Master Gardener Program. Growing Together for a Taste of the Garden State

Transcription

1 Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Master Gardener Program 2011 Annual Report Growing Together for a Taste of the Garden State Referred to as the largest public relations event held off-campus, The Great Tomato Tasting is held annually at the Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm. More than 7,400 attendees have participated in this event over the past ten years. This four-hour open house addresses consumer agricultural and horticultural education needs by featuring informal tastings of seasonal produce and more formal research evaluations of basil, apples, peaches, and tomato varieties from experimental plots to gather data on consumer preference. Wagon tours led by farm staff and researchers highlight ongoing Rutgers NJAES agricultural and horticultural research trials. The success of this annual event is a tribute to New Jersey s famous legacy of delicious tomatoes and New Jerseyans love of tomatoes, with the irresistible, upclose exposure to tomatoes and other fruit, vegetable, and herb variety research conducted by Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Nothing convinces a consumer to change their buying habits more than tasting locally grown and harvested fruits and vegetables. Beyond tasting and learning about the many varieties of tomatoes, visitors are also taught about gardening, nutrition and the many programs Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension has to offer. This open house has the synergistic effect of making visitors aware of Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs and the impact those programs have on local agriculture. But, what brings in the crowds and maintains the popularity of the event is the well-oiled machine that is the Great Tomato Tasting Team. Ensuring the success of this event relies on a tremendous amount of teamwork from the faculty, staff and volunteers involved. Congratulations to the Snyder Farm, campus and county-based Rutgers Cooperative Extension faculty, staff, and the more than 160 Master Gardener volunteers from Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex, Mercer, and Passaic Counties recipients of the 2011 NJAES and School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Team Award. Nicholas Polanin State Master Gardener Program Coordinator 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ polanin@njaes.rutgers.edu

2 Statewide Master Gardener Program Summary Dr. Robert Goodman Executive Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Executive Director, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Dr. Larry Katz Director, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension Mr. Daniel Kluchinski Chair, Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Management Agents Mr. Nicholas Polanin State Master Gardener Program Coordinator Agriculture and Resource Management Agent Cooperative Extension of Somerset County 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ Phone : Fax: polanin@njaes.rutgers.edu The Value of Volunteering The Independent Sector is the leadership forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world. This value estimate helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 63.4 million Americans, or 26.8 percent of the adult population, gave 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth $169 billion in The Independent Sector has calculated the per-hour value of New Jersey volunteers for 2009 at $25.20 per hour. More information may be found at: Annual Hourly Investment for Rutgers Master Gardeners: 54% volunteering 40% training 6% continuing education THE RUTGERS NJAES MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension faculty and staff provide expert and in-depth training in all aspects of gardening and horticulture to prospective Master Gardener volunteers. Topics include plant biology, propagation, soil science, and plant and pest diagnostics, to name a few. Master Gardeners provide volunteer hours to assist NJ residents in answering their home horticulture questions and provide community service through educational projects. Statewide Summary for Newly Trained Rutgers Master Gardeners 2,418 Active Rutgers Master Gardeners 7,238 NJ residents trained as Master Gardeners 170,491 Master Gardener Volunteer Hours $ 4,406, Volunteer Value Statewide Highlights 34,574 client visits, requests, and s 24,104 pounds of produce grown, harvested and donated, valued at $40, educational presentations and lectures given by Master Gardener volunteers, attended by 13,790 adults and 5,189 youth 592 media contacts (newspaper and television interviews, feature stories, and press releases) Rutgers Master Gardener Program Summary 2,011, Cumulative Volunteer hours $ 34,164,990 Cumulative Value from 27 Years of Rutgers Master Gardener Volunteer efforts

