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 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!
104 Benton MGs and trainees completed 9,150 service hours and 862 continuing education hours during the past year! They made 4,311 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
Please bookmark the Volunteer Resource Page. It has newsletter archives, an updated volunteer sourcebook, continuing education opportunities, and volunteering opportunities. It is your one-stop source for program essentials!
Have an item for eNews? Please contact 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.
OSU Extension Master Gardener Program News: How’s the diversity, equity, and inclusion work going? Introducing the Growing & Belonging Committee. This is an update in our ongoing series of the work being done in the OSU Master Gardener program of growing who we are and serve and creating a community where everyone belongs. Formerly known as the OSU Extension Master Gardener Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce, the group has a new name.
Extension partner spotlight: FoodHero.org is your go-to site for advice on growing your own garden and more. Check out Food Hero gardening resources for English and Spanish gardening handouts and more!
Via Jana Tindall: “reminder to pay your membership dues as soon as possible. Paula Lupcho will be attending the Graduation/Celebration on November 19 so you can pay in person there. Paula will accept cash, check or credit card. Dues are $15 (plus a small fee if you use a credit card).
The next board meeting will be Monday, November 14, 3:00-5:00. Please see an email from Jana Tindall for link to join via Zoom. (No in-person meeting.)
Like construction? Being an MG is not just about plants. We need you on the BCMGA Greenhouse Facility Committee. We need your skills for constructing shelters for new plants, building irrigation systems, maintaining the greenhouse, and other tasks. Some are occasional jobs that need a crew, and some can be solo projects. If this other way to contribute (and clock MG hours) appeals to you, join up. The new committee has a leader, Jeff Stephens. Please let him know he can call on you to join in on group projects or take on a solo one. Email: jeffks023@gmail.com or phone (360) 624-4981.
Insights into Gardening is returning next year! After a 2-year hiatus we will be back with more great educational and entertaining presentations. Once again we will be at LaSells Stewart Center with classes beginning at 9 AM. So, save the date – February 11, 2023!Online registration will begin January 2, 2023.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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
Happening now! 10/11-10/25 (various sites and times) Mason Bee Cocoon Care classes! If you have mason bees, learn how to triple their survival (and increase your fruit) through cocoon care. Join a FREE hands-on workshop taught by Master Gardener volunteers! If you are a returning volunteer who is new to this class you can report the time as continuing education. Learn more and RSVP.
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.
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.
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
Coming soon! 10/6 – Gardening in the PNW: Insect Explorations with Rich Little. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Retired entomologist Rich will introduce you to pollinators and pests alike.
Linn County Extension Open House – Oct 17, 2022 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm – free, drop in. Network and visit with Extension stakeholders, volunteers, employees, and the community. Enjoy door prizes and refreshments.
Volunteers needed – cocoon care helpers
Trainees welcome! Fall 2022 Mason Bee Cocoon Harvesting Classes. 10/8-10/25 (various dates/times including weekends). Assist instructors, support learners, and sell supplies. Learn more and RSVP. Report service as “instructor: direct”.
Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31
Log your hours or call Elizabeth if you need help: 541-730-3471.
RSVP for graduation and celebration on Saturday, November 19 from 2-4 in Tangent.
2023 Plant clinic activity project: Help to pick and assemble fun activities for all ages to rotate between local farmers’ market plant clinics next year. Please contact Elizabeth to get involved.
New post – Native plants invite themselves into the garden. Master Gardener trainee Carrie Falotico wrote: “There is a growing interest amongst gardeners in the Willamette valley to add more native plants to their gardens and landscapes. What if I told you that some of them might just invite themselves into your garden?” See the plants that found their way into Carrie’s garden and learn about them for yourself!
