In Season - Fall 2019

In Season

FALL 2019

A publication of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program and the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Volume 33, Number 4, October 2019

Dave Close Master Gardener Program Director Kathleen Reed State Master Gardener Coordinator Devon Johnson Communications Project Coordinator Sue Edwards Master Gardener Program Development Sarah Wright Program Support and Implementation

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

Cover photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash. Back cover photo by Emilia Morariu on Unsplash

Content Letter from the State Coordinator Dave Close addresses change and renewal at the State Coordinator’s Office

Northern Neck Master Gardeners Highlighted at 2019 Water Steward Training

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A Northern Neck EMG project exemplifies the kind of work Water Stewards can do

Update: Leadership Development Training

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State Fair 2019

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Meet Kathleen Reed

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Our new state coordinator Kathleen Reed sits down for an interview

College 2019 Recap

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Scott County is STEAMing into Agriculture

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A recent program in Scott county connected local students with agriculture

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Letter From the State Coordinator Hello from the State Coordinator’s Office, Thank you to all Agents, Coordinators, and Master Gardeners for the warm welcome I have received as the new State Coordinator. It was a pleasure to meet so many during Master Gardener College in Norfolk and I have appreciated all the email introductions that have welcomed me on board!

It is an exciting time for the Extension Master Gardener Program and we are truly looking forward to what’s ahead. After a very successful 2019 Master Gardener College in Norfolk, we are now planning the 2020 Master Gardener College in Blacksburg and the International Master Gardener Conference in 2021 back in Norfolk.

Our office will also be continuing to bring you monthly webinars throughout 2020. We look forward to connecting you to new topics, projects, and speakers each month.

Finally, we will be hosting a Leadership Development Training in Richmond on December 12. For more information on Leadership Development training, check our website at: https://www.mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/ current-resources/leadership/ Our office has held a number of these trainings in the past and enjoy connecting with Master Gardeners, Coordinators, and Agents during the trainings. If you’re interested in joining us for this meeting, check in with your Agent or Coordinator for registration details.

Kathleen Reed State Master Gardener Coordinator

Northern Neck Master Gardeners Highlighted at 2019 Water Steward Training At this year’s Master Gardener College Water Steward training, Northern Neck Master Gardeners made a special presentation on their successful Shoreline Evaluation Program.

By: Devon Johnson Recently Master Gardener College Water Steward trainees learned about Northern Neck Master Gardeners’ Shoreline Evaluation Program, which provides homeowners in the Northern Neck with personalized recommendations to reduce shoreline and upland erosion and stormwater, pollutant and sediment runoff.

The training group also took a trip to a local property to see an example of a living shoreline installation and learn about practical issues related to installing such a feature. In favorable situations, a living shoreline uses vegetation to stabilize the shoreline rather than installing a stone revetment or bulkhead.

Master Gardeners evaluate waterfront property in the Northern Neck. Photo courtesy of Ian Cheyne.

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Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Water Stewards are specially trained volunteers uniquely equipped to provide education and support on water-related issues in their communities, such as stormwater management or erosion. While the challenges Water Stewards face differ across the commonwealth, the Northern Neck Shoreline Evaluation Program provides an excellent example of a program that can be applied in a variety of waterfront situations.

About the Shoreline Evaluation Program In the early 2000s, a group of Northern Neck Master Gardeners became interested in improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay by promoting good shoreline management in their community.

After partnering with other volunteer organizations to build a demonstration living shoreline at a local museum, the group began working with the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS). In 2012, after years of planning and organization, they launched the Shoreline Evaluation Program, which provides local homeowners with personalized reports on their property and recommendations for improving stormwater management, runoff, and erosion of their shoreline.

To date, the group has completed approximately 230 shoreline reports for properties in the Northern Neck. Each report involves an on-site evaluation of upland and shoreline property, an analysis of the sitespecific situation, and a soil test and nutrient management plan prepared by the Northern Neck Soil and Water Conservation District.

Property owners receive a comprehensive written report with recommendations for

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their property and a copy of Northern Neck Master Gardeners’ publication The Homeowner’s Guide to Shoreline Management.

“We normally suggest transformative changes--not just planting one plant.”

The recommendations are based upon analyzing a shoreline property, integrating the effects of hardscape, sources of sediment and other pollutants, stormwater runoff, upland vegetation and the variables that affect shoreline erosion. Recommendations are then based on best management practices to address issues observed.

