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Cuyahoga County Master Gardeners OSU Ext. Master Gardeners Community Service Community Support. A diverse group of people Sharing knowledge Helping others Providing volunteer leadership and service. Our Vision –.
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Master Gardeners Community Service Community Support • A diverse group of people • Sharing knowledge • Helping others • Providing volunteer leadership and service
Our Vision – • The OSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a premier statewide network of volunteer education and leadership development; as well as a consumer horticulture education delivery system that maximizes human, material, and natural resources, and values teamwork and excellence in educational programming.
Our Mission – To provide horticultural education develop leadership ability of volunteers
Back to the Beginnings • When did the Master Program Begin? • Washington State - 1972 • The beginnings in Ohio • In the 1970’s • Revitalized in Cuyahoga County in 1986 • Longest continuously running program in Ohio • 10 counties around the state in the 1990’s • ~35 counties in 2006 and over 900 volunteers
Brief history of the “extension service” • Land grant colleges • Mission • outreach • Evidence based/best practices • Grassroots development • Rural and community development
Part of larger picture • Trained and supported by the Ohio State University • With the staff and resources of the county extension service
Volunteer Training • 10 week intensive program • Over 60 hours of classroom training • Instruction provided by • Staff of the OSU Extension office • Other Master Gardeners • Internship program • 50 hours of additional training through participation in Master Gardener programs
Master Gardener Services & Activities • Garden Hotline • Demonstration and test gardens • Thursdays in the Garden programs are offered by the Master Gardeners throughout the growing season • Volunteer booth at flower shows & fairs • Horticultural therapy • Educational programs • The Trumpet Vine newsletter
Outreach to the community • Informing the public • Home and garden show • “Bug Fest!” • Plant sale • Speakers service • Library programs
Outreach to the community • Educating the public • Demonstration gardens • Experimental approaches to gardening practices • School programs • Senior education at Tri-C
Outreach to the community • Assisting the community • Nursing home programs • Hotline
Hotline! • Answering telephone inquiries on horticulture topics (the Master Gardener Hotline) • Phone volunteers Backed up by University research Up to date library Supported by technology Computers for research Email support for gardening questions
Goverence of Master Gardeners • Volunteer arm of extension • Lifelong learning for volunteers • Various committees and advisory groups • Self supporting Extension staff