3 National and State Master Gardener Programs THE NATIONAL MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY The purpose of the Master Gardener Association of NJ is to unite Rutgers Master Gardener volunteers in a statewide advisory board that assists Rutgers Cooperative Extension in its basic mission to disseminate to the general public research-generated horticultural information. The Association also provides a forum for developing activities to enhance and supplement RCE Master Gardener basic and advanced training and volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition. By centralizing efforts and sharing information and opening up lines of communication, the Association assists RCE with existing and emerging programs in solving problems, expanding activities and pooling resources. The Extension Master Gardener program, celebrating 38 years in the United States in 2011, is a national volunteer training and outreach effort of the Land Grant University / Cooperative Extension system supported by strong local grass root linkages and managed by committed faculty and staff. Every year, nationwide, 15-20,000 people are trained as Master Gardeners in programs offered in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 provinces in Canada. A national survey published in 2009 showed that perhaps no other Extension effort provides such quality technical advice to as many US citizens and households as are reached through Master Gardener programs on a regular basis. The 2009 EMG survey conservatively estimates there are 94,865 Extension Master Gardener volunteers throughout the United States and Washington, D.C, annually contributing 5,197,573 hours educating the public, providing youth programming, and facilitating produce donated to local food banks. While this is only the beginning of the value EMGs provided in their communities this year, these efforts are estimated to have contributed million dollars in value to the general public. Please visit their website for more information, MGANJ Leadership President: Caryl Hannemann, Union County Vice President: Lisa Marie Morris, Burlington County Treasurer: Antoinette Rinehart, Union County Corresponding Secretary: Pat Hudson, Morris County Recording Secretary: Kathy Dopart, Middlesex County Historian: Nancy Sullivan, Camden County 2011 Statewide Events New Jersey Flower and Garden Show Annual Fall Conference 3

4 Atlantic County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 25 Master Gardeners currently active: 68 Master Gardeners trained to date: 193 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 5,027 Consultation & Diagnostics: 1,111 Community Outreach: 2,817 Community Education: 1, Volunteer value: $ 126,680 Total Volunteer hours to date: 23,365 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 567,810 3,053 website hits; 180 Sq. ft. garden managed 1,000 plants grown and donated 557 Garden Helpline client contacts 375 lbs. of food donated, valued at $ speaking engagements for 1,500 youth 52 feature articles, 10 interviews, 4 press releases The Hope Community Garden Bergen County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 029 Master Gardeners currently active: 221 Master Gardeners trained to date: 779 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 6,850 Consultation and Diagnostics: 4,827 Community Outreach: 1,065 Community Education: Volunteer value $ 172,620 Total Volunteer hours to date: 142,049 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 1,912,342 5,780 Garden Helpline client contacts 6,550 website hits; 320 news releases 136 bags of groceries donated to Center for Food Action, Bergen County s largest food pantry. 15 presentations, 1 newspaper interview Research Measures Helpline Impacts The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Bergen County have delivered a Garden Helpline service since 1985, a service that has become hugely popular throughout Bergen County for clear, unbiased, research-based advice. Research involved asking questions to callers who have used our services in at least 1 previous year. Of the 98 surveys the following results were tallied: 85% said they make wiser decisions about managing pests in the garden, landscape and home. 85% said they are more knowledgeable & confident about managing their lawn, garden & landscape, and using environmentally sound practices. 92% said they knew the MG Helpline service was brought to them by Rutgers Cooperative Extension, in partnership with Bergen County. The first of six community gardens for Atlantic City residents opened in July The focus is on creating an environment where residents will have access to growing their own fresh produce and then educating them on how to better eat and cook with the produce grown. The area, which was previously a playground, had been cleared and the Master Gardeners built 30 garden beds using wood from local cedar trees. The project is a collaborative initiative among AtlantiCare, the Atlantic City Housing Authority and Urban Redevelopment Agency (ACHA) and the RCE of Atlantic County. The Master Gardeners will lead in establishing and managing the garden and providing technical assistance and educational programs.