We have two positions open on our board: The 1st VP is responsible for scheduling the PNW talks and any talks for our membership meetings. The treasurer is responsible for maintaining our financial records on Quick Books, issuing checks, and providing a report of expenses for our monthly Board Meetings. I and the entire Board will help and support our new officers to make this a fun and rewarding experience. As a Board member, you can help shape the future of Linn Master Gardeners. Please if interested in joining our board in any capacity, call me, 541 990 5624 or email goergenb (at) gmail.com
Volunteers needed
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”.
Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
Anytime – Become a Forest Pest Detectorand report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Returning volunteers may report time spent with training as continuing education, and time spent spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
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.
New! 10/11-10/25 (various sites and times) Mason Bee Cocoon Care classes! If you have mason bees, learn how to triple their survival (and increase your fruit) through cocoon care. Join a FREE hands-on workshop taught by Master Gardener volunteers! If you are a returning volunteer who is new to this class you can report the time as continuing education. Learn more and RSVP.
Rich Little entomology learning: Rich is at the plant clinic most Thursday afternoons from 1-3ish. RSVP and bring an insect, or a plant damaged by insects, and hone your diagnostics skills with this longtime MGV and retired entomologist.
10/20 – Gardening in the PNW: Successful Gardening with Physical Limitations, with Karin Magnusson. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. You can keep gardening over the years, using adaptive methods to match your garden and your abilities.
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.)
10/8/2022 Houseplant & cuttings swap. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Please bring cuttings and starts of healthy houseplants to share. (Note, volunteer plant clinic spots for this event are filled, and volunteers serving at this event CAN earn service hours. Attending the event as a guest is not eligible for MGV service, but we hope you’ll bring and share houseplant cuttings!)
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.
While flowering plants provide pollinators with food, insects also require shelter for nesting and overwintering. Most bees and wasps create nests in the soil or within dead plant stems or in cavities in wood. Many butterflies, wasps, moths, and lady beetles seek shelter in leaf litter and brush piles. Master Gardener volunteer Janet Morlan assembled some tips to reduce garden labor and protect pollinators. This is part of the Neighborhood Planter Kiosk series. Read Janet’s post for three things you can do to provide nesting & winter habitat.
Shout outs
Cocoon Care volunteer opportunities
This Thursday! Cocoon Care helper training 9/29 @10am-12pm OR 9/29 @6:30pm-8:30pm. This course is recommended for volunteers nd trainees who are helping at cocoon care events. Please email Ranee Webb at raneewebb66@gmail.com to RSVP. Report service as “educational event prep: indirect”.
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”.
Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on Saturday, November 19 from 2-4 in Tangent.
Are you a trainee who needs help completing your service? I can email you plant clinic questions on demand! Or Schedule a visit about volunteering or contact Elizabeth Records.
Meetings: Please see member email for meeting locations in person and/or online.
10/10 – BCMGA board meeting 3:00-5:00.
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.
NEW! From Jeff Stephens: The board has recently approved the Greenhouse Facility Committee! The committee is looking for several MG members to join in designing, building and maintaining our propagation growing space at Philomath High School. Please contact Jeff Stephens (Greenhouse Facility Chairperson) at jeffks023 (at) gmail.com if you would like to help, or if you have questions and/or ideas to share.
Volunteer opportunities:
New! 10/7-10/27 (various sites and times) Dig & Divide days for the BCMGA Plant sale. Contact Leslie at lesliehauser107 (at) gmail.com to be added to the email list or for more information.
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@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
New! 10/11-10/25 (various sites and times) Mason Bee Cocoon Care classes! If you have mason bees, learn how to triple their survival (and increase your fruit) through cocoon care. Join a FREE hands-on workshop taught by Master Gardener volunteers! If you are a returning volunteer who is new to this class you can report the time as continuing education. Learn more and RSVP.
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.)
Your extra pots are needed by the Plant Sale team. You can drop them off behind the shed at the Demonstration Garden at the fairgrounds.
10/8/2022 Houseplant & cuttings swap. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Please bring cuttings and starts of healthy houseplants to share. (Note, volunteer plant clinic spots for this event are filled, and volunteers serving at this event CAN earn service hours. Attending the event as a guest is not eligible for MGV service, but we hope you’ll bring and share houseplant cuttings!)
