🍀 President’s Message
Great news! The BCMGA Membership Directory is printed and many of you have already received them. The rest will be sent by mail or handled out by Elza to trainees at the end of the month. The directory has lots of great information in it—more than just a list of members. Take some time to look through the front and back pages of the booklet. It also contains the new password for the Members section of our website.
BCMGA is holding a Mason Bee Flash Sale. Pat Wray has donated 100 straws and we will be selling them in bundles of 5 straws for $25. Please see the message about this sale in the Special Announcement section of the Update. A link is provided to purchase online. Pick up will be on Saturday, March 25, at the Philomath High School Greenhouse from 10am to noon.
Alan Taylor still needs to find a few more mentors to be a friendly face for one or two trainees as they transition into the BCMGA community. We need to have mentors assigned by April. The best part is you don’t need to work at the help desk (unless you really want to!). Let Alan know that you want to help, and he will share information about the interests and talents of our trainees. From that, you can pick someone you want to work with. Contact Alan at 541-929-4141 or alantaylor@alyrica.net.
A special email was sent out on Sunday from the OMGA Advocacy Committee. Please take the time to communicate with your legislators this week and let them know that you support SB 458 that will fully fund OSU Extension. This week is critical. OSU will have a lobby day on March 21. For more information, see the message from Judith Kenner in this Update.
Trainee News & Opportunities
Å NEW! Seed to Supper in the Garden: Volunteers are need to teach an intro gardening class for new gardeners who qualify for food assistance. Instructors and helpers are needed for a two-class series at Willamette Community Garden in Corvallis.
April 8, 10:00-11:30 All volunteers meet to plan
April 22 & 29 Classes are held from 10:00 to 12:00
RSVP by adding your name to this spreadsheet or emailing cget.bentonmg@gmail.com
Å Our Plant Sale is May 6 and set up is the day before, May 5. Volunteers are needed! Look for an email from Leslie Hauser (Plant Sale Volunteer Coordinator) on March 20 with the link to sign up to help.
Å BCMGA Veggie enthusiasts!
We are ready to start planting veggies at the Philomath High School Greenhouse for the Plant Sale (Saturday, May 6). Sessions are planned (mostly) on Tuesdays (one Thursday) 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Please sign up for ONE session. This is a pretty popular activity, so we want to share the time.
We'll send out another reminder if needed to fill slots. Questions? Contact Jennifer Klammer, 541-602-0431
Special Announcement
Å Special Allocations 2023—BCMGA Committees
At the board’s January meeting it was decided that BCMGA would renew the Special Allocation process this spring. Special Allocations are for specific one-time projects, not on-going operational costs, and should be in accordance with the purposes established in the Articles of Association. A special Ad hoc Committee chaired by Jana Tindall will review the applications and make recommendations to the board at the April meeting. Applications must be submitted by March 31 to Jana at jl.tindall@comcast.net. Please review the Policy and Procedures in 2.8 and submit applications using the form in Appendix B. BCMGA committees receiving funding may spend the funds in the current year or funds may be carried over to the following year in order to complete the project. A final report to the board is due upon project completion. Questions about the process may be directed to Jana Tindall at the email address above. (Policies and Procedures can be found at bentonmg.org in the “Members” tab.)
Å NEW! Mason Bees Flash Sale: Master Gardener Pat Wray has a surplus of Mason Bees. He is donating 100 straws to BCMGA and we will have a flash sale. We are selling 5 straws for $25. Supply is limited. Pick up for the bees will be at Philomath High School greenhouse on Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. If you are interested in purchasing Mason bees, you can click on the link below and pay by credit card.
BCMGA News
Å Board Meeting Update: The March meeting will be in-person on Monday, March 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. It will be held in the Sunset Room at the Extension Office.
Å BCMGA Membership Meeting: Note date change! On Monday, March 27, Dr. Sam Chan will speak on Asian jumping worms and why this worm matters for gardening and gardeners. He will discuss the current status of the worms in Oregon, the US, how to identify them, and how gardeners can be leaders in preventing the spread. Dr. Chan is a Statewide Watershed Health and Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, OSU Sea Grant Extension: Vice chair, Oregon Invasive Species Council. This will be a hybrid meeting. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for those who will attend in person. The program begins at 7:00 p.m.