5 Burlington County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 16 Master Gardeners currently active: 126 Master Gardeners trained to date: 254 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 5,062 Consultation & Diagnostics: 1,903 Community Outreach: 2,160 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 127,562 Total Volunteer hours to date: 49,067 Total Volunteer value to date: $1,158, Garden Helpline client contacts 2,100 website hits, 4 releases, 1 radio program 700 lbs. of produce donated, valued at $1,169 15,300 sq. ft. garden managed 24 presentations for 365 adults Community Agricultural Center With a new Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Brooke McMinn, the Master Gardeners collaborated with Agriculture Agents Ray Samulis and Bill Bamka to expand RCE s presence at the Burlington County Community Agricultural Center (BCCAC) through cultivation of 12 Demonstration Plots showing residents some of the agricultural crops of Burlington County, herb plantings, native plants and alternatives to turf grass as well as various cultivation techniques. They also maintained a regular presence at the Burlington County Farmers Market held weekly at the BCCAC with an Ask a Master Gardener table and educational presentations matching the market s themes for toward home and community gardeners. Camden County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 30 Master Gardeners currently active: 80 Master Gardeners trained to date: 347 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 5,598 Consultation & Diagnostics: 2,470 Community Outreach: 1,986 Community Education: 1, Volunteer value: $ 141,069 Total Volunteer hours to date: 56,795 Total Volunteer value to date: $1,168,647 2,522 Garden Helpline client contacts 650 copies of 2 newsletters produced 10 speaking engagements for 250 attending adults 15 press releases, 3 interviews, 3 feature articles Change is Good 2011 was a big year for Camden Master Gardeners. We moved in October into a newer, updated building which s LEED certified, a distinction that proves environmentally sound business practices were used during its construction. The new environmental center is in a bustling neighborhood where we have seen many new faces come to our facilities, and attending our community outreach projects in and around the building. Projects included a Plant Clinic the 3rd Saturday of every month to reach working consumers and classes teaching homeowners various aspects of gardening. As we settle into our new home we have many upcoming projects planned. We are so excited about the many horticultural possibilities our new environmental home has created for us. 5

6 Cape May County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 14 Master Gardeners currently active: 45 Master Gardeners trained to date: 127 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 1,500 Consultation & Diagnostics 251 Community Outreach: 1,010 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 37,800 Total Volunteer hours to date: 11,436 Total Volunteer value to date: $217,478 8,352 web site hits 3,237 Garden Helpline client contacts 17 educational programs for 348 adults 18 press releases Horticultural Therapy Master Gardeners have been offering horticulture therapy programs in two facilities in Cape May County - one a nursing home and the other an adult day care facility. They have given programs in flower and wreath arranging, seed starting, dead heading, vegetable harvesting and planting. With the help of a growing number of Master Gardener Volunteers, residents this year will learn about backyard birds, planning their own vegetable gardens and exploring not only the beauty of plants and flowers but the variety of fauna that relies on them. One of our volunteers told a story of how a resident participated in the program and said his first word in over four months, Thanks. It s amazing how one word can mean so much. In the words of one of our Master Gardeners, Good soil is good for the soul. Cumberland County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 0 Master Gardeners currently active: 39 Master Gardeners trained to date: 86 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 4,045 Consultation & Diagnostics: 144 Community Outreach: 1,896 Community Education: 1, Volunteer value: $101,934 Total Volunteer hours to date: 14,834 Total Volunteer value to date: $366, Garden Helpline client contacts 2 educational programs (34 adults, 60 youth) 12 press releases, 10 feature articles, 1 interview Intro to Horticulture Therapy In 2011 the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Cumberland County began Intro to Horticulture Therapy at six Senior Centers. In February we had our first 8-week workshop. Some of the projects chosen were lavender sachets, fragrant pomanders, potting up caladium bulbs, violet leaf cuttings, holiday cactus stem cuttings, terrariums, decoupage boxes, kitchen recyclables with sweet potatoes, flower people stationary, painting flower pots, and flower pins. Each group had its own personality and the Master Gardeners added their own flavor to the class. The classes averaged 18 people. They brought gardening questions one week and Fact Sheets were given to them the next week. All participants were disappointed to see the eight weeks end. We even had one lady join this year s Master Gardener class as a result of what she learned.

