Guide to The 2016
OSU Master Gardener™ Program
Offered by OSU Extension Service
Hood River County
Klahre House Kitchen Garden at the OSU Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension
Center Extension Research Station
Welcome to the Program!
Welcome to the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Program in Hood River
County. This guide is intended to provide a concise introduction to the program and explain the different
elements of it. It provides answers to frequently asked questions and is meant to be a resource to you
throughout your time as a Master Gardener. The Master Gardener Program is designed to meet the
information and education needs of gardeners in our community. Its purpose is to teach you more about
the science and art of gardening. In turn, as a trained Master Gardener volunteer, you will provide
information and technical assistance about gardening to the public through your volunteer service.
Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer can be a very enriching and rewarding experience.
During the next eleven weeks, you will receive 60+ hours of classroom training on many aspects of
gardening and horticulture. The series of Wednesday evening and Saturday classes are designed to
strengthen your gardening knowledge and skills. The classes are taught by Extension personnel and
other qualified educators. An important resource for the training is Sustainable Gardening: the OregonWashington Master Gardener Handbook. You will receive a copy of the handbook, the cost of which is
included in the program registration fees. There will be additional handouts for many of the classes, and
you may want to come prepared to take notes.
To complete the program and become a certified Master Gardener volunteer, you must participate in the
training program, pass the final exam, and contribute 55 hours of volunteer service in approved activities
such as plant clinics, educational workshops, and other projects designed to bring gardening information
to the community. You must complete 12 of your volunteer service hours in plant clinics. Your
volunteer service is recognized and highly valued by OSU. In 2015, Master Gardener volunteers in the
Hood River program recorded over 4,500 hours of volunteer time. Using Independent Sector estimates,
this translates into a dollar value of about $100,000.
A veteran Master Gardener has been assigned as your mentor to assist you and to answer questions you
may have during the training period and the volunteer service activities. Their goal is to help you get off
to a good start and guide you through your first year as a Master Gardener. Don’t hesitate to contact
them if you have any questions.
In tandem with the Extension Service, the Central Gorge Master Gardener Association supports the
program by providing financial support for projects through fundraising activities, sponsoring additional
learning opportunities, producing the weekly e-newsletter, and organizing many social activities. All
Master Gardeners in the Hood River County program are asked to be members of the Central Gorge
Master Gardener Association, but membership is optional. As a member of the Association, you are
encouraged to attend chapter meetings and other social events and get to know your fellow Master
Gardeners.
Your Connection with OSU
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY– The main campus is located in Corvallis, and each county office is
an “Extension” of the university. The University has three missions: resident teaching, research, and
outreach. As a Master Gardener, you are now a part of Oregon State University’s volunteer staff.
OSU EXTENSION SERVICE— This is the educational outreach arm of OSU that “extends” research
and education services of OSU to the citizens of Oregon. As part of the land grant university system, the
OSU Extension Service serves both rural and urban dwellers. Extension Service personnel include
Extension agents, program assistants, specialists, support staff, and a large number of volunteers like
yourself. Extension works in five program areas: 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, Family and
Community Health, Forestry, and Sea Grant (ocean and coastal issues). As a Master Gardener, you are
part of the Agriculture area.
OSU EXTENSION OFFICE—Most counties in Oregon have an Extension office staffed by agents,
support staff and volunteers. Funding for staff typically comes from a combination of funds from
Oregon State University and the local county. The partnership between the counties and the University
makes the Extension Service possible. A portion of your Master Gardener volunteer service time will be
spent in the local Extension office answering gardening questions.
OSU EXTENSION AGENT—This is a person employed by OSU to extend information and education
to the citizens of Oregon. Each agent has a particular area of expertise and an assigned geographic area
(one or more counties) and is a faculty member in an OSU department. Most, but not all, Extension
agents with Master Gardener responsibilities are members of the OSU Department of Horticulture. Steve
Castagnoli is the Extension Agent who provides overall program supervision and support for the
program in Hood River County.
OSU MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM ASSISTANT - the program assistant manages many aspects
of the Master Gardener Program like inviting presenters to the training, determines the times and
locations of plant clinics, manages volunteers and evaluates the program. Rachel Suits is the Program
Assistant for the Master Gardener Program in Hood River County. She also works with SNAP-Ed in
Hood River and Small Farms in Wasco and Hood River Counties.
OSU EXTENSION SERVICE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM STATE COORDINATOR—Gail
Langelotto is the State Coordinator and has responsibilities for coordinating the Master Gardener
Program on a statewide basis. These responsibilities include helping agents develop teaching programs
for Master Gardener volunteers and coordinating activities and needs of a statewide nature.