Å NEW! Annual BCMGA Membership Awards: Is there a Master Gardener who has impressed you with their consistent hard work, helpfulness, creativity, or leadership? Please take time to nominate them for the annual Benton County Master Gardener of the Year or Behind the Scenes Awards. Award descriptions below. DEADLINE Wednesday April 5, 2023 ~ The BCMGA Board of Directors will select awardees at the April 10 meeting.
Membership Secretary Marge Alig (mvictoralig@gmail.com) will be sending a notice out shortly with information and the nomination form in Word and PDF. The nomination can be dropped off at the Extension Office OR emailed to Marge.
Benton County Master Gardener of the Year Award
This annual award recognizes outstanding dedication and service of an OSU Master Gardener for Benton County. The award should be based on years of service, association involvement, leadership with BCMGA, and outstanding and unusual service.
Benton County Behind the Scenes Award
This annual award recognizes an OSU Master Gardener™ who works quietly and unselfishly behind the scenes to further the OSU Master Gardener Program. This is not a person who is out in front working on projects so everyone knows their contributions. It is likely that this person is NOT a committee chair or on the Board of Directors. Rather it is a person who few may actually know the level of their contributions. Please nominate a single individual.
Å Wanted!! Trays for BCMGA Greenhouse Growing
· Drop off sites: Benton County Demo Garden—by yellow shed, 110 SW 53rd St., Corvallis
Giving Garden—by blue dumpster in NW corner of parking lot, 2560 NW Highland Dr., Corvallis
Philomath High School—produce stand on west side of parking lot
2054 Applegate St., Philomath
· For a pick up: Contact Jennifer.Klammer@comcast.net, 541-602-0431
Å MGs Advocate for Funding:
WHAT?
· Ask your Oregon State Senator & State Representative to support OSU Statewide Public Service Programs at $206M.
· MG Program funding is part of this package.
WHY?
· Dollars in the state budget to OSU provide for horticulture faculty and staff, support for MG activities such as Farmers Markets, and MG training.
· Last year 5 counties did not have faculty/staff. In addition, today the single faculty position for Metro’s three counties is vacant.
WHEN?
· Now! — While the legislature is writing the 2023-2025 budget.
HOW? — 3 easy steps
#1 Find your state legislator here:
#2 Write the email
· Identify who you are
· Tell them what you want them to do
· 1-2 sentences about how MGs make an impact/ your love for gardening and educating the public. Share stories about how your service makes your community a better place!
· Restate your request and thank them.
#3. Click <Send>
#4. Notify our OMGA Advocacy Ambassador: Copy Judith with you message. judithkenner@gmail.com
For more information and sample letters, go to https://omga.org/advocacy/
Corvallis
House Speaker Dan Rayfield, House District 16
Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
sen.saragelser@oregonlegislature.gov
Philomath
Representative David Gomberg, House District 10
rep.davidgomberg@oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Dick Anderson, Senate District 5
sen.dickanderson@oregonlegislature.gov
Albany
Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, House District 15
rep.shellyboshartdavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Senate District 8
sen.saragelser@oregonlegislature.gov
Volunteer Opportunities
Å A New Day for Mentoring We have a large incoming class of trainees, and they need mentors to welcome them to our Association and to help continue their training as Master Gardeners.
There are 3 options to be a mentor
· Provide a friendly face to welcome your trainee and answer general questions about duties, activities, etc. (no desk training required)
· Desk: a small group of MGs who are comfortable teaching desk procedures and working with the computer, microscope and pH meter
· Remote plant clinics: This includes Master Gardeners who have worked at Farmers Markets, special event plant clinics, and/or are familiar with Ask Extension.
You can choose any one of the three. Thank you, Alan Taylor, 541-929-4141, alantaylor@alyrica.net
Å NEW! Seed to Supper in the Garden: Volunteers are need to teach an intro gardening class for new gardeners who qualify for food assistance. Instructors and helpers are needed for a two-class series at Willamette Community Garden in Corvallis.