7 Essex County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 28 Master Gardeners currently active: 167 Master Gardeners trained to date: 568 Total volunteer hours in 2011: 11,993 Consultation & Diagnostics: 1,457 Community Outreach: 6,200 Community Education: 1, Volunteer value: $ 305,821 Total Volunteer hours to date: 138,926 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 1,913,763 1,150 Garden Helpline client contacts 55 educational programs (850 Adults, 450 youth) Facebook Page launched in December 2011 Shaping New Jersey with a Garden In March of 2011, the Essex County Master Gardeners began partnering with the City of Irvington on a Shaping New Jersey grant the city had received. A sustainable garden was a major component of the grant, and Master Gardeners along with 4 senior citizens from Irvington were quick to the task. Materials were purchased, partnerships were secured, and plans for a vegetable garden enhanced with an herb garden were drawn up. This project provided the opportunity for instruction and outreach in planning and proper planting, watering, and garden maintenance practices along with the partnering of several different volunteer groups. With heat mats, grow lights, and a winter propagation and growing environment, we have created a year-round, sustainable gardening program for healthier living and eating with fresh herbs and produce for seniors in and around Irvington, NJ. Gloucester County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 19 Master Gardeners currently active: 156 Master Gardeners trained to date: 283 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 6,983 Consultation & Diagnostics: 3,640 Community Outreach: 2,579 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 175,971 Total Volunteer hours to date: 43,292 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 1,042,666 3,041 Garden Helpline client contacts 750 sq. ft. garden managed 51 educational programs (546 adults, 384 youth) 5 PowerPoint presentations developed 6 news releases, 4 newspaper interviews Gardens Are Growing During the 2011, the Master Gardeners in conjunction with the Jr. Master Gardener s, expanded our demonstration / learning garden to include 4 raised beds and several fruit trees. The raised beds were used to grow perennial herbs and vegetables that were used in the Jr. Master Gardener program. There are plans to add additional raised beds next year and grow produce to donate to local charities. 7

8 Hunterdon County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 11 Master Gardeners currently active: 124 Master Gardeners trained to date: 671 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 16,000 Consultation & Diagnostics: 7,500 Community Outreach 4,500 Community Education: 4, Volunteer value: $ 403,200 Total Volunteer hours to date: 177,343 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 3,403,617 3,409 website hits 753 Garden Helpline client contacts 58 educational programs for 1,491 adults 35 PowerPoint presentations Speakers Bureau The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties Speaker s Bureau is a public outreach program that has been successfully delivering educational presentations on locally relevant horticultural topics for over five years. The Speakers Bureau consists of Certified Master Gardeners with a general knowledge of horticulture plus advanced knowledge in specific topics of their choosing. Using this knowledge, Master Gardener volunteers create presentations, which are given to civic organizations such as garden clubs, libraries, seniors groups, service clubs, etc. Master Gardener volunteers use a full range of methods including PowerPoint and Flip Chart Presentations, Workshops, and Demonstrations. There are currently over 35 original presentations to choose from, and new presentations are always being added. During 2011 alone, 56 talks were presented to a total of 1,491 residents.

9 Mercer County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 30 Master Gardeners currently active: 242 Master Gardeners trained to date: 595 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 19,844 Consultation & Diagnostics: 3,445 Community Outreach: 517 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 504,832 Total Volunteer hours to date: 223,777 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 4,358, ,433 web site hits 4,553 Community Outreach audience members 3,234 Garden Helpline clients 48 educational programs (1,420 adults, 802 youth) 40 press releases Electronic Rolodex After many years and countless hours, the Information Resources committee developed an updated and expanded electronic version of the Rolodex, a critical Helpline tool for finding information for clients in the Helpline office. This invaluable resource supports both our Master Gardener Helpline and Mercer County Horticulturist, Barbara J. Bromley and focuses on educating the public both in person and by phone. Keywords are programmed into its search engine to assist in finding critical problem solving information available in the resources of the Helpline Office. 9

