Getting ready for 2021: the OSU Extension Master Gardener program

As 2020 comes to a close, we are glad to be looking forward and seeing light in the new year and path ahead. Gardeners are resilient, and that includes OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers. So let’s look at an overview of what’s coming to the OSU Extension Master Gardener program in 2021.

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Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series

This monthly Zoom series kicks off in January, offering education led by OSU horticulture experts for the experienced gardener. Take your gardening knowledge to the next level with timely topics ranging from gardening in a changing climate to techniques to extend your season.

WHEN	The second Tuesday of the month, 3pm, January-November 2021
WHERE	Zoom, with recordings available for you to view anytime
WHO	Open to the public, Master Gardener volunteers receive continuing education credit
HOW	Take one or take all. More information, including the list of classes here.
COST	Free

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Elevated Skills Training for Current Master Gardener Volunteers

Ready to gather new skills to elevate your Master Gardener volunteerism? Through the Elevated Skills Trainings, Master Gardeners will learn how to use new tools for plant ID, advance your zoom or social media skills, and learn about community science within the Master Gardener program, are just a few examples. We’ll be using an online training tool named Thinkific, which is the same platform we’ve used to deliver the COVID Safety Training and the Celebrate Master Gardener Week. Each week, a new lesson will open for you to work through, on your own time, and at your own pace. Each lesson is optional: you can take whichever ones interest you. Once a lesson is open it will remain open for the rest of 2021, meaning you can take it at any time during the year.

WHEN	late January-late March 2021
WHERE	online learning platform, Thinkific
WHO	Current Master Gardeners (including 2020 trainees)
HOW	Take one or take all. More information, including the list of classes here.
COST	Free

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OSU Extension Master Gardeners and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration

As part of the University-wide 39^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and staff are invited to read, view and reflect upon materials and prompts of inclusion and identity as gardeners and Master Gardeners. A moderated online Zoom discussion will follow.

WHEN	January 18th, 7pm
WHERE	Zoom online
WHO	OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers, staff, faculty
HOW	Register online. More information here.
COST	Free

Dr. Angela Davis will be delivering the keynote address for Oregon State University’s 39^th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. University-wide celebration. The event is free and open to the public. Register here.

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The Culture of Gardening

Let’s explore what gardening means to different people and groups, and how to grow and use plants from a variety of cultures. This new series of blog posts and talks will debut in late spring 2021, with a keynote address by horticulturist Abra Lee on the history of African American gardens and gardeners.

WHEN	May 18th + more dates in the series
WHERE	Zoom online, with recordings available, and this blog
WHO	OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and the gardening public
HOW	More details to be announced.
COST	Free

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Mini-College for OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

The Oregon Master Gardener Association is organizing the first all online Mini-College, coming this summer. Plans include an array of classes and workshops for gardeners of all levels.

WHEN	July 16th-17th
WHERE	online
WHO	OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and the gardening public
HOW	More details to come.

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We will post more information and details as they become available. We hope to see many of you in 2021!