Biweekly Update for December 9, 2025
- Brenda Bye
- Dec 9, 2025
- 5 min read
President’s Message from Paula Lupcho
🌲 I have two items that I would like to highlight in newsletter. The first is information about the newly instituted Volunteer Hub recently launched by the OSU Human Resource Department. The second item is to give some clarification about BCMGA membership criteria.
In November, members who certified last year should have received an email about creating an account on the Volunteer Hub. A password should have been included in that email. The Volunteer Hub is where Master Gardener can find the annual paperwork that we need to sign if we want to be considered “active” members by extension. This means that we can deal directly with the public in educational outreach (desk, community tabling events, etc.)
I recently worked through the various steps needed to open an account and then to find the necessary link (it’s titled “Qualifications”) that took me to the docu-sign paperwork. Be aware that you must upload and submit a copy of a photo ID like your driver’s license before you can open the documents that need signatures. This is not a simple or straightforward process and if you need assistance, contact Laurie Gibson in the Linn County Extension Office. However, it is a necessary step that must be completed if you wish to recertify. If you did not receive an email around Nov. 20 about the Volunteer Hub account, you should contact Laurie Gibson so that you can get the information. This is going to be a bumpy ride for all of us, but hang in there.
Once you are an account holder in Volunteer Hub, you will see that you can record hours through this system. IMPORTANT NOTE—All Oregon Master Gardeners will continue to use the Volunteer Reporting System (VRS). Do NOT use Volunteer Hub to record your hours.
Regarding criteria to be a member of BCMGA, there may be some confusion about this. The criteria to be a member are very straightforward—
1. The member has successfully completed Master Gardener training at some time in the past
2. The member has paid the annual dues.
Members do not have to be certified to continue their membership in BCMGA. The annual directory indicates a member’s status whether that is certified, not certified (the directory will not list any status in this case), trainee, or associate. Associate members are not Master Gardeners but they support the work of BCMGA. Master Gardeners must be certified to be considered “active” by OSU Extension. If you have let your certification lapse and would like to recertify in 2026, contact Laurie Gibson so that you can set up your Volunteer Hub account.
BCMGA Membership News
🌲 BCMGA Membership Renewals are Overdue - If you haven’t paid for your yearly dues you have probably received a reminder email from our diligent treasurer, Janet. Don’t miss out on all of the fun for 2026. Renew now for only $15.
You can mail your cash or check to: BCMGA
5060 SW Philomath Blvd., #197
Corvallis, OR 97333.
If paying by credit card, use this link: https://square.link/u/vAZplhAF There will be a swipe fee of $0.76 for a total of $15.76.
Volunteer Opportunities
These activities are approved by OSU Extension for volunteer hours
🌲 CGET Leadership Is Beginning Its Plans for the 2026 Teaching Season - The Community Garden Education Team (CGET) is one of BCMGA’s most public-facing committees and a cornerstone of our garden education mission. This committee relies on multiple leaders and wants an additional co-chair. If you love vegetable gardening and want to make a meaningful impact in the community, this is a rewarding opportunity. To learn more, contact CGET.BentonMG@gmail.com.
🌲 Bessie Coleman Annual Family Science/STEAM Night - February 12 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, CGET is seeking 2 volunteers to attend this event and share some garden science with the community. This has been a fun event in the past and the school was eager to invite us back. If you are interested please reach out to Cheryl Straton.
🌲Plant Desk Sign Up Remains Open - Shifts at the Extension Office help desk are open, morning and afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays (unless there’s a holiday). The slower winter season makes an excellent time to read in our library, practice working with the microscope, or getting refresher training on aspects you’d like to know better. Please sign up when you can! 2025 Signup Genius
🌲Mountain View Elementary School Garden wants your help in the garden and classroom. Join this enthusiastic crew for a fun curriculum that grows interesting foods. This program is inspiring future gardeners and scientists. If you are interested in putting some of your time into this NW Corvallis based garden, contact Susan Hoffman or Nancy Tovar.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Approved for CE by OSU Extension
🌲Mark Your Calendars for Gearing Up for Gardening 2026 -
Where: Benton County Public Library
When: Tuesdays in January and February from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
January 6th: Smart Strategies for Less Garden Work with Kathy Clark. Save time and your back and knees with her tips and tricks.
January 13th: Harbingers of Spring, Blue Orchard Mason Bees and Early Flowering Plants with Camille Dill of Shonnard’s Nursery. Learn how to help bees get a headstart during hard times.
🌲 How Can I Help? How We Can Save Nature in Our Own Yards
A Talk by Dr. Doug Tallamy
Author, Entomologist, and Professor, University of Delaware
Founder of Homegrown National Park
Join acclaimed author and entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy for an inspiring and practical presentation on how we can all make a difference—starting right outside our doors. Discover simple, effective steps to help restore and protect nature through the choices we make in our own landscapes.
You’ll Learn:
How to transform your garden into a thriving, healthy habitat
Why native plants are essential--tough, easy to grow, and provide “comfort” food for wildlife.
What “keystone plants” are and why they matter
How native insects and plants are the foundation for healthy bird populations. No bugs, no birds!
Saturday, January 24, 2026 1:00-2:00 p.m. Book signing to follow. Doors open at noon.
CH2M Hill Alumni Center
725 SW 26th St., Corvallis, OR 97331
Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 at the door
Get your tickets now before they sell out! Go to www.bentonmg.org to purchase.
Questions: bcmgatallamy@gmail.com
🌲 Benton County Master Gardeners YouTube Channel - Winter is a great time to get ahead on Continuing Education Credits. Consider catching up on past lectures from our Membership Meetings. They are available on our YouTube Channel at:
Extension News
🌲 Invite a Future Master Gardener! Applications for the 2026 Training is Now OPEN! Know someone who would make a great Master Gardener? Please help spread the word
If someone you know is curious about the program, encourage them to join the upcoming Open Houses to learn more, ask questions, and meet Extension staff.
Open House Dates:
Dec 9, 6–8 p.m. – Benton County Extension Office, Sunset Room
Dec 11, 6–8 p.m. – Linn County Extension Office
Dec 17, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – Benton County Extension Office, Sunset Room
Dec 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – Linn County Extension Office
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