2025 MGV State Conference and Awards Program

Sep. 22, 2025

Over 240 Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Educators and staff will be gathering in Wooster at Secrest Arboretum to honor peers, colleagues, and program supporters. The OSUE MGV Awards program was hosted by Wayne County Master Gardener Volunteers.  

OSUE MGV Awards are given to those who exemplify excellence in their work with the MGV program.  The 2025 awards were presented for the OSUE Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteers with five individuals recognized; OSUE Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinators recognizing a staff member and a volunteer coordinator; Friend of the OSUE MGV Program and OSUE Outstanding MGV Projects and Excellence Awards.  Award winners are listed below.

 

Congratulations to this year's nominees and award winners.  

 

Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator:  Staff Ashley Kulhanek, Medina County
Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator:  Volunteer Yen Hanes, Franklin County
   
Top 5 State OSUE Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteers

Mary June Starts:
Summit County

Gretta Kumpf:
Delaware County

Rees Davis:               
Ashtabula County

Kathy Watson:
Franklin County

Deb Brugger:
Clark County

 
 
Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Projects
Small Program Category Winner (1-25 volunteers)
Small Program:
Enviro Hort
Clermont County "Gardening Gems: Mini Presentations at Your Local Library" Read More About The Project
Small Program:
Backyard & Local Food
Champaign County "Hummers, Singers and Victory Gardens" Read More About The Project
Small Program:
Community Service
Champaign County "Freedom Grove" Read More About The Project
Overall Winner Small Program 
Champaign County:  "Freedom Grove"  Read More About The Project
Medium Program Category Winners (26-50 Volunteers)
Medium Program: Backyard & Local Food Lake County "Juvenile Justice Center Garden" Read More About The Project
Medium Program: Community Service Portage County "Holden Elementary School Gardens" Read More About The Project
Medium Program:
Environ Hort
Ashtabula County "Bringing Nature's Hope to Ashtabula County" Read More About The Project
Medium Program:
Invasive Species
Ashtabula County "Invasive Species Survey in Ashtabula County Township Park" Read More About The Project
Overall Winner Medium Program
Ashtabula County: "Bringing Nature's Hope to Ashtabula County" Read More About The Project
Large Program Category Winners (51 or more Volunteers)
Large Program:           
Backyard & Local Food
Franklin County "WARM" Read More About The Project
Large Program:       
Invasive Species
Franklin County "Chadwick Arboretum North" Read More About The Project
Large Program:
Community Service
Franklin County "The Garden for All" Read More About The Project
Large Program:       
Environ Horticulture
Franklin County "4-H In the Garden Special Interest Club" Read More About This Project
Large Program:         
IPM
Clark County "Diagnostics Walkabouts in Snyder Park Gardens & Arboretum" Read More About This Program
Overall Winner Large Program
Franklin County:  "The Garden for All" Read More About The Project
 
Friends of Master Gardener Volunteers
Bernie Fleming, Keller Farms Greenhouse & Garden Center Fairfield County
Mary Help of Christians Parish, Fairborn, Ohio Greene County
Dayton VA Medical Center Montgomery County

 

Standards of Excellence Awards:  Gold 
Shelby    
Union    
     
     
Standards of Excellence Awards:  Platinum
Ashtabula Franklin Montgomery
Athens  Greene Pickaway
Champaign Hardin Seneca
Clark Huron Summit
Clermont Lake  
Delaware Licking  
Fairfield  Mahoning  

 

Writers: 

Jennifer E. Andon, M.S.

Pamela J. Bennett

Grace Whitmore

Tags: 

Master Gardener Volunteers