10 Middlesex County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 25 Master Gardeners currently active: 112 Master Gardeners trained to date: 352 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 8,447 Consultation & Diagnostics: 2,298 Community Outreach: 1,241 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 212,864 Total Volunteer hours to date: 103,051 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 1,430,959 1,464 Garden Helpline client contacts 5,000 pounds of produce valued at $8,350 was donated primarily to Elijah/s Promise 51 educational programs (870 adults, 345 youth) 30 Horticultural Therapy sessions 4 newspaper interviews Garden & Green Roof Playhouse Monmouth County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 29 Master Gardeners currently active: 180 Master Gardeners trained to date: 372 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 23,400 Consultation & Diagnostics: 4,115 Community Outreach: 9,326 Community Education: 3, Volunteer value: $ 589,680 Total Volunteer hours to date: 165,091 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 4,086,574 2,209 Garden Helpline client contacts 3,000+ pounds of produce donated to food pantries, with a retail value of $5, educational programs (840 adults, 240 youth) 20 food donation gardens started countywide 5 press releases and 1 feature article 3,800 sq. ft. garden managed Rain Barrels and Gardens The theme for our educational display at the 2011 county fair was Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens. MG s designed and built a mock house, displaying how a rain barrel should be set up beneath the rain spout. The overflow from the rain barrel was displayed as emptying into a display rain garden beside the house. The house was constructed by Bob Michaels, Bob LaCosta, Howard Bodner, and Peter McIntyre, and beautifully painted by Gayle Williams, Class of 09, whose husband also helped with the painting and construction. The display was very well received at the fair, with over 1000 clients seeking information on rain barrels and gardens. In 2011, The Children s Garden, a 30 x 100 ft. site, was designed to include a Green Roof Playhouse to demonstrate the importance of green technology. More than 20 Master Gardeners and Extension volunteers assisted with building design and construction, garden design, planting of perennials and annuals, and development of hands-on children activities (maize, educational posters, worksheets, search and find, etc.). Over $1,000 in donations and discounts were received for the project including growing media, roofing rubber, filter fabric, treated lumber, and garden supplies. The Children s garden surrounding the Green Roof Playhouse received an additional donation of $800 worth of plants.

11 Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 29 Master Gardeners currently active: 112 Master Gardeners trained to date: 222 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 4,923 Consultation & Diagnostics: 1,333 Community Outreach: 185 Community Education: 1, Volunteer value: $ 124,059 Total Volunteer hours to date: 30,224 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 675,944 Morris County 995 Garden Helpline client contacts 105 programs (1,363 adults, 133 youth) 18 PowerPoint presentations Expanding Community Outreach The Speakers Bureau has become an integral part of our Outreach Program. In 2011, they gave 29 talks at libraries and garden clubs, as well as a three-part series at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. During 2011, the Speakers Bureau taught audiences totaling 561 people. Our Horticultural Enrichment Program continued its goal of bringing gardening workshops to seniors and youth with special needs, as well as providing guidance with outdoor gardens. Workshops, such as seed propagation and forcing bulbs, were taught by a dedicated group of Master Gardeners and enjoyed by 935 participants. From March through October, the Morris County Library was the setting for our Information table, where Master Gardeners answered gardening questions, talked about Rutgers Cooperation Extension, and gave out factsheets. Ocean County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 28 Master Gardeners currently active: 136 Master Gardeners trained to date: 793 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 17,437 Consultation & Diagnostics: 2,997 Community Outreach: 2,151 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 439,412 Total Volunteer hours to date: 210,153 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 3,524,358 13,010 lbs. of food donated through Rutgers Against Hunger 8,000 sq. ft. gardens managed, 1,865 lbs. of produce donated at $3,115 4,998 Garden Helpline client contacts 59 educational programs (950 adults, 89 youth) 29 news releases RCE Woodland Garden Rutgers Master Gardeners of Morris County Nancy Leck, Nancy Yantz, Pat Rossetti and Donna McNierney show off one of the HEP projects at a senior citizen facility Master Gardeners take responsibility for the garden in front of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office at 1623 Whitesville Road, Toms River. This year, the Master Gardeners redesigned the space as a demonstration garden for native woodland plants. They researched and added 16 shrubs and 30 perennials, all native plants. The plants have sturdy, easy to read labels, so visitors can easily read common and Latin names. A brochure in a weatherproof case, in front of the Agriculture Center, highlights plants of seasonal interest. The goal of the Master Gardeners is that residents have the opportunity to see an arrangement of beautiful native species that they may be able to duplicate in their home landscape. 11

