Dear Iowa MGs-

It is with bittersweet sensations that I sit down to write my farewell letter to you, the MGs of Iowa.   

It has been an honor to work with MGs here at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; it has been rewarding and professionally challenging. Through the MG program I have been invited to speak at many places across the state, in great auditoriums as well as correctional facilities. It has been wonderful to interact with MGs across the state, from the southeastern part of Iowa in Henry County to the northwestern area, Woodbury County, and many places in between. The integrity, kindness, and gratitude I have encountered among MGs in Iowa has been an inspiration. I will gratefully carry these experiences with me throughout my life. 

A special thank you to the ISU Extension and Outreach staff across the state! Your contributions to the Iowa MG program during my time hear have been great!   

We will be returning to Colorado where my husband was recruited by his former firm and I will be able to spend more time with our infant son. As always, happy gardening.   

Sincerest farewell-

Every two years, the Upper Midwest Regional Master Gardener Conference is hosted by WI, IL, IA, or MN. In 2012, it's our turn here in Minnesota, and we are excited and proud to be hosting the conference at the world-renowned Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

The conference will also feature a vendor fair, a silent auction with proceeds going toward the Jr. Master Gardener program in Minnesota, book signings, Minnesota Wine Opening Reception and a Minnesota Buffet Banquet featuring speaker Dr. Ed Schneider, Arboretum director.

The class sessions are diverse and exciting and focused around research in the Midwest! Some are classroom-based, some hands-on, some a little of both. Registration is now open. We hope you'll join us!

Delaware County MGs will team up with some of Delaware County 4-H'ers interested in gardening to work together on a grant funded project this summer.

Delaware County has been named a recipient of the 2012 Youth Voice: Youth Choice Community Partner Program.  The mini-grant totaling $1,000 will support a partnership between MGs and 4-H Youth at the county level. Funding for this program is provided through the National 4-H Council and the Wal-Mart Foundation and administered by ISU Extension & Outreach.

As a part of the project locally, 4-H youth presented nutritional guidelines and provided kids with a healthy snack at the Early Childhood Fair held April 21 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Manchester. The MGs also attended and shared basic gardening information. The two groups will also work side-by-side as they plan, plant, care for and harvest produce in conjunction with the very successful "Growing in the Garden" and "Lunch and Learn" programs conducted annually at the Good Neighbor Home, the Meadows and at the United Methodist Church.

This hands-on gardening and presentation experience for kids will provide a wealth of opportunities for the two groups to work, learn and grow together. Planning for the summer garden program began with an introductory meeting and will continue throughout the growing season.

-Lori Scovel, ISU Extension & Outreach Delaware County

A new volunteer program entitled "Adopt-a-Garden" is taking root at Blank Park Zoo. We are recruiting dedicated volunteers with GREEN thumbs to help beautify our Zoo! Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate. This program has been extremely successful at other zoos around the country and we're excited to bring it to Iowa.

With the guidance of our horticulturist, volunteers will be assigned a specific plot of land and submit a plan for their garden. They will be responsible for planting, weeding, watering and maintaining the garden throughout the growing season. Signs will mark each garden site with the individual or group's name. Cost of the plants will be at volunteer's expense and will be tax deductible.

Adopt-a-Garden will give gardeners a unique, public venue to express their skills and talents. It is also a great chance to get to know the zoo animals and interact with visitors. Adopt-a-Garden will run mid-April through October. For more information or to sign up, please contact  

-Audrey Daniels, Blank Park Zoo, 515-974-2547 ajdaniels@blankparkzoo.org   

Late last year the MG statewide staff and MG Advisory Committee agreed to increase the number of volunteer hours required to maintain active status in the Iowa MG program. Therefore, starting in 2013, the MG Volunteer Hours requirement will increase from 6 hours per year to 12 hours per year. Some counties are already above the 6 hours currently required. By the end of 2013 all active MGs must complete at least 12 hours of volunteer service. The MG Educational Hours will not change from the current 6 hours required annually. This should not be a change for most Iowa MGs as the average number of hours volunteered by MGs in 2011 was 25 hours.