Guide to The 2014 OSU Master Gardener Program

Guide to The 2014 OSU Master Gardener Program Offered by OSU Extension Service Hood River County Naturescape Garden at the Hood River Care Center

Welcome to the Program! Welcome to the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Program in Hood River County. This guide is intended to provide a concise introduction to the program and explain the different elements of it. It provides answers to frequently asked questions and is meant to be a resource to you throughout your time as a Master Gardener. The Master Gardener Program is designed to meet the information and education needs of gardeners in our community. Its purpose is to teach you more about the science and art of gardening. In turn, as a trained Master Gardener volunteer, you will provide information and technical assistance about gardening to the public through your volunteer service. Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer can be a very enriching and rewarding experience. During the next eleven weeks, you will receive 63 hours of classroom training on many aspects of gardening and horticulture. The series of Wednesday evening and Saturday classes are designed to strengthen your gardening knowledge and skills. The classes are taught by Extension personnel and other qualified educators. An important resource for the training is Sustainable Gardening: the Oregon-Washington Master Gardener Handbook. You will receive a copy of the handbook, the cost of which is included in the program registration fees. There will be additional handouts for many of the classes, and you may want to come prepared to take notes. To complete the program and become a certified Master Gardener volunteer, you must participate in the training program, pass the final exam, and contribute 55 hours of volunteer service in approved activities such as plant clinics, educational workshops, and other projects designed to bring gardening information to the community. Your volunteer service is recognized and highly valued by OSU. In 2013, Master Gardener volunteers in the Hood River program recorded over 6800 hours of volunteer time. Using Independent Sector estimates, this translates into a dollar value of about $129,000. A veteran Master Gardener has been assigned as your mentor to assist you and to answer questions you may have during the training period and the volunteer service activities. Their goal is to help you get off to a good start and guide you through your first year as a Master Gardener. Don t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions. In tandem with the Extension Service, the Central Gorge Master Gardener Association supports the program by providing financial support for projects through fundraising activities, sponsoring additional learning opportunities, producing the weekly e-newsletter, and organizing many social activities. All Master Gardeners in the Hood River County program are asked to be members of the Central Gorge Master Gardener Association, but membership is optional. As a member of the Association, you are encouraged to attend chapter meetings and other social events and get to know your fellow Master Gardeners. Your Connection with OSU OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY The main campus is located in Corvallis, and each county office is an Extension of the university. The University has three missions: resident teaching, research, and outreach. As a Master Gardener, you are now a part of Oregon State University s volunteer staff. OSU EXTENSION SERVICE This is the educational outreach arm of OSU that extends

research and education services of OSU to the citizens of Oregon. As part of the land grant university system, the OSU Extension Service serves both rural and urban dwellers. Extension Service personnel include Extension agents, program assistants, specialists, support staff, and a large number of volunteers like yourself. Extension works in five program areas: 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, Family and Community Health, Forestry, and Sea Grant (ocean and coastal issues). As a Master Gardener, you are part of the Agriculture area. OSU EXTENSION OFFICE Most counties in Oregon have an Extension office staffed by agents, support staff and volunteers. Funding for staff typically comes from a combination of funds from Oregon State University and the local county. The partnership between the counties and the University makes the Extension Service possible. A portion of your Master Gardener volunteer service time will be spent in the local Extension office answering gardening questions. OSU EXTENSION AGENT This is a person employed by OSU to extend information and education to the citizens of Oregon. Each agent has a particular area of expertise and an assigned geographic area (one or more counties) and is a faculty member in an OSU department. Most, but not all, Extension agents with Master Gardener responsibilities are members of the OSU Department of Horticulture. Steve Castagnoli is the Extension Agent who provides overall program supervision and support for the program in Hood River County. OSU MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM ASSISTANT - the program assistant manages many aspects of the Master Gardener Program. This position is currently vacant, but should be refilled in early 2014. OSU EXTENSION SERVICE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM STATE COORDINATOR Gail Langelotto is the State Coordinator and has responsibilities for coordinating the Master Gardener Program on a statewide basis. These responsibilities include helping agents develop teaching programs for Master Gardener volunteers and coordinating activities and needs of a statewide nature. OSU EXTENSION SERVICE and OMGA MINI-COLLEGE This is an annual conference cosponsored by OSU Extension Service and the Oregon Master Gardener Association. The conference includes classes, workshops, and seminars on horticultural topics, an OMGA quarterly meeting and annual awards banquets. Mini-college is an opportunity to receive advanced training and to enjoy and learn from Master Gardeners from throughout the state. It is also open to the gardening public. In 2014, Gardeners Mini College will be held in Corvallis, Oregon on July 12 and 13, other details to be announced. Oregon Master Gardener Association The OMGA is a separate, but closely aligned, organization from the OSU Master Gardener Program that provides several supporting functions for the program. It is a statewide, nonprofit organization made up of many county chapters, which together, make up the state association. OMGA is financed by dues contributed at the county chapter level. Representatives from each chapter meet with OMGA state officers at quarterly meetings held in various locations around the state. These meetings provide a networking opportunity and a forum for chapters to share ideas and activities. OMGA cosponsors the annual Gardener Mini-