OMGA MINI-COLLEGE– This is an annual conference co-sponsored by OSU Extension Service and
the Oregon Master Gardener Association. The conference includes classes, workshops, and seminars on
horticultural topics, an OMGA quarterly meeting and annual awards banquets. Mini-college is an
opportunity to receive advanced training and learn from other Master Gardeners from throughout the
state. It is also open to the gardening public. In 2016, Gardeners Mini College will be held in
McMinnville, Oregon August 4-6 at Linfield College. You can find more information at:
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/minicollege.
Central Gorge Master
Gardeners at Mini-College
Volunteer Service
New and recertifying Master Gardeners must complete a minimum number of volunteer service hours in
approved activities to complete their certification. New Master Gardeners are required to complete 55
hours of service in their first year. Returning Master Gardeners are required to complete 24 hours of
service each year. All members must complete at least 12 Plant Clinic hours as part of their service
hours. It will be important to track your volunteer hours and the number of contacts you make during the
year. You will receive time sheets to record the hours of volunteer service you contribute through the
various projects. These projects provide educational opportunities beyond the end of classroom training.
It is recommended to participate in 3-5 different projects your first year. By participating in these
projects with other Master Gardeners, you will continue to learn, make new friends, and help OSU
Extension meet the information and education needs of gardeners in our community.
Volunteer Opportunities
DIRECT EDUCATION
Plant Clinics: All new and recertifying Master Gardeners are required to complete 12 hours of
volunteer service in plant clinics. You earn volunteer hours at all of the plant clinics. Clinics take place
at the Hood River Extension Office, Gorge Grown Farmers’ Markets as well as at other locations during
the year. You will research and answer gardening problems and questions from people in the
community. When you look up information for someone else, you are learning too.
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Hood River Extension Office Plant Clinics: First year Master Gardeners are encouraged to
work with their mentor at the first clinic. At your first clinic, you will be shown how to answer
phones, use the computer to access gardening information and how to fill out plant clinic forms
correctly. Plant clinics are held at Hood River Extension Office on Mondays and Thursdays 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Gorge Grown Farmers Market, Weekend Markets and Festivals: Volunteering at these
markets as an OSU Master Gardener give you the opportunity to interact with visitors and
community members to answer many different types of gardening questions. Hood River
Farmers’ Market, Mercado del Valle in Odell, White Salmon Spring Fest, Bingen Huckleberry
Festival plus other locations may all be opportunities for plant clinics in 2016.
Hood River County Fair Display: Master Gardeners design and provide an educational display in the
Floral Building at Hood River County Fairgrounds in Odell.
Hood River Library Waterwise Garden: Garden plots at the entryway of the Hood River County
Library were designed and are maintained by Master Gardeners as an educational project for the
community highlighting drought tolerant plants.
The Learning Garden: Several garden features make up this demonstration garden around the OSU
Extension office at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hood River. Each
garden feature provides an opportunity for a learning experience for Master Gardeners and community
members. The Learning Garden currently consists of these projects: Compost Demonstration Area, Herb
Garden, Fountain Garden, Hellstrip or Curbside Garden, Native Plant Garden, Bioswales, EcoLawn,
Japanese Heritage Garden, Ornamental Grasses and Raised Beds.
One Community Health Garden: A well-maintained and well-used community garden in Hood River.
In 2015, 35 garden plots were rented by 29 families from the community. In addition, we continued the
Herb Garden, redesigned the compost area, and created a straw bale garden. We assist with gardening
questions and problems, oversee the management, upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and
experiment with cover crops, and compost-making. We are proud to be involved with a community
project that allows neighbors to grow their own organic produce. We maintain all garden waste on site,
thus keeping it out of the landfill, figuring out how to apply what we've learned, and encouraging
gardeners to value the importance of healthy garden soil.
One Community Health Garden
Next Door Inc. Gardens: The Klahre House gardens consist of raised beds and a kitchen garden at the
Extension grounds. The Klahre House students learn gardening skills by doing most of the work at
these gardens. Raices/Roots is a community garden and education cooperative for Latino families who
grow vegetables on an acre of leased land on Barker Road.
Gorge Heritage Museum: A recently renovated garden at the museum in Bingen, Washington with
many native plants.
Wreath Project: Scheduled on the 1st Saturday in December, Master Gardeners, friends and family
gather to create swags and wreaths for personal use. Fifty-six were made in 2015 for the Fish Food
Bank.
