If you are a Master
Gardener volunteer and would like to contribute to this web site, you can
send e-mail to Susan Liechty.
NOTE: Delaware County Extension Office
New Phone #740-833-2030 and new address is 149 N. Sandusky, Delaware, OH
43015
Direct Number for Nancy Bendle - 740-833-2041
History of the Delaware County Master
Gardeners
The Delaware County Master Gardener program was started in the summer of
1994 by Rob Leeds, Delaware County Extension Agent, John Hixson, Union
county Extension Agent and managed by Dusty Sonenberg, OSU Intern. The
school was initially started as a combined school between Delaware and
Union Counties and continues today.
Nancy Bendle joined Delaware/Union County Extension in 1995 to coordinate
the program on a part time basis. The school was held in July and
August but was later changed to Mid March and April. The school has
always been held in the evening to accommodate working county residents.
There are only a few of the counties that hold school in the evening. The
combined school terminated in 2000 and Nancy Bendle left Union County to
coordinate the Master Gardeners in Delaware County on a full-time basis.
In 1997 the Master Gardeners voted to adopt a constitution and form
the Master Gardener Association. The Association is governed by four
officers, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The office
of Time Keeper was added later.
All Counties participating in the Master Gardener program receive guidelines
from the OSU State Master Gardener Advisor, which at present is Richard
Funt. The guidelines help the counties in the State of Ohio maintain
some constancy in the program; however procedure does vary from county
to county.
As of April 2004 the Delaware County Master Gardeners have volunteered
over 16,650 hours, with approximately 150 volunteers.. Delaware County
Extension is very pleased with the efforts of our Master Gardeners in Delaware
County.
The Master Gardener Program
The Master Gardener Program provides intensive training in horticulture
to interested gardeners who then volunteer their time assisting with educational
programs and activities for Ohio residents through their Ohio State Extension
office.
Working with county extension personnel, Master Gardeners provide services
to their communities such as answering gardening questions, conducting
plant clinics, working with youth or elderly, beautifying the community
or demonstration gardens and other horticultural activities.
In 1990 the Master Gardener program was active in 10 counties in Ohio.
As of January 2004 there were approximately 3,000 certified Master Gardeners
who are active in over 60 counties within the State.
Fifty-five counties reported
their volunteer hours for 2000. Ohio Master Gardeners volunteered approximately
84,677 hours.
How
Do I Become a Master Gardener?
Connections
to Web Sites
The Ohio State
University Related Links
Integrated
Pest Management
Other Horticulture
Related Sites