12 Passaic County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 25 Master Gardeners currently active: 143 Master Gardeners trained to date: 358 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 9,674 Consultation & Diagnostics: 1,567 Community Outreach: 7,037 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 243,785 Total Volunteer hours to date: 110,840 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 2,170, Garden Helpline client contacts 95 educational programs (1,350 adults, 276 youth) 14 press releases, 3 newspaper interviews A Sunnier Master Gardener In 2006 Sunny Brennan decided to take her gardening to a higher level and enrolled in the Rutgers Master Gardener course. She jumped in with both feet and volunteered at Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne by helping with tours and the plant sale. She was also seen at the New Jersey Botanical Garden Holiday Open House (MGAPC co-chair) and Lilac Garden Mother's Day tour. The Bloomingdale Senior Center Beautification Project is one of Sunny's crowning personal achievements. It was formerly a weed-ridden township site. Sunny coordinated the installation of native, deer resistant and xeric plant material, sitting and walking areas, planting boxes and pots. The Borough of Bloomingdale recognized her effort with a plaque, pins and public proclamation. Sunny has accumulated 1,000 hours of volunteer time in just three years after completing the course. Somerset County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 10 Master Gardeners currently active: 112 Master Gardeners trained to date: 239 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 10,206 Consultation & Diagnostics: 1,813 Community Outreach 3,602 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 257,191 Total Volunteer hours to date: 135,314 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 2,364,050 1,010 Garden Helpline client contacts 41 educational programs (1,055 adults, 143 youth) 10 press releases Wagner Farm Giving Garden Master Gardeners adopted four 4 x 40 foot Giving Garden plots at the Wagner Community Garden, located in Warren Township. Two gardens showcased best practices for growing tomatoes and two showcased succession vegetable planting. Besides using good horticultural practices for growing tomatoes, the stake and weave training system was used to obtain maximum production. Buckwheat was inter-planted with the tomatoes to attract beneficial insects. Despite adverse weather conditions, the plots produced over 250 lbs. of tomatoes. The succession garden used space for 3 seasons of vegetables, spring through fall. It also showcased intensive plant spacing which increased the number of plants per square foot. This management practice produced well over 100 heads of lettuce, and over 364 lbs. squash, peppers and tomatoes. Proceeds of both projects went to agencies (food banks, pantries & soup kitchens) in 3 counties that feed more than 1,000 clients.

13 Sussex County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 23 Master Gardeners currently active: 183 Master Gardeners trained to date: 308 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: 7,212 Consultation & Diagnostics: 467 Community Outreach: 6,460 Community Education: Volunteer value: $ 181,742 Total Volunteer hours to date: 59,637 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 1,347,043 1,136 Garden Helpline client contacts 21 educational programs (680 adults, 500 youth) 12 press releases Seniors Outreach Efforts The Sussex County Master Gardeners have cultivated a relationship with seniors working at Knoll Heights Village in Sparta, the Sussex County Homestead in Newton, the Vernon Senior Center in Vernon, among other locations hosting senior events. Master Gardeners work alongside residents in therapy gardens and vegetable garden plots, as well as planting window boxes and tending to the surrounding grounds of the facilities. Bringing the outdoors in to the wheelchair bound, Master Gardeners work on monthly horticultural events which engage patients in creative projects. The relationship is a year-round commitment, with indoor fall and winter seasonal crafts and education activities, and attendance assistance to Springfest and the NJ State Fair, both held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta.. 1,222 Sussex County seniors benefited from the dedicated efforts of Master Gardeners of Sussex County volunteering over 1,400 hours of service in Union County Program founded in Master Gardeners trained in 2011: 33 Master Gardeners currently active: 211 Master Gardeners trained to date: 772 Total Volunteer hours in 2011: Consultation & Diagnostics: 2,262 Community Outreach: 5,064 Community Education: 3, Volunteer value: $ 260,442 Total Volunteer hours to date: 149,557 Total Volunteer value to date: $ 2,456,650 17,287 fresh cut flowers and greens grown for local cancer patients 2,019 lbs. of produce donated from the Sharing Garden with a retail value of $3,533 1,432 Garden Helpline client contacts 1,209 visitors attended the Spring Garden Fair 80 educational programs (1,378 adults, 267 youth) 10 press releases Master Gardeners & Happy Campers Rutgers Master Gardeners welcomed campers from Camp Discovery in Plainfield and Camp Star-Bright, Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains to their Demonstration Gardens at the Trailside Center in Mountainside. Campers participated in six hands-on learning opportunities, including an entomology exhibit and dissecting scope where campers studied insect they captured; toured the Harry Potter themed beds; made a pizza button out of dried herbs; used flowers, grass and leaves to color pictures or make pressed flower cards; identified trees growing in the garden; potted up an annual flower to enjoy at home; harvested vegetables and berries to bring to their families. There were smiles all around as the campers learned about nature and gardening. 13

