Extension Master Gardener program took root 50 years ago. Look how far it’s spread
Fifty years ago, a seed was planted, and did it ever take root and grow. Happy golden anniversary to the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program. The name comes from the German tradition of bestowing proficiency titles in a trade. Translated, gartenmeister is master gardener.
The program was started by Washington State University Extension Agents David Gibby and Bill Scheer and has grown from its humble beginning in 1973. Gibby and Scheer, extension agents in the Seattle area, were inundated with home gardening questions. Overwhelmed, they created the master gardener program and trained volunteers to help respond to those questions. Today, the program is in 49 states and Canada, England and South Korea. It connects with each state’s Land Grant University.
In 2020, an estimated 84,700 trained and active volunteers in the United States donated more than 3 million hours of service to improve their communities. Extension volunteers initially participated in more than 40 hours of training. They have additional annual opportunities for advanced training to continue and enhance their educations, and they donate at least 40 service hours each year.
The Johnson County EMG program, the first in Kansas and the Kansas City area, began in 1980. With more than 500 volunteers, it is one of the largest and most active in the United States. Like Gibby and Scheer, Johnson County Extension Agent Larry Stouse and Kansas State University Extension Vegetable Specialist Chuck Marr were overwhelmed by the demand for gardening information.
Since then, an estimated 1,500 county residents have participated in the EMG program. Local gardeners in this program donate approximately 50,000 hours of service annually. Projects to help residents learn recommended gardening practices include a gardening helpline, speakers bureau, demonstration gardens and youth education.
The educational focus includes plant selection, organic waste management, pest management, pollinator-friendly gardens, water conservation and quality, and food gardening. The mission is to help create resilient landscapes, grow more food and enhance local communities.
This summer, Johnson County EMGs will host the showcase of all EMG programs: the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference. This conference is held every two years and is the ultimate professional improvement opportunity for volunteers. This signature event will occur June 18-22 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Johnson County EMG volunteers are the first county-based program to host this conference.
The conference will bring more than 1,100 volunteers from 43 states, Canada and England. It features local and regional bus tours, interactive workshops and keynote speakers. Garden lovers will see a unique garden and a nature-themed trade show.
Conference registration is open to local gardeners, and several activities designed for the public do not require registration for the entire conference. These activities include a tour of six private gardens, the evening featured speakers and the trade show. Complete information about the conference can be found at imgc2023.com/. Information on the events open to the public, garden tours, evening speakers and trade show can be found at johnson.k-state.edu/
Happy 50th anniversary to our program and volunteers. Seeds of possibility sown many years ago continue to flourish, grow and help make Kansas City a great place to call home.
Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Need help? Contact the Johnson County Extension gardening hotline at 913-715-7050 or email garden.help@jocogov.org.