Mount Hood Parkdale Bi-Centennial Memorial Garden: The Mt. Hood – Parkdale Bi-Centennial
Memorial Garden started in 1976. It was cleared to remove site obstructions for drivers coming to the
Parkdale triangle. It is a large garden in Parkdale that unfortunately had become wild. The garden is
being restored to its former beauty by Master Gardeners, The Parkdale Garden club, Grange, Lion’s
Club and many other community members and organizations.
Seed to Supper: A comprehensive, 6-week beginning gardening course that offers novice, adult
gardeners the basic gardening knowledge they need to successfully grow a portion of their own food on
a limited budget. It was originally developed as a joint effort of Oregon Food Bank (OFB) and the
Oregon State University Extension Service, Seed to Supper is offered in collaboration with host
agencies around the state.
INDIRECT EDUCATION
Central Gorge Master Gardener Association Mentor Program: The mentor program is designed to
provide a welcoming atmosphere for new Master Gardeners from the time they sign up for the Master
Gardener classes until they become well established in the program. Veteran Master Gardeners
volunteer as mentors and are committed to assisting new members.
Garden Visits: Visits to the gardens of fellow Master Gardeners occur 3-4 times per year. These
informal events allow us to enjoy new gardens, get ideas (and sometimes plants), eat good food, and
have fun socializing with our friends.
SUPPORT
Spring Plant Sale: The annual plant sale is held in May on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. It is a
fundraising event for the CGMGA and community projects. All Master Gardeners are asked to
participate by providing plants, helping to pot plants or volunteering during the sale.
Garden Tour: This tour of private and public gardens in the community is open to the public and
conducted as both an educational event and fundraiser for the program. All Master Gardeners are asked
to volunteer during the garden tour. Each garden on the tour has Master Gardeners working to guide
folks through the gardens and answer questions. Educational spots are displayed in the gardens and
refreshments are provided. The next tour is planned for summer 2017.
Spring Plant Sale
Graduation Banquet: The Graduation Banquet held in October or November is a time to recognize our
new Master Gardeners that have completed their first year of training/volunteer hours and to honor the
years of service and achievements of all Central Gorge Master Gardeners. There are opportunities to
assist with organizing the banquet as part of your service hours.
Other Projects — Projects may vary from year to year and other opportunities to earn volunteer service
hours may be announced during class, via e-mail, in the e-newsletter, or at association meetings. If you
have ideas for projects in the Central Gorge area, contact Rachel Suits 541- 386-3343 ext. 38257,
[email protected].
Master Gardener Classifications
Master Gardener Trainee: a first year Master Gardener in the process of completing the certification
requirements, which include participating in the training program, passing the final exam, and
contributing 55 hours of volunteer service in approved activities, 12 of which must be in plant clinics.
Veteran Master Gardener: a Master Gardener who has completed the program and wishes to remain
active in the program beyond the initial year. Veteran Master Gardeners are required to recertify each
year by completing 24 hours of training, passing the final exam and complete 24 hours of volunteer
service, 12 of which must be in plant clinics. Veteran Master Gardeners must complete application
materials and pay a classroom plus association dues.
Lifetime Master Gardener: a veteran Master Gardener becomes a lifetime Master Gardener after
completing 10 years of active participation in the program (years do not need to be consecutive).
Lifetime Master Gardeners do not pay program fees or association dues but must complete application
materials to remain on membership rolls. To remain certified as an active Master Gardener in the
program and participate in plant clinics and other projects, they must complete 24 hours of training and
24 hours of volunteer service, 12 of which must be in plant clinics.
Associate Master Gardeners: this is an option for Master Gardeners who want to remain affiliated
with the program but not complete the training or volunteer requirements for recertification. Associates
may participate in association events, but may not participate in projects requiring recertification. They
are required to pay association dues.
Oregon Master Gardener Association
The OMGA is a separate, but closely aligned, organization from the OSU Master Gardener Program that
provides several supporting functions for the program. It is a statewide, nonprofit organization made up
of many county chapters, which together, make up the state association. OMGA is financed by dues
contributed at the county chapter level. Representatives from each chapter meet with OMGA state
officers at quarterly meetings held in various locations around the state. These meetings provide a
networking opportunity and a forum for chapters to share ideas and activities. OMGA cosponsors the
annual Gardener Mini-College with OSU. The Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA) serves
four main functions to the Oregon Master Gardener Program:
 To enhance and supplement the Oregon State University Home Horticulture Program.
 To assume responsibility for performing special tasks and engaging in continuous activities
related to the program.
 To promote a wide dissemination of information available as a result of University study and
experimentation. Such information shall be in accordance with Oregon State University
standards.
 To work with other gardening organizations to enhance gardening in Oregon, when appropriate.