College with OSU. The Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA) serves four main functions to the Oregon Master Gardener Program: To enhance and supplement the Oregon State University Home Horticulture Program. To assume responsibility for performing special tasks and engaging in continuous activities related to the program. To promote a wide dissemination of information available as a result of University study and experimentation. Such information shall be in accordance with Oregon State University standards. To work with other gardening organizations to enhance gardening in Oregon, when appropriate. Central Gorge Master Gardener Association The CGMGA is a local chapter of OMGA. Members include Master Gardeners from Hood River and Wasco counties in Oregon and adjacent counties in Washington. CGMGA is also a nonprofit educational organization that helps to promote the OSU Master Gardener Program and provide opportunities for additional educational training throughout the year. Dues are $17 per year, of which $10 go to the CGMGA treasury and $7 go to the OMGA treasury. The membership year begins January 1 st and runs through December 31 st. Master Gardener trainees who finish the training program are members of OMGA and CGMGA through that year. CGMGA organizes several educational and social events each year. As a member of the Association, you are welcome and encouraged to attend all of these events. A committee consisting of elected officers and project leaders make up the CGMGA Executive Committee. This committee meets monthly to manage the association business. 2014 CGMGA officers are: President Dennis Carlson President Elect Mary Parrott Secretary Christie Bradley Treasurer Nancy Slagle State OMGA Representative Gemma Furno State OMGA Representative Alternate Jerry Mohar Extension staff are ex-officio members. Central Gorge Master Gardeners at Mini-College

Volunteer Service New and recertifying Master Gardeners must complete a minimum number of volunteer service hours in approved activities to complete their certification. New Master Gardeners are required to complete 55 hours of service in their first year. Returning Master Gardeners are required to complete 24 hours of service each year. It will be important to track your volunteer hours and the number of contacts you make during the year. You will receive time sheets to record the hours of volunteer service you contribute through the various projects. These projects provide educational opportunities beyond the end of classroom training. By participating in these projects with other Master Gardeners, you will continue to learn, you will make new friends, and you will help OSU Extension meet the information and education needs of gardeners in our community. Volunteer Opportunities PLANT CLINICS: All Master Gardeners are required to complete 12 hours of volunteer service in plant clinics. You may earn volunteer hours at all of the plant clinics. Clinics take place at the Hood River Extension Office, Gorge Grown Market as well as at other locations during the year. You will research and answer gardening problems and questions from people in the community. When you look up information for someone else, you are learning too. Hood River Extension Office Plant Clinics: First year Master Gardeners are encouraged to work with their mentor at the first clinic. At your first clinic, you will be shown how to answer phones, use the computer to access gardening information and how to fill out plant clinic forms correctly. Plant clinics are held at Hood River Extension Office on Mondays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00. Gorge Grown Farmers Market and Other Plant Clinic Opportunities: Volunteering at these markets as an OSU Master Gardener give you the opportunity to interact with visitors and community members and answer many different types of gardening questions. Hood River Library, Saturday Market, White Salmon Spring Fest, Bingen Huckleberry Festival plus other locations may all be opportunities for plant clinics in 2014. Plant Clinic contact: Elizabeth Daniel, 541-490-7974 or at elizann@gorge.net. HOOD RIVER CARE CENTER NATURESCAPE GARDEN: This project began in 1996 and was developed as a naturescape/bird garden. A seating area with three benches under a large pergola creates a quiet place for residents and their families as well as other visitors and employees of the Care Center. The garden is wheelchair accessible on wide concrete walks. The beds have been planted with a variety of herbs, roses and perennials as well as shrubs, bulbs and annuals. There are also several vines and trees. This project designed and maintained by OSU Master Gardeners is an educational outreach to the community. Project Leader: Dede Garcia, nkg@gorge.net. HOOD RIVER COUNTY FAIR: Master Gardeners design and provide an educational display in the Floral Building at Hood River County Fairgrounds in Odell. Project Leaders: Nancy Slagle, njslagle@gmail.com and Mary Parrot, trudie97041@gmail.com.