April 8, 10:00-11:30 All volunteers meet to plan
April 22 & 29 Classes are held from 10:00 to 12:00
RSVP by adding your name to this spreadsheet or emailing cget.bentonmg@gmail.com
Å BCMGA Veggie enthusiasts! We are ready to start planting veggies at the Philomath High School Greenhouse for the Plant Sale (Saturday, May 6). Sessions are planned (mostly) on Tuesdays (one Thursday) 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Please sign up for ONE session. This is a pretty popular activity, so we want to share the time. We'll send out another reminder if needed to fill slots. Questions? Contact Jennifer Klammer, 541-602-0431
Å NEW! Special Event Plant Clinic: Benton County Master Gardeners have been invited by Shonnard’s Garden Center to be a part of their annual Open House. Shonnard’s has been long-time supporter of Master Gardener activities. I hope that several of you will be willing to participate in a clinic table on one of these days. Please contact Paula Lupcho if you can help out (pres.bcmga.board@gmail.com or 541-929-3050).
Friday 4/21 - 11am to 2pm | 12pm to 3pm | 1pm to 4pm
Saturday 4/22 - 11am to 2pm | 12pm to 3pm | 1pm to 4pm
Sunday 4/23 - 11am to 2pm | 12pm to 3pm | 1pm to 4pm
Å Our Plant Sale is May 6 and set up is the day before, May 5. Volunteers are needed! Look for an email from Leslie Hauser (Plant Sale Volunteer Coordinator) on March 20 with the link to sign up to help
Å Public Seed Library-Veggie Growing Clinic: These plant clinics will be in the Belushi room, Corvallis Public Library, 10:00 to 1:00. Contact Jill Farrow jillsfarrow@gmail.com .
Sat., March 18
Sat., March 25
Å New! Hope Grows Here: The Moore Family Center at OSU is seeking Linn and Benton County Master Gardener volunteers to serve as Garden Mentors and/or Garden Educators for the 2023 Hope Grows Here project, a gardening and nutrition education program for cancer survivors. Hours spent on both opportunities qualify for your required Master Gardener volunteer hours. Please join Candace Russo, project manager, for an informational session via Zoom on Wednesday, March 8th from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend at that time. Register for Info Session HERE.
Garden Mentors: Garden Mentors are paired with participants (either 1:1 or with a small group) and meet regularly throughout the summer gardening season (May – September). Time commitment--Minimum: 1-2 hours for training, plus ½ hour a week for 20 weeks, May – September (total = 12 hours). Optional: additional hours can be earned by attending garden gatherings a community garden sites during the summer.
Garden Educators: Garden Educators work with the Hope Grows Here study manager to develop and deliver four basic gardening classes in April. Classes will be delivered remotely or in-person, (remote classes will be recorded). Time commitment--Approximately 12 hours.
Å Community science: Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”.
Å Various dates – Peaceful Valley Seed in North Albany is seeking volunteer presenters for various topics including composting, spring perennials, sustainable landscaping, summer garden maintenance, summer pruning and more. Certified volunteers who are interested may contact the organizer directly: Kimberly Montgomery 541.981.2248 kimberly@groworganic.com Report service as Instructor: Direct.
Å Master Gardener Desk (Office Plant Clinic): The office is open and there are questions coming in from the public. Volunteers are encouraged to return to the desk, in particular certified MGs comfortable with the pH meter and the microscope are needed. Sign up for shifts to answer client questions or practice skills. You can either work at the desk or in the Extension conference room if you’d like more space. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a45a9ac29a7f85-benton36#/
Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Å NEW! 3/11-3/19 Sunset Virtual Gardening Festival has free live-streamed webinars on dozens of gardening topics eligible for Master Gardener continuing education. (Recordings have a fee. ) All research-based topics count for continuing education, not including floral arranging, garden tours, Mindful Monday topics, and Field Guide to Outside Style. Learn more and register for free.
