People, Plants, and Partnerships

eXtension announces the launch of a new Master Gardener Blog at the national level. If you recall, I introduced you to the National eXtension program last Fall. From their press release:

With over 94,000 volunteers contributing more than $100 million in service nationwide, the EMG program is hoping to take its volunteer program to a new level by increasing the social interaction of its participants.  

Beginning Monday, May 3, EMG coordinators and guest contributors from various states will take turns sharing a weekly blog post on a topic geared toward the national EMG community. Master Gardeners will be encouraged to discuss items appearing in blog posts by submitting comments using the blog’s commenting features.

Monica David, Illinois EMG coordinator and Consumer Horticulture National Committee chair, said, “ I hope the EMG Blog will be a place where Master Gardeners are encouraged to ‘talk shop.’” David also noted that the blog can be a place for EMGs to interact around blog post topics that may highlight many Master Gardener activities including:

• Project ideas, successes, and learning points
• Educational opportunities and curricula
• Contributions to the public good (value and benefit)
• National updates and events

That "94,000 volunteers and more than $100 million in service" statistic can't be emphasized enough - please cite it widely when you talk about the Master Gardener Program.

I added a link to the blog in the “Other Blogs” section to the right. Check it out.