Released May 5, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- From money management to environmental stewardship to good gardening practices, Ohio State University Extension Master Gardeners are finding ways to be more "green." They'll showcase their efforts during Master Gardener Volunteer Program Week May 17-23.
The Master Gardener program provides leadership and educational development to individuals interested in gardening and giving back to their communities.
"Master Gardeners Volunteers Teaching 'Green'" is this year's theme for Master Gardener Volunteer Program Week and activities and programs will be held throughout Ohio's counties emphasizing that theme.
"Master Gardener volunteers have been green for a long time and we just keep getting better. We are the go-to source for non-biased gardening information in Ohio communities," said Pam Bennett, OSU Extension statewide Master Gardener Volunteer coordinator. "Volunteers are helping communities and residents learn about and implement projects such as rain gardens, low-impact pest management strategies, best plant selection options for minimal input, backyard vegetable gardens, and much more."
The Master Gardener volunteer program began in Ohio in the 1970s. The program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested individuals who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local OSU Extension county office.
More than 3,100 Master Gardeners volunteer their time and services in 67 Ohio counties. In 2008, volunteers contributed nearly 120,000 hours to Ohio communities and raised over $200,000 in donations to conduct programming in their communities.
The volunteers participate in a variety of activities, including conducting educational programs for consumers on best gardening practices; developing demonstration gardens highlighting best management practices; conducting research on plant varieties recommended for Ohio; working with neighbors in a community garden setting; teaching people how to plant, maintain and harvest a vegetable garden in the city; and continuing to provide outreach for OSU Extension.
“The grassroots efforts taking place in the counties are deserving of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program Week recognition. Volunteers are quietly making a difference in their communities focusing on a variety of quality of life issues,” said Bennett. “Volunteers often do their projects with little or no funding; therefore, partnerships are a large component of each program in each county.”
To find more activities and events during Master Gardener Volunteer Program Week, or to learn more about the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, log on to http://mastergardener.osu.edu, or contact Pam Bennett at (937) 328-4607 or e-mail bennett.27@cfaes.osu.edu.
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http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~news/story.php?id=5163
Contacts: Pam Bennett, (937) 328-4607, bennett.27@cfaes.osu.edu
Candace Pollock, (614) 292-3799, pollock.58@cfaes.osu.edu
