THE OSU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAMGail Langellotto, Ph.D.

Statewide Program Leader

OSU Master Gardener Program

History of the MG Program

1st MG Program in Oregon: 1976 Reputably the 2nd MG Program in the

country, behind Washington State University

Founding Fathers: 1976

Duane HatchOSU Extension Lane County, 1952 - 1982

Gray ThompsonOSU Extension, 1948-1984(Clackamas County in 1976)

History of the MG Program

2 counties to 30 counties! 36 Master Gardeners to 3925 Master

Gardeners!

Statewide Program Caretakers

Ray McNeilan 1983 - 1996

Jan McNeilan 2003-2007

Anne Marie VanderZanden1997 - 2003

Gail Langellotto2007-Present

A Revolutionary Idea!

A Revolutionary Idea!

Train volunteers that can help Extension offices help their clients

A Revolutionary Idea!

OSU Can’t Serve Clients Without You

More than 50% of the questions that come in through the national and Oregon Ask an Expert System are Gardening Questions

≈10 Faculty FTE in Community Horticulture

> 100,000 clients served each year

≈ 4,000 Master Gardeners make it happen!

Budget Cuts: A Recurrent Theme

Budget cuts in 1982 (and in 2007, 2009, 2011)

In response to 1982 budget cuts (from 4 agents to Ray), Home Horticulture Advisory Committee convened a meeting in Hood River on November 13, 1982 Attended by 85 MGs from 10 counties Purpose was to: ”organize a statewide association

to assist, encourage, and help to direct Extension Service efforts in home horticulture and specifically in the workings of the Master Gardener Program”

Enter the OMGA (LCMGA)

Oregon Master Gardener Foundation formed in 1982

Oregon Master Gardener Association formed in 1985

OMGF dissolved and joined forces with the OMGA in 1986

OSU – OMGA – Chapter Partnership

OSU Extension and the OMGA

OSU Extension Master Gardener ProgramDevelops and disseminates research-based and objective information/programs/curricula on sustainable gardening and community food production via:Extension PublicationsPlant Clinic at Extension office, fairs, farmer’s markets, etc.School / Demonstration / Community GardensYouth Garden ProgramsAnnual Master Gardener training and recertificationAnd other means

OSU Extension Master Gardener ProgramAdministers the training and supervision of Master Gardener volunteers.InsuranceBackground ChecksReporting

An individual becomes a Master Gardener through satisfactory completion of the training course, a comprehensive final exam and a volunteer internship.

OSU Extension and the OMGA

OMGASupports the OSU Home Horticulture (Master Gardener) Program at the Statewide and County LevelEndowment GiftsMcNeilan Scholarship and other Scholarships to OSU StudentsSponsors Mini-CollegePurchase of PNW Handbooks for OR counties with an MG ProgramExtension Educator GrantPolitical Support for the Statewide and County Master Gardener Programs

OMGARaises FundsSilent Auction at Mini-CollegeOSU Bookstore Sales Commission at Mini-CollegeMember Dues

Supports OMGA Members and ChaptersSkills Development (Leadership Day at Mini-College)Dialogue/Idea Exchange at OMGA meetingsFiles IRS paperwork, financial reportingSatisfies regulatory requirements for corporate documents and records, such as bylaws and Articles of Incorporation

An individual becomes an OMGA member by paying dues to the OMGA and to their local chapter.

OSU Extension and the OMGA

OMGA ChaptersSupports the OSU Home Horticulture (Master Gardener) Program at the Statewide and County LevelEndowment GiftsPolitical Support for the Statewide and County Master Gardener ProgramDirect Program Support at the County LevelSpeakers’ BureauA Myriad of Special Projects

OMGA ChaptersRaises FundsPlant SalesGarden Tours

Organizes education and Social Events, LocallySpeakers at Monthly Chapter MeetingsTours and OutingsPotlucks and Picnics

An individual becomes is a member of an OMGA chapter, by paying dues to the OMGA and to their local chapter.

By the Numbers: 30 of 36 counties