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.
A trap crop can be defined as a sacrificial plant that draws away damaging insects from the desirable crop. Research shows that Brassica juncea (among other brassicas) is a good trap crop to distract flea beetles. The trap crop works as an alternative host that draws away invading insects, giving the main vegetable crop an added layer of protection. In some cases, insects have a preference for these alternative hosts, and when given the choice, will go to the trap crop first. After trap crops are infested with target insects, they can be controlled with timely insecticidal applications or mechanical removal. Linn Master Gardener trainee Carrie Falotico has found some helpful resources for making trap crops a part of your garden integrated pest management. Get specific tips for flea beetles, and read the entire post.
Shout outs
General membership meeting TODAY Sept 22nd
Ranee Webb is graciously hosting this meeting as a potluck.
Meet at the Demo Garden by 5:00 pm to carpool or be shuttled to Ranee’s house.
(Parking is limited on her street) If you really need to drive yourself, please use their driveway, the street in front of their house or Navajo Court (the street to the right before you get to their house.)
Ranee and Marc are supplying hamburgers and buns.
Bring a dish or dessert to share.
Bring a folding chair if you have one
Please email Ranee at raneewebb66@gmail.com if you plan to come.
Cocoon Care volunteer opportunities
Trainees welcome! Fall 2022 Mason Bee Cocoon Harvesting Classes. 10/8-10/25 (various dates/times including weekends). Assist instructors, support learners, and sell supplies. Learn more and RSVP. Report service as “instructor: direct”.
Trainees welcome! Cocoon Care helper training 9/29 @10am-12pm OR 9/29 @6:30pm-8:30pm (recommended but not required). Please email Ranee Webb at raneewebb66@gmail.com to RSVP. Report service as “educational event prep: indirect”.
9/24 Fall 2022 Master Gardener BioBlitz. Grab your camera and join us on iNaturalist to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon! Online – all day. Learn more and join. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”.
Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31
Log your hours or call Elizabeth if you need help: 541-730-3471.
RSVPfor graduation and celebration on Saturday November 19 from 2-4 in Tangent.
Linn County Extension Open House – Oct 17, 2022 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm – free, drop in. Network and visit with Extension stakeholders, volunteers, employees, and community. Enjoy door prizes and refreshments.
LCMGA news
We have two positions open on our board: The 1st VP is responsible for scheduling the PNW talks and any talks for our membership meetings. The treasurer is responsible for maintaining our financial records on Quick Books, issuing checks, and providing a report of expenses for our monthly Board Meetings. I and the entire Board will help and support our new officers to make this a fun and rewarding experience. As a Board member, you can help shape the future of Linn Master Gardeners. Please if interested in joining our board in any capacity, call me, 541 990 5624 or email goergenb (at) gmail.com
Volunteers needed
New – 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”.
New fall dates – Extension open house! Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
Anytime – Become a Forest Pest Detectorand report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Returning volunteers may report time spent with training as continuing education, and time spent spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
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.
Rich is at the plant clinic most Thursday afternoons from 1-3ish. RSVP and bring an insect, or a plant damaged by insects, and hone your diagnostics skills with this longtime MGV and retired entomologist.
10/6 – Gardening in the PNW: Insect Explorations with Rich Little. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Retired entomologist Rich will introduce you to pollinators and pests alike.
10/20 – Gardening in the PNW: Successful Gardening with Physical Limitations, with Karin Magnusson. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. You can keep gardening over the years, using adaptive methods to match your garden and your abilities.
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.)
Kelly Muller has a new email – muller2kelly@gmail.com
10/8/2022 Houseplant & cuttings swap. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Please bring cuttings and starts of healthy houseplants to share. (Note, volunteer plant clinic spots for this event are filled, and volunteers serving at this event CAN earn service hours. Attending the event as a guest is not eligible for MGV service, but we hope you’ll bring and share houseplant cuttings!)
