THE OSU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM Gail Langellotto, Ph.D. Statewide Program Leader OSU Master Gardener Program

History of the MG Program  1 st MG Program in Oregon: 1976  Reputably the 2 nd MG Program in the country, behind Washington State University

Founding Fathers: 1976 Duane Hatch OSU Extension Lane County, Gray Thompson OSU Extension, (Clackamas County in 1976)

History of the MG Program  2 counties to 30 counties!  36 Master Gardeners to 3925 Master Gardeners!

Statewide Program Caretakers Ray McNeilan Jan McNeilan Anne Marie VanderZanden Gail Langellotto 2007-Present

A Revolutionary Idea!

 Train volunteers that can help Extension offices help their clients

A Revolutionary Idea!

OSU Can’t Serve Clients Without You  More than 50% of the questions that come in through the national and Oregon Ask an Expert System are Gardening Questions  ≈10 Faculty FTE in Community Horticulture  > 100,000 clients served each year  ≈ 4,000 Master Gardeners make it happen!

Budget Cuts: A Recurrent Theme  Budget cuts in 1982 (and in 2007, 2009, 2011)  In response to 1982 budget cuts (from 4 agents to Ray), Home Horticulture Advisory Committee convened a meeting in Hood River on November 13, 1982  Attended by 85 MGs from 10 counties  Purpose was to: ”organize a statewide association to assist, encourage, and help to direct Extension Service efforts in home horticulture and specifically in the workings of the Master Gardener Program”

Enter the OMGA (LCMGA)  Oregon Master Gardener Foundation formed in 1982  Oregon Master Gardener Association formed in 1985  OMGF dissolved and joined forces with the OMGA in 1986

OSU – OMGA – Chapter Partnership

OSU Extension and the OMGA OSU Extension Master Gardener Program Develops and disseminates research-based and objective information/programs/curricula on sustainable gardening and community food production via:  Extension Publications  Plant Clinic at Extension office, fairs, farmer’s markets, etc.  School / Demonstration / Community Gardens  Youth Garden Programs  Annual Master Gardener training and recertification  And other means OSU Extension Master Gardener Program Administers the training and supervision of Master Gardener volunteers.  Insurance  Background Checks  Reporting An individual becomes a Master Gardener through satisfactory completion of the training course, a comprehensive final exam and a volunteer internship.

OSU Extension and the OMGA OMGA Supports the OSU Home Horticulture (Master Gardener) Program at the Statewide and County Level  Endowment Gifts  McNeilan Scholarship and other Scholarships to OSU Students  Sponsors Mini-College  Purchase of PNW Handbooks for OR counties with an MG Program  Extension Educator Grant  Political Support for the Statewide and County Master Gardener Programs OMGA Raises Funds  Silent Auction at Mini-College  OSU Bookstore Sales Commission at Mini-College  Member Dues Supports OMGA Members and Chapters  Skills Development (Leadership Day at Mini-College)  Dialogue/Idea Exchange at OMGA meetings  Files IRS paperwork, financial reporting  Satisfies regulatory requirements for corporate documents and records, such as bylaws and Articles of Incorporation An individual becomes an OMGA member by paying dues to the OMGA and to their local chapter.

OSU Extension and the OMGA OMGA Chapters Supports the OSU Home Horticulture (Master Gardener) Program at the Statewide and County Level  Endowment Gifts  Political Support for the Statewide and County Master Gardener Program  Direct Program Support at the County Level  Speakers’ Bureau  A Myriad of Special Projects OMGA Chapters Raises Funds  Plant Sales  Garden Tours Organizes education and Social Events, Locally  Speakers at Monthly Chapter Meetings  Tours and Outings  Potlucks and Picnics An individual becomes is a member of an OMGA chapter, by paying dues to the OMGA and to their local chapter.

By the Numbers: 30 of 36 counties