“Most of the recommendations we suggest cannot be implemented instantly. People use the report as a master plan and work on it over a period of time,” says Ian Cheyne, Northern Neck Master Gardener and leader of the Shoreline Evaluation group. “We normally suggest transformative changes-not just planting one plant. We come up with many different things that need to be done, and when done, all work together to improve the shoreline. Most people take some action as a result of our recommendations,” he says.

Program Logistics Northern Neck Master Gardeners who wish to volunteer for the Shoreline Evaluation Program must undergo a series of special trainings, including Water Steward training and training provided by VIMS. After receiving training, Master Gardeners work as apprentices with more experienced volunteers, assisting on site visits and in writing the shoreline reports that are provided to homeowners. This process may

Reedville Fisherman’s Museum shoreline before - Photo courtesy of Ian Cheyne

Reedville Fisherman’s Museum shoreline after installation of a living shoreline by Northern Neck Master Gardeners and community groups - Photo courtesy of Ian Cheyne

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take 1-2 years to get the volunteer up to speed.

Shoreline reports provide recommendations for improving upland stormwater management, pollutant and sediment runoff, and shoreline erosion. The report also includes a soil test and nutrient management plan prepared by the local Soil and Water Conservation District. For assessment of engineering-related issues (such as a failing bulkhead), property owners are referred to a shoreline engineer at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Northern Neck Master Gardeners currently aim to complete around 30 evaluations each year and property owners pay a $60 fee for their evaluation and report. The program is so popular that Northern Neck Master Gardeners must maintain a waiting list for the program.

According to Cheyne, once you factor in organization, travel time, time spent researching, and writing time, each evaluation and report takes the team of two a combined 15-20 hours to complete.

Before the Shoreline Evaluation Program officially launched in 2012, it took two years of training and organizing before offering services to homeowners. As the program has grown, Northern Neck Master gardeners have branched out to provide general

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education on shoreline management to their community, and have recently begun working with homeowners’ associations.

“If you’re trying to get a project like this off the ground, it requires a long-term commitment,” says Cheyne.

“Think about years not months. You need to have volunteers who are prepared and committed to that sort of a program. The group today acknowledges those efforts of the initial founders and VIMS who got the program off the ground,” he adds.

In the future, the group hopes to continue expanding its educational efforts and its work with local homeowners’ associations, possibly even training HOA representatives to implement principles of integrated shoreline management in their developments.

-For more information on the Shoreline Evaluation Program, please visit: https://shorelinennmg. weebly.com/ or the Northern Neck Master Gardener website at: http://www.nnmg.org/.

Water Steward training is one of three advanced training options available to Virginia Master Gardeners. Advanced training is offered each year at Master Gardener College on a rotating schedule. Training to become a Tree Steward or Land Steward is also available. Master Gardener College 2020 will feature Land Steward training.•

Update

2019 Leadership Development Training Join us in Richmond for training on diversity & inclusion, onboarding, and public communication Info

Who should attend?

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2019 Time: 8:30am – 4pm Location: Richmond (location details available with registration) Fee: $15 Registration: Please speak with your local Agent or Coordinator about Leadership Training and request registration details from them. Registration deadline: December 4, 2019

State Office Updates

Agents, Coordinators, and volunteers who are in leadership roles, or are interested / considering leadership roles, and those who would find these topics beneficial to them.

If you have questions about attending or topics, please let us know.

Registration Ask your local Agent or Coordinator for registration details. Register no later than 5pm on Wednesday, December 4th. We will start a waitlist for participants who register after our registration maximum is reached.

AGENDA

Diversity & Inclusion Training

The Diversity & Inclusion Fellows of the SE District will present an interactive 90-minute session on diversity.

Onboarding 101

From trainees to transfers, how do we successfully onboard and welcome new volunteers?

There will be time for open discussion and sharing your unit’s successes and struggles with onboarding new volunteers.

Communicating Your Passion: How to Talk About It

As a Master Gardener, you need to communicate your passion and interest to other people in many different situations. VT Librarian Inga Haugen will guide you thru a hands on exercise designed to make this less scary and more accessible.

State Fair 2019 Extension Master Gardeners set up an annual booth at the State Fair of Virginia. This year’s theme was “The importance of pollinators and how to attract them to the landscape.”

