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The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Mahoning and Columbiana counties recently received three state awards for outstanding projects and service to the community.
The mission of OSU Extension MGVs is to educate others with timely, university-researched-based gardening information.
Each county's MGV program across Ohio must select projects that are related to teaching members of their community about good garden principles and environmental topics. Each year, the recognition of service is determined by submitting applications outlining local projects, from OSU-determined project categories. Applications are judged by Extension Educators from around the United States.
Awards are presented based on the number of active MGVs in each county, with our group having one of the larger numbers of volunteers in Ohio.
The designated categories are: Back Yard and Local Foods; Environmental Horticulture; Invasive Species; Community Service; Friends of Master Gardeners; Standards of Excellence Awards; Outstanding Master Gardener; Outstanding Extension Educator; and Outstanding Volunteer Coordinator.
Mahoning County was awarded first place in the Backyard and Local Foods category for the project "Veggies and More Tours," and first place in the Invasive Species category for the project "Educated People -- Best Defense Against Invasive Species."
In addition, Mahoning received the coveted Platinum Award for Standards of Excellence. This award indicates that Mahoning County met every criterion established by the MGV program.
The "Veggies and More Tour" is a program designed to teach good gardening practices. This program involves residents and MGVs working together, in community gardens located around Youngstown. MGVs visit a different garden or urban farm each week during the growing season.
Classes are held, residents receive free advice on all aspects of gardening, including learning about vegetables, growing health plants, soil preparation, as well as pest and weed control. OSU fact sheets are provided and laminated cards are provided for pest control options.
"Invasive Species" is a scientific university-based program aimed at educating the community about invasive plants and insects. Information was provided at the Canfield Fair and through classes offered by the OSU Extension office. Details included how to identify, report, and safely eradicate these problems by using Integrated Pest Management methods.
In recent years, our MGV program has received awards in nearly every category. We are extremely proud of our many community-driven projects.
We strongly encourage anyone interested in becoming a Master gardener Volunteer to contact the OSU Extension office at 330-533-5538 or visit http://go.osu.edu/joinmgv to learn about our training program where there is an application. Class will begin in February 2024.
We are sponsoring an MGV open house 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 16 where the public can drop in and meet Mahoning and Columbiana County Master Gardener Volunteers to learn how the program where they can share their enthusiasm for gardening with others. Details are at www.go.osu.edu/mgvopenhouse2024 .
McKinley is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.