14 Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program Faculty and Staff Mercer County Barbara J. Bromley, Horticulturist 930 Spruce Street Trenton, NJ Phone: Atlantic County Mona Bawgus, Program Associate 6260 Old Harding Highway Mays Landing, NJ Phone: Bergen County Joel Flagler, Agricultural Agent Dail Reid, Horticultural Consultant County Administration Bldg., 4th Floor One Bergen County Plaza Hackensack, NJ Phone: Burlington County Ray Samulis and Bill Bamka, County Agents Brooke McMinn, Master Gardener Coordinator 2 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ Phone: Camden County Rebecca Szkotak, Program Assistant 152 Ohio Avenue, Clementon, NJ Phone: , ext. 231 Cape May County Jenny Carleo, Agricultural Agent Jenn Matthews, Master Gardener Program Coordinator 4 Moore Road, DN-703, Cape May Court House, NJ Phone: Cumberland County Jim Johnson, Agricultural Agent Viola Carson, Home Horticultural Program Assistant 291 Morton Ave., Millville, NJ Phone: Essex County Jan Zientek, Program Coordinator 621A Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ Phone: Gloucester County Mary Cummings, Program Associate County Government Services Building 1200 N. Delsea Dr., Clayton, NJ Phone: Hunterdon County Win Cowgill, County Agent Rebecca Magron, Horticultural Consultant 6 Gauntt Pl., PO Box 2900, Flemington, NJ Phone: Middlesex County Bill Hlubik, County Agent Rich Weidman, Program Associate Patricia Evans, Program Coordinator 42 Riva Avenue North Brunswick, NJ Phone: Monmouth County Bill Sciarappa, County Agent Diane Larson, Home Horticulturist 4000 Kozloski Rd., P.O. Box 5033 Freehold, NJ Phone: Morris County Pete Nitzsche, County Agent Sylvia DeMonte-Bayard, Horticultural Assistant P.O. Box Court House Morristown, NJ Phone: , ext. 223 Ocean County Gef Flimlin, County Agent Linda Schoch, Horticulturist 1623 Whitesville Rd. Toms River, NJ Phone: Passaic County Elaine Fogerty, Agricultural Assistant 1310 Route 23 North Wayne, NJ Phone: Somerset County Nick Polanin, County Agent Joe Gyurian, Horticultural Consultant Carolyn Morella, Staff 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ Phone: Sussex County Brian A. Oleksak, Program Associate 129 Morris Turnpike Newton, NJ Phone: Union County Madeline Flahive-DiNardo, Agricultural Agent Lynne Orlofsky, Agricultural Secretary 300 North Avenue East Westfield, NJ Phone:

