✏️It's back-to-school week for the Corvallis School District and the start of term for Oregon State University is just a couple weeks away. This school season serves as a wonderful reminder to one of our core duties as Master Gardeners: public education. It’s no surprise that so many of our volunteers have backgrounds in education and science because sharing knowledge and fostering a love for gardening within our community is at the heart of what we do.
In addition to school starting, September marks the annual BCMGA Picnic. I want to warmly encourage everyone to join the fun at Philomath City Park on September 16. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, relax, and celebrate the work we’ve accomplished together.
Finally if you have any items for our newsletter, please let me know. We love to hear about the interesting things that our committees are up to.
BCMGA Membership Activities
*Note from Co-Vice Presidents Michelle Brown and Lynn Trimpe - When the Oak Creek Watershed Walk and Talk (originally planned on August 31, 2024) is rescheduled it will be posted in the newsletter and on the website when it is rescheduled.
✏️September 9, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 AM - BCMGA Board Meeting
In-person meeting Sunset Room at OSU Extension
Please consider attending if you have any interest in joining the board next year
✏️September 16, 2024 5:00-7:00 PM - BCMGA Picnic
Philomath City Park with access to the Randy Kugler Community Hall
BCMGA will provide water and tableware
Bring a potluck dish to share
You may bring your own beverages but no alcohol is allowed
✏️October 14, 2024 9:00-11:00 AM BCMGA Board Meeting
Zoom meeting
✏️October 21, 2024 6:30-8:30 PM BCMGA Membership Meeting
Doors open at 6:30, Program starts at 7:00
Takes place in the Sunset Room and via Zoom
Speaker: Kathleen Chambliss, Chair of Evening Garden Club speaking on the Homegrown National Park movement
BCMGA News
✏️Log Those Volunteer Hours - October will be here before you know it so remember to put your volunteer hours into the Volunteer Reporting System (VRS). If you are a trainee and need help navigating the VRS website, please reach out to your mentor or Otillia for help.
✏️BCMGA Board of Directors will be starting the nominating process for next year’s officers soon. If you have questions about the leadership opportunities in our organization please reach out to our committee chairs and board members, or come to the next board meeting on Monday September 9th at Sunset Room. Fresh and familiar faces are both welcome.
Volunteer Opportunities
✏️Plant Clinic Desk - There are lots of daytime shifts for both trainees and Certified MGs available. Late summer brings in questions about pests, powdery mildew and heat and we could use your help answering questions. Check out the normal weekday Signup Genius.
✏️Evening Plant Clinic still has two trainee spots on September 12th. If you are interested check out this Signup Genius.
✏️School Garden Fun! Did you know that Benton County Master Gardeners are working with three school gardens this year? This is a fun and active way to complete your volunteer hours. Each school garden has a different schedule, leader and plan. Reach out soon to get the ball rolling on background checks through OSU Extension and the Corvallis School District.
Adams Elementary School
1615 SW 35th St, Corvallis
Contact: Nellie Oehler 541-868-6897, oehlershrops@gmail.com
Mountain View Elementary School
340 NE Granger Ave, Corvallis
Contact: Susan Hoffman 541-602-4504, shoff@peak.org
Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School
1825 NW 27th St, Corvallis
Contact: Jennifer Klammer 541-602-0431 Jennifer.klammer@comcast.net
✏️Propagation Workshops at Philomath Greenhouse - Late summer and fall are important times for propagating plants for the next BCMGA Plant sale. It is a friendly environment at the greenhouse and no prior propagation experience is needed. This is a great way to learn to propagate for your own garden too. Join in the fun at this SignUp Genius.
✏️Plant Clinic at Corvallis Fire Department Open House - We are looking for two trainees to host a table on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 10:30 to 2:00. The focus will be on fire resistant plants and defensible space. There are new publications to be handed out. Contact Paula Lupcho for more information.
Continuing Education Opportunities
These educational events are approved for Continuing Education Credit by OSU Extension
✏️Growing and Belonging - Each year OSU asks that we complete one hour of continuing education related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. There are multiple online courses available through the Growing and Belonging website.
✏️Growing Oregon Gardens: Level Up Series 2024 Get one hour of CE credit for attending free gardening webinars from OSU. Check out the website for more details. Recordings of past talks are also available for continuing education credit.
Extension News
✏️Here are some important links to access information.
Solve Pest Problems: A new tool from OSU Extension to help manage pests around your home and garden with reduced risk to people, pets, and the environment. New entries are being added regularly on the SPP Website.
Logging hours into VRS https://vrs.osumg.org/sec_Login/
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