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.
New volunteer opportunities – 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”.
Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31. Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on Saturday, November 19 from 2-4 in Tangent.
9/23 – BCMGA Membership Gathering/Picnic—Friday, September 23, 5:00-7:00 PM. RSVP to Janet Magedanz: jkmagedanz (at) gmail.com
10/10 – BCMGA board meeting 3:00-5:00. Via board President: “We are looking at holding an in-person meeting but will keep the Zoom option. Below is the link to join via Zoom. I’ll include the location in my next Bi-Weekly Update.”
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.
Volunteers needed
9/20 & 9/27 – Plant Sale Propagation teams will be meeting every Tuesday in September from 9:00 -11:00am near the greenhouses on the west side of Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. Bring gloves, pruners, your badge, and perhaps a bottle of water. No experience is necessary. We’ll get you started potting up baby plants in no time! Please RSVP to Leslie at lesliehauser107@gmail.com (or show up anyway if you forget).This year, with your help, the Plant Sale Team will be growing 60% of the propagated plants for our May Plant Sale at Philomath Highschool. The other 40% will be from a scaled-down Dig and Divide season beginning mid-September. Stay tuned for more info on how you can join us at Nellie’s house this fall!
September 20
September 27
9/24 Fall 2022 Master Gardener BioBlitz. Grab your camera and join us on iNaturalist to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon! Online – all day. Learn more and join. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”.
Anytime – Become a Forest Pest Detectorand report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Master Gardener volunteers in Master Gardener Programs of Linn and Benton Counties may report time spent with training as continuing education, and times spent and spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
Weekdays – Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE.
Wednesdays – 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@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
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.)
Your extra pots are needed by the Plant Sale team. You can drop them off behind the shed at the Demonstration Garden at the fairgrounds.
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.
Linn County Master Gardeners will again offer in-person blue orchard bee cocoon harvesting classes. Rich Little will offer a drop in “Train the Trainer” class at the Linn Extension office on Wednesday, September 14th from 10:00-Noon. You will learn more about mason bees and learn how to guide people in harvesting cocoons. The cocoon harvesting classes will be held in October (mostly in Linn and Benton County). A few have let us know that they are ready to teach the cocoon harvesting classes, but we need lots of volunteer helpers! We will need 5-6 helpers for most of the 9 classes and will have sign-up sheets ready for you to volunteer. Bring your calendar, so you are ready to sign up. Come even if you don’t know much about mason bees.
Shout outs
Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31
Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on Saturday November 19 from 2-4 in Tangent.
NEW volunteer op!9/14 – Evaluating aesthetic qualities of selected landscape plants. 10am – 2pm (Arrive when convenient; ratings take about 60 min). OSU’s North Willamette Research & Extension Center in Aurora. Learn more and get directions. Report the time as “citizen science:indirect”.
NEW continuing ed!9/14 – 2022 Dry Farming Field Day: The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms Program is offering the 8th annual Dry Farming Field Day. Come learn about multiple dry farming research projects, taste different varieties of dry-farmed produce and visit with other growers and researchers in the Dry Farming Collaborative. Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (844 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97331). This event is free to attend but registration is required. Space is limited. Farmers and service providers: https://beav.es/ib5; gardeners: https://beav.es/ibi. For more info and registration please visit: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/projects/dry-farming or contact Teagan Moran at 541-713-5011 or Teagan.moran@oregonstate.edu.
LCMGA news
We have two positions open on our board: The 1st VP is responsible for scheduling the PNW talks and any talks for our membership meetings. The treasurer is responsible for maintaining our financial records on Quick Books, issuing checks, and providing a report of expenses for our monthly Board Meetings. I and the entire Board will help and support our new officers to make this a fun and rewarding experience. As a Board member, you can help shape the future of Linn Master Gardeners. Please if interested in joining our board in any capacity, call me, 541 990 5624 or email goergenb (at) gmail.com
General membership meeting Sept 22nd. LCMGA Board President Betty Goergen will let you know the time and place in her next email.