HOOD RIVER LIBRARY WATERWISE GARDEN: Garden plots at the entryway of the Hood River County Library were designed and are maintained by Master Gardeners as an educational project for the community. Project Leader: Audrey Schneider, aud.schneider@gmail.com. THE LEARNING GARDEN: Several garden features make up this demonstration garden around the OSU Extension office at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hood River. Each garden feature provides an opportunity for a learning experience for Master Gardeners and community members. The Learning Garden currently consists of these projects: Compost Demonstration Area, Leader: vacant; Herb Garden, Leader: Ann Gehrig; Fountain Garden, Leader: Glenda Ryan; Hellstrip or Curbside Garden, Leader: Elizabeth Daniel; Native Plant Garden, Leader: Anne Saxby; Bioswales, Leader: vacant; EcoLawn, Leader: Steve Castagnoli; Japanese Heritage Garden, Leaders: Laurel DeTar and Ellen Penswick; Ornamental Grasses, Leader: Audrey Schneider; and Raised Beds, Leader: Dennis Carlson. THE ONE COMMUNITY HEALTH GARDEN: A well-maintained and well-used community garden in Hood River. In 2013, 60 garden plots were rented by 40 families from the community. Central Gorge Master Gardeners work to make the garden comfortable, attractive, and productive. We assist with gardening questions and problems, oversee the management, upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and experiment with cover crops, vegetable crops sent to the FISH Food Bank, and compost-making. We are proud to be involved with a community project that allows neighbors to grow their own organic produce. And we whistle while we work on maintaining all garden waste on site, thus keeping it out of the landfill, figuring out how to apply what we've learned, and encouraging gardeners to value the importance of healthy garden soil. Project Leader: Kathy McGregor, doc_kathy@charter.net. GARDEN VISITS: Visits to the gardens of fellow Master Gardeners occur 3-4 times per year. These informal events allow us to enjoy new gardens, get ideas (and sometimes plants), eat good food, and have fun socializing with our friends. Project Leader: Kathy McGregor, doc_kathy@charter.net. SPRING PLANT SALE: The annual plant sale is held in May on the Saturday before Mother s Day. In 2014 the sale will be held on May 10. All Master Gardeners are asked to participate by providing plants, helping to pot plants or volunteering during the sale. Project Leader: Kathy Lien, Kathryn_l_lien@yahoo.com. Spring Plant Sale

NEXT DOOR INC GARDENS: The Klahre House gardens consist of raised beds and a traditional garden at the Extension grounds and a garden on Barker Road. The Klahre House students learn gardening skills by doing most of the work at these gardens. Raices/Roots is a community garden and education program for Latino families who grow vegetables on an acre of leased land at the Next Door Barker Road site. Project Leader: Dennis Carlson, carlson@gorge.net. GORGE HERITAGE MUSEUM: A project maintaining the gardens at the Museum in Bingen Washington. Project Leader: Shari Bosler, sharibosler@hotmail.com. GARDEN TOUR: This tour of private and public gardens in the community is open to the public and conducted as both an educational event as well as a fund-raiser for the program. All Master Gardeners are asked to volunteer during the garden tour. Each garden on the tour has Master Gardeners working to guide folks through the gardens and answer questions. Educational spots are displayed in the gardens and refreshments are provided. Garden tours are currently held every other year. The next tour is planned for 2015. MT HOOD PARKDALE BICENTENNIEL GARDEN: The Parkdale Bi-Centennial Memorial Garden started in 1976. It was cleared to remove site obstructions for drivers coming to the Parkdale triangle. It is a large garden in Parkdale that unfortunately had become wild. The garden is being restored to its former beauty by Master Gardeners, The Parkdale Garden club, Grange, Lion s Club and many other community members and organizations. Project Leader: Paul Marcotte, plmarcotte@ucdavis.edu. CHRISTMAS WREATH PROJECT: In late November or early December, Master Gardeners participate in making wreaths, swags, and decorations for their own use and additional ones that are donated to the FISH Food Bank for distribution. Project Leader: Shari Bosler, sharibosler@hotmail.com. Vegetable seedlings grown for the Spring Plant Sale