Master Gardeners answered questions from many visitors, including students and teachers who were given a poster to hang up in their classroom. Literature on pollinators was also provided to visitors.

The event was successful and the weather this year was great, according to EMG Blanch Wise.

Photos of Norfolk Master Gardeners (below) and EMG helping students (right). Photos courtesy of Barb Wilson, Norfolk Master Gardener

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Sustainability at Michigan State University (MSU), I worked for MSU’s Center for Regional Food Systems as a team member of the Good Food Charter.

Why are you excited to join the EMG state office?

While working with Extension Master Gardeners in Roanoke, I experienced the impact that volunteers can have on a community. That inspired me to want to work with volunteers statewide and assist them in their efforts to engage with people throughout the commonwealth.

Meet New State Coordinator Kathleen Reed Kathleen Reed joined the EMG State Office in August 2019. She was formerly an ANR Agent and EMG coordinator in Roanoke.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I worked with Virginia Cooperative Extension as an Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent for three years prior to joining the State Office. As part of my role as an Extension Agent, I also served as the local coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener program in Roanoke.

While earning my Master’s in Community

I think gardening and environmental education can have a really important impact on people’s lives and on communities. People come together in gardens, and Master Gardeners can help build community around gardening and horticulture.

Do you have any ideas or plans for the program you’d like to share?

One major thing that ill be doing in the next year is hold listening sessions throughout the state. I’ll be traveling around to introduce myself to Extension Master Gardeners and coordinators and hear ideas for resources and programming opportunities and how the state office can help you all in your work as Master Gardeners.

Of course, we’re also working to pull off successful Master Gardener Colleges in 2020 and 2021.

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big believer in organic matter. I have composting worms. I’ve had them for a couple years; I had some a few years ago and I picked them up again through Extension and taught a lot of programs on vermicomposting.

I do have a special worm bin, but when I taught classes, I’d give away a worm bin that’s just a plastic container with holes drilled in it.

Other than that, I am a low-key gardener because I don’t have time to tend to things. I do have two different kinds of gooseberry bushes, and this was the first year that one bore fruit, so that was exciting. •

When she’s not in the garden, Kathleen enjoys hiking with her dog Dahlia.

We’re also working on putting together a leadership development training on December 12, 2019, and we’re continuing our webinar series into 2020. We will have some really exciting new speakers joining us for those.

What kind of gardening do you do personally?

All kinds! I love all plants! I have been slowly removing my lawn and replacing it with vegetables and fruit bushes. I also really like houseplants so I have an evergrowing collection of houseplants.

I also compost at home! I’m a

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A sunflower Kathleen grew in her garden

Recap

2019 Master Gardener College In September, we held 32nd annual College in Norfolk, Virginia-our first time holding the event outside of Blacksburg!

Master Gardener College took place in Norfolk, Virginia September 19-22 and featured more than six keynote speakers and dozens of concurrent sessions on topics from deer-proof gardening to backyard birdwatching.

More than 300 Master Gardeners and members of the public attended the event-our largest College ever!

The event was held at Hilton Norfolk The Main and served as a test run for the International Master Gardener Conference, which we will host at the same location in September 2021.

College featured an appearance by Norfolk mayor Kenny Alexander.

Save the date!

Master Gardener College 2020: June 24-28 International Master Gardener Conference: September 12-17, 2021 Above: Dave Close, EMG Program Director and Kathleen Reed, EMG State Coordinator at 2019 College.

Right: Mayor Alexander poses with Norfolk Master Gardeners. Photo credit: Barb Wilson

Scott County is STEAMing into Agriculture Scott County Master Gardeners worked with local students at a special event promoting science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math.

By: Sarah Wright Everyday Americans gather around the table to enjoy meals made possible by agriculture.

However, a considerable number of Americans are actually unaware of the true origin and extensive processes involved in acquiring the food setting on the plates in front of them.

A national online survey, commissioned by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, found that seven percent of all American adults believe that chocolate milk comes from brown cows. While seven percent does not sound like a significantly large figure, when

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you do the math, seven percent works out to 16.4 million misinformed milk-drinking Americans (Dewey, 2017). This statistic probably appears insensible to most.

However, different populations around the United States receive varying levels of food exposure. If seven percent of American adults are this misinformed on the true origin of the milk in their glass, what does this mean for American youth?