Volunteers needed
New – 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”.
New fall dates – Albany Library Houseplant Swap and Extension open house! Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
New! 9/24 Fall 2022 Master Gardener BioBlitz. Grab your camera and join us on iNaturalist to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon! Online – all day. Learn more and join. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”.
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.
LIVE workshop – “Diagnosing Insect Damage on Plants” 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.
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.)
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.
Did you know you can extend your container garden to include berries? If you rent your dwelling, you can take your plants along when you move. Master Gardener volunteer Chris Smith has compiled top tips for growing blueberries and cane berries in containers. –Pick plants that are dwarf or limited to about three feet tall –Pick plants that are self-pollinating, that don’t require pollen from two or more bushes of different varieties to produce berries. –Pick the right size for a container and consider placing it on a tray with wheels. That way you will be able to move the container to follow the available sunlight, and to overwinter in a protected area if your location is subject to hard freezes. For more check out the full post: https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/linnbentonmg/
Shout outs
Program update via Richard Riggs, Regional Director: “Elizabeth Records will be returning to her role as an Education Program Assistant supporting your groups and Brooke Edmunds will be returning in a limited capacity as the community horticulture faculty supervising Elizabeth. This is a limited-duration appointment for Brooke as we hope the legislature restores Extension’s funding in the 2023 session. If you have questions for Brooke and Elizabeth, please get in touch with them directly. A Zoom meeting for the BCMGA Board is scheduled for 9/8 at 3 pm.”
Via Elizabeth Records: “Hi folks, I will be out September 12 on medical leave and working from home September 13-14.”
Save the date: Linn County Master Gardeners will again offer in-person blue orchard bee cocoon harvesting classes. Rich Little will offer a “Train the Trainer” class at the Linn Extension office on Wednesday, September 14th from 10:00-Noon. Sign up coming soon.
Save the date: Graduation and Celebration 11/19/22 in Tangent.
Plant Sale Propagation teams will be meeting every Tuesday in September from 9:00 -11:00am near the greenhouses on the west side of Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. Bring gloves, pruners, your badge, and perhaps a bottle of water. No experience is necessary. We’ll get you started potting up baby plants in no time! Please RSVP to Leslie at lesliehauser107@gmail.com (or show up anyway if you forget). This year, with your help, the Plant Sale Team will be growing 60% of the propagated plants for our May Plant Sale at Philomath Highschool. The other 40% will be from a scaled-down Dig and Divide season beginning mid-September. Stay tuned for more info on how you can join us at Nellie’s house this fall! Here are the dates. Please mark your calendar.
September 6
September 13
September 20
September 27
Volunteers needed
NEW!9/14 – Evaluating aesthetic qualities of selected landscape plants. 10am – 2pm (Arrive when convenient; ratings take about 60 min). OSU’s North Willamette Research & Extension Center in Aurora. Learn more and get directions. Report the time as “citizen science:indirect”.
Anytime:Volunteer opportunity: Become a Forest Pest Detectorand report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Master Gardener volunteers in Master Gardener Programs of Linn and Benton Counties may report time spent with training as continuing education, and times spent and spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
Evening & weekends –Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
Weekdays – Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
Wednesdays – Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds. Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome. If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
NEW!9/14 – 2022 Dry Farming Field Day: The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms Program is offering the 8th annual Dry Farming Field Day. Come learn about multiple dry farming research projects, taste different varieties of dry-farmed produce and visit with other growers and researchers in the Dry Farming Collaborative. Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (844 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97331). This event is free to attend but registration is required. Space is limited. Farmers and service providers: https://beav.es/ib5; gardeners: https://beav.es/ibi. For more info and registration please visit: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/projects/dry-farming or contact Teagan Moran at 541-713-5011 or Teagan.moran@oregonstate.edu.
