Ohio Master Gardener Volunteers

Syndicate

Ohio Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Tim Malinich Teaches Propagation Class

Tim Malinich, Lorain County's Extension Agent, recently taught advanced class attendants how to propagate nearly everything. He how to propagate plants at his presentation “Propagation101 and Beyond” given March 19th at Trumbull County Agricultural Center. Tim, Lorain County’s Extension agent, enlightened 46 attendees, which included MGs, Interns and the public.

Your Help is Needed!

Dear Fellow Master Gardener volunteers,

I am a long-time Master Gardener volunteer in Greene County who cares about OSU Extension as much as you and am asking your help with the budget crisis that Extension is facing. As you may know, OSUE has already experienced cuts of almost 10%, resulting in more than 25 lost positions. This has affected all areas of the state. With the upcoming state budget, we could face more severe cuts that would be catastrophic to our programs, including the Master Gardener Voluntee program. State Senator Chris Widener met with a group of volunteers recently and noted that he is indeed receiving a lot of letters and calls regarding this issue. He also suggested that we follow up with contacts to Governor Ted Strickland and Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut.

I am providing the address and contact information below as well as talking points. Feel free to copy and paste this information into a letter and add your own words and experiences. Tell them what Extension means to you and the impact that Master Gardener volunteers are making in their communties. Use all methods of communication - phone, fax, email, letter, etc! If you haven't written to your State Representatives or Senators, please do so immediately. The budget is in the House right now and will be sent to the Senate in May. Your words can be very helpful and will be heard!

If, like me, you value this program and want to do what you can to protect it, act immediately. The contact information is below as well as a sample letter. Thanks for your support and pass this along to your friends and neighbors who are also users of Extension!

Respectively submitted,

Thais Reiff, Greene County Master Gardener Volunteer

Emerald Ash Borer Program

Greene County Master Gardener Volunteers with leadership from Barb Mills, Horticulture program assistant, put together an excellent update on the Emerald Ash Borer, March 4th at the Greene County Fairgrounds for both the homeowner and professional. The program featured Dan Herms, Ph.D. Entomology Professor at the Ohio State University.
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Letter Writing Campaign to Help OSU Extension

Dear Ohio Master Gardener Volunteers:

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Ohio State University Extension are facing a 24 percent budget reduction. We need your help to restore this tiny portion of Ohio’s budget!

We all know our state is facing difficult financial times. Many have been called to sacrifice. OSU Extension has already eliminated positions at the state and county level and is reorganizing in order to stretch limited resources.
Our state legislators are now determining Extension’s budget for the next two years. Additional cuts would be devastating to OSU Extension and to the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

You know the value of Ohio's 3,100 Master Gardener Volunteers: You donate almost 120,000 hours, valued at $2,166,000.00, to communities and homeowners. You multiply the effectiveness and reach of Ohio State University an untold amount. You beautify our public places and make Ohio a great place to live.