Master Gardners Hold Celebration
Mahaska County Master Gardeners held their annual Celebration of their activities in 2019 on January 14, 2020. A wonderful potluck was enjoyed by many members and their spouses/guests.
Two interns from 2018 completed their volunteer requirements to become full Master Gardeners. Seven members preformed more than 25 hours of volunteer service in 2019; and many reached larger cumulative volunteer service levels.
After completing initial training, members perform 40 hours of volunteer service. To remain an active member, they perform 20 hours of volunteer service and attend 10 hours of continuing education annually.
In 2019, as a group, they performed and recorded over 518 hours of volunteer service and offered 24 hours of horticulture education (speakers, tours and workshops) to Mahaska County. This is in addition to the hosted webcasts in Winter and Summer.
Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their seventeenth year. The local program organized after the county held their first training. The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service. The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community. Mahaska County will be offering initial Master Gardener training Fall 2020.
More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm.
Mahaska County Master Gardeners held their annual Celebration of their activities in 2019 on January 14, 2020. (submitted photo)