Rich Little entomology learning ops:
Weekly desk sessions most Thursdays 9-11:30 – learn how to identify and solve insect issues with longtime MGV Rich, a retired entomologist, and coordinator of BEEvent Pollinator Conference. Sign up with Rich on the Benton plant clinic schedule and bring a sample insect or insect-damaged plant.
9/15 – LIVE entomology workshop September 15th 6-8 pm. At the Linn Extension Office and open to both Linn and Benton County Master Gardeners. Sign up HERE.
NEW! 9/24 Fall 2022 Master Gardener BioBlitz. Grab your camera and join us on iNaturalist to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon!
BCMGA News
The next board meeting will be Monday, September 12, 3:00-5:00. We are looking at holding an in-person meeting but will keep the Zoom option. See the latest Board update email for in-person and online locations.
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.
Share an item for eNews by contacting your program staff by the first or third Wednesday of each month. Please use this event checklist to ensure all needed information is included in your request.
Volunteer opportunity: Become a Forest Pest Detectorand report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Master Gardener volunteers in Master Gardener Programs of Linn and Benton Counties may report time spent with training as continuing education, and times spent and spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
Shout outs
Sign up now: 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits for participants. Volunteer from the comfort of the air-conditioned Floral Building, and then stay to check out the fair! Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
MGVs protecting youth: at Mini College the Statewide Program Coordinator reminded volunteers that all OSU volunteers are required by university policy to report suspected child abuse discovered while performing duties related to OSU youth programs. Both employees and non-employees must immediately report suspected child abuse and neglect to either the Department of Human Services or law enforcement. Learn more: https://youth.oregonstate.edu/abuse
Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31
Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on November 19 in Tangent.
Thank you everyone who is reporting service and continuing education! Here are goals to meet for two popular tracks for returning volunteers from our Guide to Volunteering:
Certified Continuing Master Gardener Volunteer: A Master Gardener Volunteer who has graduated and wishes to remain active in the program beyond the initial year and volunteer in an educational role. Certified continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are required to recertify each year by completing 20 hours of volunteering, 10 hours of continuing education and submitting completed OSU volunteer paperwork.
Continuing Master Gardener Volunteer (non-certified): a Master Gardener Volunteer who has graduated and wishes to remain active in the program beyond the initial year but not volunteer in a direct educational role(s). Non-certified continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are still required to complete program agreements annually. Non-certified Continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are not eligible to provide education to public (presentations, plant clinic, serving as a mentor, any direct education, etc.) until they become certified.
Volunteers needed
Plant Clinic at State Fair 9/3 – 9/4, Salem OR. Volunteers get free wristbands and parking permits. Sign up HERE.
Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds. Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome. If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
NEW! 2022 Dry Farming Field Day: The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms Program is offering the 8th annual Dry Farming Field Day. Come learn about multiple dry farming research projects, taste different varieties of dry-farmed produce and visit with other growers and researchers in the Dry Farming Collaborative. Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (844 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97331). This event is free to attend but registration is required. Space is limited. Farmers and service providers: https://beav.es/ib5; gardeners: https://beav.es/ibi. For more info and registration please visit: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/projects/dry-farming or contact Teagan Moran at 541-713-5011 or Teagan.moran@oregonstate.edu.
Rich Little entomology learning ops:
desk sessions most Thursdays 9-11:30 – learn how to identify and solve insect issues with longtime MGV Rich, a retired entomologist, and coordinator of BEEvent Pollinator Conference. Sign up with Rich on the Benton plant clinic schedule and bring a sample insect or insect-damaged plant.
LIVE entomology workshopSeptember 15th 6-8 pm. At the Linn Extension Office and open to both Linn and Benton County Master Gardeners. Sign up HERE.
The next board meeting will be Monday, September 12, 3:00-5:00. We are looking at holding an inperson meeting but will keep the Zoom option. See the next Board update email for in-person and online locations.
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.)
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 Detectorand 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.
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.
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.
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 workshopson 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.
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.
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.
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.
