The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested Ohio residents, who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local OSU Extension county office. Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!
Working with county Extension personnel, Master Gardener Volunteers provide such educational services to their communities as: answering gardening questions from the public; conducting plant clinics; gardening activities with children, senior citizens, or disabled persons; beautifying the community; and developing community or demonstration gardens.
More information about state-level Master Gardener Volunteer programs and activities is available at http://mastergardener.osu.edu.
Giving Back to the Community
Union County Master Gardeners serve Union County and surrounding areas in many ways…
Education
- Award a scholarship annually to a local student studying plant science
- Provide gardening information at community events
- Write a weekly gardening column for the county newspapers
- Create awareness for horticultural threats and invasive species
- Offer workshops to the public on gardening topics
- Provide Master Gardener Classes
Collaborations within the community
- Teach vegetable gardening to residents at Central Ohio Youth Center (COYC) and West Central Community Correctional Facility
- Plant, maintain and harvest gardens to share with local food pantries
- Develop demonstration gardens where the public can learn best practices
- Hold annual plant sale to promote gardening
Making a Difference in Union County
In 2017.......
- $42,704 - Value of services contributed by Master Gardeners in Union County
$4.3 Million - Value of services contributed by Master Gardeners in the State of Ohio - 42 Certfied Master Gardeners Volunteers in Union County
3,033 Certified Master Gardeners Volunteers in the State of Ohio - Union County Master Gardeners contributed 1,769 hours to the community
Master Gardeners in the State of Ohio contributed 167,100+ hours in the State of Ohio - 626 hours of advanced horticulture training for Union County Master Gardeners
46,178+ hours of advanced horticulture training for Ohio Master Gardeners - 1,765 pounds of fresh produce was grown and donated to help fight hunger by Union County Master Gardeners
63,466+ pounds fo fresh produce was grown and donated by help fight hunger by Ohio Master Gardeners