We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us. – Jenny Uglow
July and August bring a profusion of fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities for Master Gardeners. Phone hotlines, county and state fairs, farmer’s markets, the Oregon Zoo, Blue Lake Park, Cracked Pots Recycled Art Show and more! How do you learn about those great gigs? Log-in to CERVIS to see new listings and recent openings as schedules change (don’t be discouraged if you find a full schedule – check back as openings always pop up).
The MG hotlines have been hopping with lots of intriguing questions. Sign-up to learn alongside your fellow MGs while answering client questions. We have an increased need for volunteers in July at all 3 offices. Please look at the schedule on CERVIS and consider signing up for a shift. Special request: Both the Clackamas and Washington Co. offices need volunteers the first week in July. Can you help out? That would be grand!
Pie Eating Contest! Largest Watermelon! Longest Bean!
Master Gardeners! Oh my!
If you want a big dose of summer fun, sign-up for the MG Clinic table at one of the county fairs or, the ‘granddaddy of them all’, the Oregon State Fair.
Give sage (OSU proven) garden advice to fair visitors and take a bit of time, before and after your shift, to grab some shaved ice and check out the fair competitions whether it is honey products, the largest homegrown fruits and veggies, or the best home brew or chocolate layer cake! You get free-entry into the fair the day you volunteer!
Clackamas County Fair
Although only a few volunteer slots remain for the ever-popular Clackamas County Fair – grab a remaining slot or be sure to check back closer to the date (August 14 – 18th) as inevitably slots will open up. Sign-up on CERVIS
Washington County Fair
Sign-ups for this stellar community event just opened – so sign-up today for best selection! Enjoy the fair (July 26th – 29th) hosting guests at the Washington County Master Gardener’s beautiful Demonstration Garden. Sign-up for “Tours and Clinics” to guide visitors in the garden and answer their gardening questions at an MG Clinic table. Or sign-up to serve in the “Kids Zone” sharing the wonder of the garden with children – assisting them on a scavenger hunt and earning the supreme prize, of “capturing” a carrot from the garden. Sign-up on CERVIS
Oregon State Fair, September 1-2. For the ultimate fair experience, take a quick jaunt to Salem for the Oregon State Fair. Master Gardeners from around the state host the OSU Extension Master Gardener Clinic. Our Metro-area MG program does the honors on Friday and Saturday, August 31st and September 1st. Don’t miss this festive state celebration! Sign-up on CERVIS
Log Your Hours
Thank you for your passion, energy and volunteer service educating the gardening public. We want to be sure to have a record of all your efforts. Here is the link you need, to download the form, to log your volunteer hours. All hours due by October 1, 2018.
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/metro/forms
MG Nuts and Bolts
Need a refresher on how to maintain your OSU Extension Master Gardener certification? All the nuts and bolts can be found here!
Master Gardener Advisory Meeting July 25th: You’re Invited!
10:00am – 12:00pm at the Food Innovation Center (1207 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 154, Portland). A light lunch will be provided following the meeting! Parking is free. RSVP required.
Please join the conversation at a metro-wide Master Gardener advisory meeting to provide feedback and suggestions for the OSU Master Gardener program staff. We value and appreciate your input as we look to the future.
RSVP to marcia.mcintyre@oregonstate.edu no later than Monday, July 16th to confirm your participation. Space limited to 50 participants.
Goal: Gain insight and inspiration from MGs about the Master Gardener program and our public outreach service.
Save the Date! Saturday, November 10th – FALL RECERTIFICATION!
Our annual Master Gardener Fall Recertification Training is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th, 8:00am to 3:30pm, at Portland Community College – Rock Creek Campus. This annual event is a daylong continuing education opportunity. Earn 6 hours of continuing education/recertification credit by attending.
A great line-up of speakers is forming. We are thrilled to announce that OSU’s Andony Melathopoulos, Gail Langellotto and Heather Stoven will be part of our line-up of guest presenters.
2018 Master Gardener Trainees to Receive OSU MG Badges
Our November 10th, Fall Recertification event also gives us the opportunity to congratulate the new class of Master Gardener interns as they step-up to Veteran status after completing their volunteer requirements.
We will present 2018 Interns with their OSU Extension Service Master Gardener badges and a big shout-out for successfully completing the program. 2018 Interns are cordially invited to attend the full day of training – which will count toward your continuing education/recertification hours for 2019.
Advanced Training Webinars Continue
Two more informative online Advanced MG Training Webinars from Brooke Edmunds, Oregon State Extension and the OSU Master Gardener Program remain for July and August.
These webinars each count for 1 hour continuing garden education/recertification credit. A wonderful way to expand your gardening knowledge in the comfort of your own home or sitting in a lovely garden watching on the electronic device of your choice.
Can’t make the webinar date? No worries! A recording of each webinar is posted a few days after the live webinar. See the link below.
Upcoming Live Webinars
7/26 at 11am PST Meet the New Neighbors: Emerging Pest Issues in Oregon presented by Robin Rosetta
8/30 at 11am PST The Latest Research on Bees in the Garden: Results from the OSU Garden Ecology Lab presented by Dr. Gail Langellotto
For more information or to watch recordings of past webinars:
http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/ediblegardens/2018/04/24/2018-webinars-master-gardeners-updated/
In fond remembrance…
It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of a valued and dear, OSU Extension Service Master Gardener. Ann Dueltgen passed away on May 22nd, 2018. Since completing her training in 1999, Ann was dedicated in her service as a Master Gardener. Ann served alongside, her husband, Bob Dueltgen (training class of 1998).
Bob shared with us that being Master Gardeners was part of their retirement plan. What a generous plan it was! Throughout the years you could find Ann and Bob serving their community at Farmer’s Markets (Hollywood was a favorite), garden shows, the Portland Nursery Apple Tasting and the Oregon State Fair.
Ann and Bob combined their volunteer service with the Master Wildlife Stewards program working with area schools, educating students via the creation of wildlife habitats. Ann and Bob also initiated a partnership with Marysville School and the Multnomah Master Gardener’s Community Demonstration Garden where students learned about composting for the garden. As Master Gardeners fondly remember Ann, the resounding memory was of her kind heart, and how welcoming and encouraging she was to all she met. We will miss Ann and are grateful for her two decades of generous service. On behalf of the OSU Master Gardeners, we extend our sincere sympathies to Bob and his family.
Here is a memorial remembrance of Ann on Oregonlive.
What is happening to so many Willamette Valley Trees?
Have you noticed diseased and dying trees as you navigate around the Metro-area and Willamette Valley? Or have you needed to answer clients concerns about the dead and dying trees they observe?
Here are two great, “Tree Topic” blog posts from Brad Withrow-Robinson, Forestry & Natural Resources Extension Agent for Benton, Linn and Polk Counties. Brad shares his thoughts and insight on what he sees happening.
Another Rough Year for Willamette Valley Trees Part 1 and Part 2
View Our Garden Checklist Video for June