Å New! Anytime. Recordings of Zoom Master Gardener training from Curry County with guest lecturers from OSU and beyond, are available for any volunteer to take as continuing education. Trainees are also welcome to watch and supplement their classes. More links are being added weekly, see the current list HERE.
Å Gardening in the PNW – Garden Planning presented by Karin Magnuson, March 16 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm, OSU Linn County Extension office 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent
Å Gardening in the PNW – TBA Topic: March 23, 12:00pm – 1:00pm, OSU Linn County Extension office 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent
Å Growing Together – Soils & cover crops: March 31, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Linn County Master Gardener Association Demonstration Garden in the Fairgounds, 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany
Å Growing Oregon Gardeners – Put it to the Test: Improving Garden Fertility with Soil Analysis, Soil Regions, and Microclimates, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Zoom. Learn more & RSVP:
Watch the recorded 2022 sessions. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/growing-oregon-gardeners-level-series-2022
Å Public Seed Library Lecture Series: This series of lectures will occur in March through July (Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 7:00pm). The lecture series flyer is now posted at the Corvallis Library. Presentations will be made by Master Gardeners and local experts. A broad range of topics will include planning a vegetable garden, crop rotation, organic pest management, and “Weatherwise Gardening” using soil, air temperature, and precipatiation data to inform garden action timing. These lectures count toward continuing education hours.
In Other News
Spring into Gardening “Our Changing Landscape”, a one-day educational event, is on Saturday, March 18. This is organized by Yamhill County Master Gardener Association. The keynote speaker will be James Cassidy (Soil). Other speakers on the program will be well-known to you. For more information and registration, go to the Yamhill County MGA website ycmga.org. All classes (except Topiary) count toward Continuing Education hours.
Extension News
Å New! Introducing a new award: Growing & Belonging. What does it mean to grow our work inclusively? To create an environment where everyone belongs? Let’s find out, together, with our new Growing & Belonging County, and Statewide Awards. Read the update from OSU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM NEWS.
Å New! One day, everyone together.
On April 26, 2023, Master Gardeners and supporters will come together to show our belief in the Master Gardener program and Oregon State University’s Dam Proud Day. This 24-hour period is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of the Oregon State community, including supporting Master Gardeners, and stretching ourselves toward our aspirations.
On one day, can you imagine what we could do together?
Here’s how you can help NOW.
Help us tell the Master Gardener story. Share YOUR story by participating in our storytelling campaign. Reach out to LeAnn at leann.locher@oregonstate.edu to receive 3 simple questions for you to answer, and then send in a photo. We’ll be sharing these over the coming weeks to highlight all that Master Gardeners do. Your stories tell the story of the Master Gardener program!
Follow OSU Extension Master Gardener on social media. www.facebook.com/OSUMG on Facebook and @mastergardenersOSU on Instagram. Share our stories and posts about Dam Proud Day with your friends and followers.
SHOW UP on April 26th and make a donation online signaling your support for the Master Gardener program. It’s all online, all on one day.
On one day, we can show up for gardening and Master Gardeners in Oregon!
LeAnn Locher (she/her)
Statewide Master Gardener Outreach Coordinator
Food Hero Gardening Coordinator
Oregon State University | Extension
Cell 503-701-1044
Å Coffee chats are back for 2023! If you are a board member, committee chair, or engaged volunteer, this is a chance to visit informally with program staff (Elza). Learn more and sign-up.
Å Volunteer Reporting System updates. The statewide Master Gardener volunteer reporting system is now more secure. It also has a new look and feel. Please bookmark the new site: : https://vrs.osumg.org/ When you log in, follow the steps to update your password. Tech Support is at https://vrs.osumg.org/help/ (Trainees – please wait on making accounts until prompted – thanks!)
Å The Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge, Oregon State University Extension’s statewide seed giveaway, returns for a fourth year in 2023 featuring a continued partnership with the Oregon Potato Commission.
Starting Feb. 6, individuals and households, schools, and groups can sign up to receive an individual/household seed kit, group kit or seed-starting teacher classroom kit through the mail. https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4VO6D4sAW7Wk9qC