MSU Extension Master Gardeners highlighted for volunteer efforts across the Upper Peninsula
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EmailOver $71,000 in economic contributions provided through community gardening education.
As we enter a new year, it's important to reflect on the past — especially the dedication and achievements of volunteers. The Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Program relies on volunteers across the state, with MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture staff coordinating different regions. As the Upper Peninsula coordinator, I want to highlight and celebrate the contributions of Extension Master Gardeners in the UP during 2024.
2024 UP Extension Master Gardener Program highlights
Throughout 2024 Upper Peninsula Extension Master Gardeners volunteered over 2,000 hours and traveled over 11,000 miles to complete their volunteer efforts. Overall, this amounted to over $71,000 in economic contribution provided to UP communities. Their volunteer efforts focus on community gardening education where they teach others about sustainable practices while working with youth, focusing on environmental stewardship, improving communities or increasing food security. UP EMGs contributed to over 62 different UP EMG projects, thus expanding MSU Extension’s educational outreach efforts.
Extension Master Gardener Achievements
We recognized UP EMGs who have been in the program for over 10 years. They are as follows – Marquette County: Linda Andriacchi, Jan Peck, Claire Twohey; Delta County: Greta Arntzen, Karen Moore, Darolyn Spannuth, Sue Wanic; Chippewa County: Connie Watson. These EMGs continue to provide gardening education in their communities. Volunteer projects range from beautification efforts to direct gardening educational programs. UP EMGs who have been in the program for 10 years are – Dickinson County: Elizabeth Slajus; Marquette County: Kristine Martin, Cathy Starrett, Linda Winslow. Along with their volunteer projects, they have also been involved as EMG Smart Gardening Volunteers. Their volunteer projects range from teaching children about vegetables and native plants to beautification efforts to direct gardening educational programs. Congratulations and thank you for your continued dedication to the EMG program.
Who’s new to the program?
To become certified, successful EMG applicants have had to complete the Foundations of Gardening (FOG) course with at least 80% proficiency. After completion of FOG, they then complete an application process, which includes MSU’s Volunteer Selection Process (VSP). After successfully completing VSP, they go through EMG’s Volunteer Onboarding. Upon completion of these steps, they can then begin volunteering as an MSU Extension Master Gardener. To become certified as a Basic EMG, they are required to volunteer at least 40 hours. Congratulations to these newly certified Basic EMGs – Alger County: Olivia Kingery, Katie Schneider; Delta County: Dawn Belongie; Houghton: Patrice Fisher.
Advanced Extension Master Gardeners
To earn the advanced title, EMGs must volunteer a total of 90 hours and complete 25 educational hours within five years. Those in the UP earning Advanced EMG Certification include – Houghton County: Joan Chadde; Keweenaw County: Polly Havins; Marquette County: Leslie Lasko. Both Joan and Polly shared photos of their volunteer efforts using natives within the landscape. Congratulations!
Smart Gardeners provide sustainable gardening outreach
MSU Extension Master Gardeners can also become trained as Smart Gardening Volunteers who provide outreach about MSU Extension’s ‘smart’ gardening resources that focus around sustainable and more earth friendly practices. With over 40 tipsheets, videos and bookmarks that highlight the MSU Extension’s Lawn and Garden Hotline and Ask Extension, Smart Gardening Volunteers assist clients in learning about these resources. During 2024, Smart Gardening Volunteers reached over 1,800 people with these resources. They provided this outreach at ten different UP events and reached people from seven UP counties, four downstate counties, as well as out of state residents. In the UP, 41% of EMGs are also EMG Smart Gardening Volunteers.
UP EMG Diagnostic Responder Team assists Michiganders statewide with lawn and garden questions
A team of UP Extension Master Gardeners also serve as Diagnostic Responders and assist answering client’s lawn and garden questions on the statewide hotline and/or on Ask Extension. They help in providing research-based answers to over 8,000 annual questions directly related to current garden issues, invasive species, and other concerns. Members of the UP EMG Diagnostic Responder team include – Delta County: Carolyn Bissell, Henry Knoch; Houghton County: Lisa Gregg, Deb Kinzi. Thank you for your continued efforts in helping us serve Michigan clients!
EMGs love to learn more and other awards
Along with being passionate about gardening, Extension Master Gardeners also enjoy learning. To recertify each year, they are required to have completed at least 10 hours of educational learning related to research-based gardening. Many spend a great deal more time learning than is required, so these EMGs were recognized along with those who volunteered over the required 20 hours. Door prizes of gas cards and local greenhouse gift certificates were provided to lucky winners. All in all, it was a nice celebration reflecting just some of the Extension Master Gardener volunteer efforts happening across the Upper Peninsula. To learn more about the UP Extension Master Gardener program, please email kransr@msu.edu or visit the Michigan Extension Master Gardener Program’s website.