CENTRAL GORGE MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION MENTOR PROGRAM: The mentor program is designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere for new Master Gardeners from the time they sign up for the Master Gardener classes until they become well established in the program. Veteran Master Gardeners volunteer as mentors and are committed to assisting new members. Project Leader: Dede Garcia, nkg@gorge.net. CENTRAL GORGE MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION PICNIC: The CGMGA annual picnic is held mid-summer and is a great time to get together with your fellow Master Gardeners, meet their families, eat, socialize and catch up on each other s projects. There are opportunities to assist with organizing the picnic as part of your volunteer hours. Project Leader: Mary Parrott, trudie97041@gmail.com. RECOGNITION/GRADUATION BANQUET: The Recognition/Graduation Banquet held in October or November is a time to recognize our new Master Gardeners that have completed their first year of training/volunteer hours and to honor the years of service and achievements of all Central Gorge Master Gardeners. There are opportunities to assist with organizing the banquet as part of your service hours. Project Leader: Mary Parrott, trudie97041@gmail.com. OTHER PROJECTS Projects may vary from year to year and other opportunities to earn volunteer service hours may be announced during class, via e-mail, in the e-newsletter, or at association meetings. If you have ideas for projects in the Hood River area, contact Steve Castagnoli 541-386-3343 ext. 255, steve.castagnoli@oregonstate.edu. Master Gardener Classifications Master Gardener Trainee: a first year Master Gardener in the process of completing the certification requirements, which include participating in the training program, passing the final exam, and contributing 55 hours of volunteer service in approved activities. Veteran Master Gardener: a Master Gardener who has completed the program and wishes to remain active in the program beyond the initial year. Veteran Master Gardeners are required to recertify each year by completing 24 hours of training and 24 hours of volunteer service. Veteran Master Gardeners must complete application materials and pay a classroom fee of $35 plus association dues of $17. Lifetime Master Gardener: a veteran Master Gardener becomes a lifetime Master Gardener after completing 10 years of active participation in the program (years do not need to be consecutive). Lifetime Master Gardeners do not pay program fees or association dues but must complete application materials to remain on membership rolls. To remain active in the program and participate in plant clinics and other projects, they must complete 24 hours of training and 24 hours of volunteer service. Associate Master Gardeners: this is an option for Master Gardeners who want to remain affiliated with the program but not complete the training or volunteer requirements for recertification. Associates may participate in association events, but may not participate in projects requiring recertification. They are required to pay association dues of $17.

Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Program Position Description Title: Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteer Purpose: To provide OSU Extension Service educational programs on sustainable home horticulture (including vegetable, tree fruit, small fruit, lawn and landscape maintenance, pest control and associated topics) to the general public by using research based and unbiased information. Brief description of the position Answers general public questions and inquiries about gardening, landscape maintenance, pest control and related topics by telephone; at clinics, demonstrations, workshops, or informal classes; or in other ways possible and practical. Cooperates with and assists local OSU Extension staff. May assist in preparation of specific educational resources. Keeps appropriate records. Requirements Must be available to participate in the training program for Master Gardener volunteers. Must be available to provide volunteer service to OSU Extension during the year that training is completed, and equivalent to the number of hours of training received. Must be able to effectively communicate with the public by telephone, personal contact, group contact, or in writing. Must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and to ensuring equal opportunity for those wishing to benefit from OSU Extension programs and services. Should have some knowledge and skills in basic horticulture and related areas. Should enjoy working with people. Supervision The county Extension agent with responsibility for the local Master Gardener program provides overall supervision and support. Immediate supervision and support may be provided by a program assistant or a program coordinator, if available. Print Volunteer Name Volunteer Signature Date OSU Extension Faculty Signature Date

Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Program Code of Conduct This Code of Conduct is a contractual agreement accepted by volunteers who commit to the Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener Program. The Code shall guide the volunteers behavior during their involvement with the Master Gardener Program. The OSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides objective, research-based educational programs accessible to all Oregon residents. The primary purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Master Gardener Program participants (i.e. target audiences, professionals and volunteers). Master Gardener volunteers are expected to function within the guidelines of Oregon State University Extension and the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program. When volunteering as an Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener, I will: Represent OSU Extension, the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and my individual county program with professionalism, dignity and pride, and be responsible for conducting myself with courtesy and appropriate behavior. Promote and support the activities and programs of OSU Extension, the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and my local or county Master Gardener Program Learn about, know and uphold the policies of the OSU Extension Service, the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and my local or county Master Gardener Program Participate in orientation and training programs to help me work more effectively with appropriate audiences Comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws Accept supervision and support from Extension faculty or staff while involved in the program Keep personal opinions and actions separate from the research-based and objective recommendations made as a representative of this organization Follow through and complete accepted tasks in a timely manner Use garden tools and equipment and operate machinery, vehicles and other equipment in a responsible manner, when working in an OSU Extension Master Gardener demonstration garden or other Master Gardener site Respect, adhere to and enforce the rules, policies and guidelines established by OSU Extension, the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program, and my local or county Extension Master Gardener Program. Accept assignments suited to your personal interests and skills Participate in staff and program evaluations Be willing to use and teach research-based practices and concepts, in an objective manner I have read and understand the Code of Conduct outlined above. I understand and agree that any action on my part that contradicts any portion of this Code is grounds for the suspension and/or termination of my volunteer status with the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program. Print Name Signature Date

Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Program Pest Control Recommendation Agreement Part of your work as an OSU Master Gardener is providing recommendations on managing pest problems. Those recommendations may include using pesticides to solve the problem. Misuse of pesticides can have adverse effects on the environment and on the personal safety of gardeners and their families. Inappropriate pesticide treatments are not a substitute for sound gardening practices. Alternative methods may be more appropriate for managing pests in home gardens. Oregon State University, other land grant universities, and federal and state agencies focus substantial amounts of time and money toward developing agricultural pest management methods that rely less on the use of pesticides and more on an integrated approach to pest management. OSU Master Gardeners are encouraged to become familiar with the process of Integrated Pest Management, as it applies to the home, lawn and garden. OSU Master Gardeners should explore all types of research-based information appropriate to their local conditions. Rather than being prescribed a particular solution, clients are given several possible methods to manage pest problems. These methods may include cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls that are safe and effective. When giving recommendations, clarify the source of the information (e.g. Extension materials, research papers, or personal experience). The client determines which method to use. You will receive training during your Master Gardener classes that will enable you to give recommendations that fit OSU Extension policy guidelines. This contract will serve as a formal basis for Master Gardener involvement in pest control recommendations. 1. I understand that as a Master Gardener my pest control recommendations must be limited to home, lawn, and garden problems; questions concerning commercial crop production, commercial pest control, aquatic weed control, and pesticide liability are to be referred to the county Extension specialist. 2. I understand that as a Master Gardener I may recommend a chemical for home and garden pest control only if that use has been recommended by OSU or other approved resources. 3. I understand that as a Master Gardener I may recommend biological control organisms or other nonchemical alternatives for home and garden pest control only if the recommended use is contained in current OSU Extension publications or other publications recognized as credible by OSU scientists. 4. I understand that as a Master Gardener I will provide a summary of effective and safe pest management recommendations, which may include nonchemical and chemical pest management options, allowing the client a choice of strategies. 5. I understand that pesticides must be applied with care and only to plants, animals, or sites listed on the pesticide label and recommended by OSU. When mixing and applying pesticides, all label precautions must be followed to protect the applicator, other persons, and the environment. It is a violation of federal law to disregard label directions. If there is any apparent conflict between label directions and the pesticide uses suggested by OSU publications, the county Extension specialist must be consulted. 6. I understand that as a Master Gardener I am not required to be a licensed pest control applicator or consultant to recommend pesticides registered for home and garden use.

7. I understand that as a Master Gardener I am considered a volunteer representative of OSU. Therefore, OSU will assume liability for my pest control and pest management recommendations, but only if my recommendations are limited to control measures that are in accordance with the pesticide label and recommended by OSU for home and garden use. Please check one of the following, sign, and return with your materials fee and application form. Yes, as an OSU Master Gardener I will subscribe to the above requirements. No, I cannot subscribe to the above policy, and I understand that I therefore cannot be certified as an OSU Master Gardener. Print Name Signature Date