meeting. Share information and activities related to sustainability between MG and Sustainability Coalition. Please contact Judith Kenner or Jennifer Klammer if interested.
NEW! Community Garden Action Team & Seed to Supper: Teaching hands-on gardening to underserved community members. Contact Judith Kenner if interested.
Central Park Committee Chair needed. The chairperson is responsible for coordinating work parties, recruiting new committee members at committee fairs, interfacing with Corvallis Parks and Recreation, reporting committee activities to the BCMGA board, submitting an annual budget to BCMGA and approving expenditures from that budget, as well as storing committee owned tools. Please contact Kathi Tucker if you are interested.
Continuing education (free to MGVs)
New: The Introduction to Inclusive Excellence in Extension course supports members of the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension community in understanding OSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as Extension’s federal Civil Rights responsibilities, so they can be equipped to act in a manner that is consistent with OSU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence. To register for this anytime course CLICK HERE.
It is just about six weeks until the close of the service year!
Continuing volunteer? There are no official service targets to remain certified at this time, but please log your service and continuing education hours so we can show stakeholders how much volunteers are still doing. Also, take advantage of the great continuing education options.
2nd year trainee? Please aim to complete 40 service hours, counting from winter 2020, by 10/31/21 if you would like to earn your first certification this year. Please aim for 50% plant clinic or direct service. Having challenges? Let’s talk – we can figure something out!
Everyone who would like to participate in any volunteer activities in 2022, needs to re-enroll by reviewing the soon-forthcoming Guide to Volunteering 2022 and completing annual program paperwork. This will be sent by DocuSign in early October, or can be completed as a hard copy and sent to the office. Look out for a post with full directions coming soon.
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 candidates for two positions, with responsibilities to the Extension Master Gardener Program. Both positions are located on the Oregon Coast. The first is a Professional Faculty / Program Coordinator position in Newport, Oregon, serving the Lincoln County Small Farms and Master Gardener Programs. The second is a Staff / Educational Program Assistant Position in Gold Beach, Oregon, serving the Curry County Master Gardener Program. Anyone interested should contact Gail Langellotto.
Program updates: Oregon is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 due to the more virulent Delta variant. Your safety and health, as well as that of those we serve, is of utmost importance. In addition to following the university’s updated face covering policy, we can take additional actions to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities while we continue to serve. Get the latest information.
Shout outs
Recertification question
Q: Are the direct and indirect public outreach hours still being waved for recertification?
A: Master Gardeners who were certified for the 2020 calendar year will maintain their certification in 2021. Service expectations will continue to be responsive to the public health situation that emerges in 2022. Please continue to report any volunteer hours completed. Every hour reported for this service year shows stakeholders that the Master Gardener program is worth supporting.
The Culture of Gardening: Today we’re publicly launching a storytelling initiative of the Master Gardener Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce. This initiative, called The Culture of Gardening, explores and shares the voices of gardeners growing plants to connect with their heritage, culture, and identity. Read the stories and share them.
Volunteers needed – Visit the Benton County Volunteer opportunities page to sign up.
In-person plant clinic is back with a new outdoor option! Now – even more shifts available.
Board meeting information is now found in the President’s mailings.
Extension updates.
Featured plant clinic question: Black spots on pinot noir grape vines. The fruit is developing normally – does the gardener need to manage the spots?
Featured publication:Managing Diseases and Insects in Home Orchards. As gardeners harvest insect-riddled or diseased fruit and wonder what went wrong, this guide can help them plan ahead for better crops in future.
Community news(Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
Produce donations needed: Growing Ancestral Roots serves our community by working together to produce food in our backyards. They also grow at a local small farm focused on favorite veggies of international communities. To donate produce, please contact: sandie.cheung (at) gmail.com
