Sarah Rautio

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MSU Extension Master Gardener State Leader
Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture

Dr. Sarah Rautio is the state leader of the Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Progr am®, providing administrative support to the MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Team and its 2,000 MSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers. She also administers Foundations of Gardening, a research-based 10-week gardening course for those who want to apply to the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program or anyone interested in the course for personal or professional reasons.

Sarah has a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Oakland University and a PhD. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University. She specializes in beginner vegetable growing; ecosystem approaches to gardening; gardening with wildlife; water/garden relationships; and how gardeners can help with global challenges like climate change, plant conservation and pollination.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys seeking out unique plants across the world, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her four children and their ever-growing collection of dogs.

Have a question about gardening? Call 1-888-678-3463 or submit a question to Ask an Expert.

MSU Extension Master Gardener Program: MSUE.MG@msu.edu

Foundations of Gardening: MSUE.FOG@msu.edu