Central Gorge Master Gardener Association
The CGMGA is a local chapter of OMGA. Members include Master Gardeners from Hood River county
and adjacent counties in both Oregon and Washington. CGMGA is also a non-profit educational
organization that helps to promote the OSU Master Gardener Program and provide opportunities for
additional educational training throughout the year. Dues are $17 per year, of which $10 go to the
CGMGA treasury and $7 go to the OMGA treasury. The membership year begins January 1st and runs
through December 31st. Master Gardener trainees who finish the training program are members of
OMGA and CGMGA through that year. CGMGA organizes several educational and social events each
year. As a member of the Association, you are welcome and encouraged to attend all of these events. A
committee consisting of elected officers and project leaders make up the CGMGA Executive
Committee. This committee meets on the second Tuesday each month from 10am-noon at the Extension
office conference room to manage the association business. The 2016 CGMGA officers are:
President—Shari Bosler
President Elect—Sue Sanchez
Secretary—Christie Bradley
Treasurer—Nancy Slagle
State OMGA Representative—Eric Bosler
State OMGA Representative Alternate— TBD
Extension staff are ex-officio members.
CGMGA Award Recipients
Updated December 2015
Master Gardener of the Year*
1996: Fred and Patricia Paige*
1997: Anna Nolen *
1998: Shirley Chrisman / Elizabeth Daniel *
1999: Roxanne Sponable*
2000: Scott Fitch*
2001: Jean Hadley*
2002: Angela Bridges*
2003: Colleen Garrabrandt*
2004: Patricia Paige
2005: Sandi Rousseau
2006: John Ihle
2007: Dede Garcia
2008: Anne Saxby / Rita Saling
2009: Cindy Collins
2010: Kathy McGregor / Jennifer Harty
2011: Jordan Kim
2012: Eric and Shari Bosler
2013: Nancy Slagle / Mary Parrott
2014: John Stevens
2015: Audrey Schneider
‘Behind the Scenes’ Master Gardener of the Year
2002: Fred and Patricia Paige
2005: Scott Fitch
2007: Glenda Ryan
2009: Pam Crider
2011: Alan Yenne / Laurel DeTar
2012:
2013:
2014:
2015:
Dennis Carlson
Christie Bradley
Crystal Pickerd / Leanne Hogie
Ellen Penswick
Golden Trowel Recipients
2009: Coleen Garrabrandt
2011: Scott Fitch / John Ihle
2014: Dede Garcia
2015: Dennis Carlson
2015: Kathy Lien
* Hood River County and Wasco County were originally combined as the Columbia Gorge Master
Gardener Association. In 2007 Hood River County formed the Central Gorge Master Gardener
Association.
Oregon State University Extension Service
Master Gardener™ Program
Position Description
Title: Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener™ Volunteer
Purpose: To provide OSU Extension Service educational programs on sustainable home horticulture
(including vegetable, tree fruit, small fruit, lawn and landscape maintenance, pest control and associated
topics) to the general public by using research based and unbiased information.
Brief description of the position
 Answers general public questions and inquiries about gardening, landscape maintenance, pest
control and related topics by telephone; at clinics, demonstrations, workshops, or informal classes; or
in other ways possible and practical.
 Cooperates with and assists local OSU Extension staff.
 May assist in preparation of specific educational resources.
 Keeps appropriate records.
Requirements
 Must be available to participate in the training program for Master Gardener volunteers.
 Must be available to provide volunteer service to OSU Extension during the year that training is
completed, and equivalent to the number of hours of training received.
 Must be able to effectively communicate with the public by telephone, personal contact, group
contact, or in writing.
 Must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and to ensuring equal opportunity for those wishing to
benefit from OSU Extension programs and services.
 Should have some knowledge and skills in basic horticulture and related areas.
 Should enjoy working with people.
Supervision
 The county Extension agent with responsibility for the local Master Gardener program provides
overall supervision and support.
 Immediate supervision and support may be provided by a program assistant or a program
coordinator, if available.
Print Volunteer Name ______________________________________________
Volunteer Signature _______________________________________________ Date ______________
OSU Extension Faculty Signature ____________________________________ Date ______________
Oregon State University Extension Service
Master Gardener™ Program
Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct is a contractual agreement accepted by volunteers who commit to the Oregon
State University Extension Master Gardener™ Program. The Code shall guide the volunteers’ behavior
during their involvement with the Master Gardener Program.
The OSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides objective, research-based educational programs
accessible to all Oregon residents. The primary purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure the safety
and well-being of all Master Gardener Program participants (i.e. target audiences, professionals and
volunteers).
Master Gardener volunteers are expected to function within the guidelines of Oregon State University
Extension and the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program.