A team of researchers, from the US Department of Agriculture, interviewed fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at an Urban

California school regarding basic food facts.

They found that more than half didn’t know pickles were cucumbers, or that onions and lettuce were plants. Four in ten didn’t know that hamburgers came from cows.

And three in ten did not know cheese is made from milk. Researchers performing the study concluded: “All informants recalled the names of common foods in raw form and most knew foods were grown on farms or in gardens. They did not, however, possess schema necessary to articulate an understanding of post-production activities nor the agricultural crop origin of common foods.” (Dewey, 2017).

Jobs in agricultural related fields are growing, so it is key to educate children on the significance of agriculture at a young age.

Based off the results of the study, lack of food exposure goes hand in hand with lack of food awareness. In other words, many American children lack the knowledge of the processing required to provide them the food on their dinner plates. Most children simply believe their food comes from the supermarket.

However, farmers are constantly working diligently behind the scenes to provide Americans with the fruits, vegetables, and food we all love year-round.

So, why is this information relevant, and why does it matter?

On a global scale, the concept of having “food security” matters. According to the US Census Bureau, the United States population is expected to grow by an average of 1.8 million people per year between 2017 and 2060. Every year the population increases,

so does the demand for food. As children are the future farmers of America, not only is it crucial to educate them on the importance of the Agriculture industry, but also inspire them to become involved.

The number of students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, (commonly referred to as STEM), related fields is on the upward climb. Between 2000 and 2012, the number of students graduating with STEM degrees increased 36 percent according to the National Science Foundation (Manning 2019). This creates a window of opportunity to inspire children to see the value in possibly pursuing a career in the STEM industry.

However, more recently a new letter has appeared in the common STEM acronym: A. According to a range of universities, agriculture is a growing component of STEM-focused departments and disciplines.

The number of students pursuing careers related to ag technology, in particular, is showing a large amount of growth (Manning, 2019). Jobs in agricultural related fields are growing, so it is key to educate children on the significance of agriculture at a young age.

STEAM-Day That is exactly what coordinators and Master Gardeners in Scott County aimed to do by holding a “STEAM-Day” workshop for academically gifted students at Scott County Career and Technical Center. The workshop reached out to students in Kindergarten through seventh grade, and focused on giving students a hands-on learning experience with agriculture while, most importantly, having fun!

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The event consisted of a variety of stations set up which students rotated through every thirty minutes, allowing each student to experience varying hands on STEAM based activities.

The fundamentals of agriculture were promoted to students participating in the STEAM Day event by allowing them to design and build their very own terrarium.

Mr. Fowler and his volunteers collected the materials needed for the project. They then instructed the students on the steps needed to complete their project. After that, it was up to the individual students’ creativity and personal inspiration to design their own terrarium. After customizing their terrariums, students were allowed to tour the Scott County Career and Technical Center’s facilities. They were introduced to all the possibilities a STEAM based curriculum had to offer.

Sarah Medukas, the gifted coordinator for Scott County Public Schools, planned the STEAM Day event that took place. Without a doubt, the event proved to be very influential, and not only for the students.

Sarah reflects on the event as being a positive and heart-warming experience for everyone involved. When asked what her favorite take home experiences from the event were, she responded: “The students were excited to go home and complete their projects. I know that some students brought their projects back the next day to their home schools to show their other classmates. It is important to expose our students to as many different programs as possible. We are a rural area and we need to use every asset that we have available to help prepare our students for the future.”

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Students learned about the fundamentals of agriculture at the STEAM-Day event.

Even though a great deal of Virginia is considered rural, teaching children the demand and numerous possibilities of pursuing a career in agriculture is very important. Agriculture doesn’t solely consist of “farming”, and careers in science aren’t limited to working in a laboratory hunched over a microscope for countless hours a day. This event, presented by Scott County Public Schools, not only educated students on a variety of career opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math, but also incorporated a fun hands-on learning experience while doing so. The students were able to take a deeper look and view an alternative insight into STEAM related careers, while also having something from that experience to take home to share with family and friends. With the help of Scott County Career and Technical Center, Scott County Public Schools, and Master Gardener Volunteers, the STEAM Day event was able to outreach and promote the possibilities in the field of agriculture in all the right ways, while bringing a smile to children’s faces in the process. Overall, it would be safe to say that the event was a STEAMing success! •

“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.�

Michael Pollan