Iowa Master Gardener Program

Questions?

James Romer
Master Gardener Coordinator

Email: jromer@iastate.edu
Phone 515/294-2336
Fax 515/294-4817

News Update April 13, 2007

 

Announcements and news for ISU Extension staff, Master Gardeners, and faculty

IN THIS ISSUE

• HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISU!
• VANDERZANDEN RECEIVES NACTA TEACHER FELLOW AWARD
• AWARD WINNING DISPLAY AVAILABLE FOR LOAN
• SUBMITTING YOUR NEWS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISU!

Iowa State University is about to kick off a year long celebration in recognition of their 150th birthday! This year's VEISHEA (April 21) festivities will include a large tent on central campus near the
campanile with Extension sponsored programs. The Iowa Master Gardener program has been asked to be a part of the Extension display. The question was what to do in our space of the tent. What are Master Gardeners known for? Well, they are known for providing the public with researched based horticultural information of course. I am looking for volunteers that will help staff the Master Gardener display, answer horticulturally related questions from the general public, handout publications and increase the awareness of the Master Gardener program to those who stop by. I have included a shift schedule below. I encourage you to volunteer for more than one time slot. Thanks for your consideration and for making the Iowa Master Gardener program the best!

Shifts

10:00 - 11:00 (Full)
11:00 - 12:00 (Need one more)
12:00 - 1:00 (Full)
1:00 - 2:00 (Need two)
2:00 - 3:00 (Need two)
3:00 - 4:00 (Need two)

VANDERZANDEN RECEIVES NACTA TEACHER FELLOW AWARD

Ann Marie VanDerZanden, an associate professor in horticulture, received the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture
(NACTA) Teacher Fellow Award. She will receive the award at the 53rd annual NACTA conference to be held June 20-22 in Urbana-Champaign at the University of Illinois. More at this Web sitel.
(From AG ONLINE April 9, 2007 No. 446)

AWARD WINNING DISPLAY AVAILABLE FOR LOAN

What a deal! The award-winning Master Gardener display item is once again available to local Master Gardener groups for use in local parades, garden shows or other garden-related events. Of course we are talking about the Giant Sprinkling Can, emblazoned with the Master Gardener logo developed several years ago by the Mary Ann deVries, former Polk County Extension Master Gardener Coordinator, and the Polk County Master Gardeners. The sprinkling can stands about 8 feet tall and it even sprinkles. It is a sure-fire attention-getter wherever it appears. Need proof? See the photo of the sprinkling can on our web site at http://www.mastergardener.iastate.edu/

The Sprinkling Can was recently used in Woodbury County in a local parade and as a key element in the flower, lawn and garden show. It was a hit and attracted lots of attention.

All that is required to borrow the sprinkling can is a trailer on which to haul it. It is not heavy but it is bulky. It pulls easily but has a fair amount of wind resistance so top speeds on the interstate are not achievable. To arrange a loan contact Mary Ann deVries at 515/984-6506 or devriesma@yahoo.com.

SUBMITTING YOUR NEWS

Master Gardener Update is superstitiously published Friday by the Iowa Master Gardener Coordinator. Please send your news via email to James Romer. For questions, call (515) 294-2336.

 

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News & Updates

Training Sites and Schedule

Find out about 2007 training sites and schedule.

 

Upcoming Events

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Garden Column

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2006 Upper Midwest Gardener Conference

View photos from this conference.