When volunteering as an Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener, I will:
 Represent OSU Extension, the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and my individual county
program with professionalism, dignity and pride, and be responsible for conducting myself with
courtesy and appropriate behavior.
 Promote and support the activities and programs of OSU Extension, the OSU Extension Master
Gardener Program and my local or county Master Gardener Program
 Learn about, know and uphold the policies of the OSU Extension Service, the OSU Extension
Master Gardener Program and my local or county Master Gardener Program
 Participate in orientation and training programs to help me work more effectively with appropriate
audiences
 Comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws
 Accept supervision and support from Extension faculty or staff while involved in the program
 Keep personal opinions and actions separate from the research-based and objective
recommendations made as a representative of this organization
 Follow through and complete accepted tasks in a timely manner
 Use garden tools and equipment and operate machinery, vehicles and other equipment in a
responsible manner, when working in an OSU Extension Master Gardener demonstration garden or
other Master Gardener site
 Respect, adhere to and enforce the rules, policies and guidelines established by OSU Extension, the
OSU Extension Master Gardener Program, and my local or county Extension Master Gardener
Program.
 Accept assignments suited to your personal interests and skills
 Participate in staff and program evaluations
 Be willing to use and teach research-based practices and concepts, in an objective manner
I have read and understand the Code of Conduct outlined above. I understand and agree that any action
on my part that contradicts any portion of this Code is grounds for the suspension and/or termination of
my volunteer status with the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program.
Print Name _________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________ Date _________________
Oregon State University Extension Service
Master Gardener™ Program
Pest Control Recommendation Agreement
Part of your work as an OSU Master Gardener is providing recommendations on managing pest
problems. Those recommendations may include using pesticides to solve the problem. Misuse of
pesticides can have adverse effects on the environment and on the personal safety of gardeners and their
families. Inappropriate pesticide treatments are not a substitute for sound gardening practices.
Alternative methods may be more appropriate for managing pests in home gardens.
Oregon State University, other land grant universities, and federal and state agencies focus substantial
amounts of time and money toward developing agricultural pest management methods that rely less on
the use of pesticides and more on an integrated approach to pest management. OSU Master Gardeners
are encouraged to become familiar with the process of Integrated Pest Management, as it applies to the
home, lawn and garden.
OSU Master Gardeners should explore all types of research-based information appropriate to their local
conditions. Rather than being prescribed a particular solution, clients are given several possible methods
to manage pest problems. These methods may include cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical
controls that are safe and effective. When giving recommendations, clarify the source of the information
(e.g. Extension materials, research papers, or personal experience). The client determines which method
to use.
You will receive training during your Master Gardener classes that will enable you to give
recommendations that fit OSU Extension policy guidelines. This contract will serve as a formal basis for
Master Gardener involvement in pest control recommendations.
1. I understand that as a Master Gardener my pest control recommendations must be limited to home,
lawn, and garden problems; questions concerning commercial crop production, commercial pest
control, aquatic weed control, and pesticide liability are to be referred to the county Extension
specialist.
2. I understand that as a Master Gardener I may recommend a chemical for home and garden pest
control only if that use has been recommended by OSU or other approved resources.
3. I understand that as a Master Gardener I may recommend biological control organisms or other
nonchemical alternatives for home and garden pest control only if the recommended use is contained
in current OSU Extension publications or other publications recognized as credible by OSU
scientists.
4. I understand that as a Master Gardener I will provide a summary of effective and safe pest
management recommendations, which may include nonchemical and chemical pest management
options, allowing the client a choice of strategies.
5. I understand that pesticides must be applied with care and only to plants, animals, or sites listed on
the pesticide label and recommended by OSU. When mixing and applying pesticides, all label
precautions must be followed to protect the applicator, other persons, and the environment. It is a
violation of federal law to disregard label directions. If there is any apparent conflict between label
directions and the pesticide uses suggested by OSU publications, the county Extension specialist
must be consulted.
6. I understand that as a Master Gardener I am not required to be a licensed pest control applicator or
consultant to recommend pesticides registered for home and garden use.
7. I understand that as a Master Gardener I am considered a volunteer representative of OSU.
Therefore, OSU will assume liability for my pest control and pest management recommendations,
but only if my recommendations are limited to control measures that are in accordance with the
pesticide label and recommended by OSU for home and garden use.
Please check one of the following, sign, and return with your materials fee and application form.
____ Yes, as an OSU Master Gardener I will subscribe to the above requirements.
____ No, I cannot subscribe to the above policy, and I understand that I therefore cannot be
certified as an OSU Master Gardener.
Print Name ______________________________________________________
Signature _______________________________________________________ Date _____________