15 Master Gardener County Program Volunteer Leadership Atlantic County President: Grace Wagner Vice President: Patricia Cassidy Treasurer: Bob Varrelmann Secretary: Anna Mae Maslinski MGANJ: Ann Cinquina, Barbara Kennedy Bergen County President: Barbara Johansson Vice President: Karen Pennell Treasurer: Sissel Castelli Corresponding Secretary: Charles Maietta Recording Secretary: Janet Jaarsma MGANJ: Walter Traubel, Jane Furman, Karen Pennell Camden County President: Rita Heins 1st Vice President: Mark Wellner 2nd Vice President: Roy Knight Treasurer: Jim Bridgeford Recording Secretary: Nancy Roberts Members at Large: Elaine Schon MGANJ Representative: Nancy Sullivan, Bernadette Eichinger Cape May County President: Jerry McManus 1st Vice President: Deb Adams Treasurer: Dave Husband Secretary: Jen Sawyer Cumberland County President: Karen Schaar 1st Vice President: Tina Flannery Treasurer: Joe Flannery Secretary: Barbara DeMarco Historian: Liz Somogyi MGANJ Representatives: Carol Henry Others: Newsletter editor-barbara DeMarco Essex County President: Frances Kroeckel 1st Vice President: Thelma Carnegie 2nd Vice President: Unn Boucher Treasurer: Arthur Rothenstein Corresponding Secretary: Gail Chmura Recording Secretary: Deborah Herbert MGANJ: Pat Hewitt, Joan Gorman, Pat Radey Gloucester County MGANJ: Maureen Fitzgerald, Coley Lyons Mercer County President: Marie Rickman 1st Vice President: Catherine A. Horgan 2nd Vice President: Tina Leone Treasurer: Louise Senior Recording Secretary: Ann Calder Historian: Greenie Neuburg MGANJ: Bob Robinson, Betty Scarlata, Maria Sinibaldi Middlesex County Chair: Kathy Dopart Vice Chair: Barry Weissman MGANJ: Kathy Dopart, Nancy Bruneau Monmouth County President: Jim Farmer 1st Vice President: Sandy Wolfe 2nd Vice President: Ellen Simonetti Treasurer: Joan Cox Operations Secretary: Nancy Carew General Secretary: Elaine Alston Whittaker Historian: Dan Robertson MGANJ: Jim Farmer, Ellen Simonetti, Karin Poorvin, Sandy Wolfe Morris County MGANJ: Pat Hudson and Ingrid Witty Ocean County President: Kerren Vallone 1st Vice President: Berry Jones 2nd Vice President: Suzanne Keane Treasurer: Holly Yocum Trustees: Ted Behr, Sandye Polter, Rita Carey Corresponding Secretary: Marylin Crespy Recording Secretaries: Jayne Kinsell and Victoria Monks Historian: Sue Norman MGANJ: Kerren Vallone, Mary Townsend Passaic County President: Raymond Edel 1st Vice Presidents: Barbara Cook 2nd Vice President: Joan Riedl Treasurer: Joan Kaynak Corresponding Secretary: Regina Imperato Recording Secretary: Diane Behlen MGANJ: Mary Ann Sytsma and Darlene Nowak Somerset and Hunterdon Counties President: Katy Shoemaker 1st Vice President: Nancy Mullin 2nd Vice President: Linda Madretzke 3rd Vice President: Donna Donelon Treasurer: Carol Kudless Corresponding Secretary: Ray Wysocki Recording Secretary: Tricia Deering Trustees : Sheila Lobel & Nancy Rabinowitz MGANJ: Tricia Deering and Mary Patten; alts. Martha Cleaves and Linda Bradway Sussex County President: Pat Lettieri Corresponding Secretary: Willow Kessler Union County President: Carol Walczuk 1st Vice President: Debra Naha 2nd Vice President: Sandi Schroeder 3rd Vice President: Richard Leister Treasurer: Margaret Beach Corresponding Secretary: Linda Henry Recording Secretary: Bridget Mracek Historian: Fred Taylor MGANJ: Caryl Hannemann, Antoinette Rinehart 15

16 The 2011 Master Gardener Program Annual Report Bergen County Sussex County Union County Somerset County Monmouth County Atlantic County