Master Gardener Symposia, 2011

 

In 2010, over 2300 Master Gardeners volunteered across Iowa. Between their local volunteer projects and striving to learn more about gardening, they logged more than 88,000 hours. Hopefully you were impacted by a Master Gardener this past year. One of their most important community goals is to help provide education and information to Iowa gardeners. Therefore, many programs are available this winter, some of which are listed below.   The 2011 Winter Gardening Fair on Saturday, February 19 in Cedar Rapids, IA at Kirkwood Community College thanks to the Linn County MGs. There will be over 60 presentations to choose from on a variety of horticulture topics ranging from yard art to common tree problems and from building raised beds to gardening in small yards and containers. Tuition is only $49 and includes lunch.   The 8th annual Think Spring! Garden Seminar is on Saturday, February 26 in Indianola, IA on the Simpson College campus. Guest speakers are Susan Appleget Hurst, Consultant and Speaker, Mike White, ISU Extension Viticulturist, Dr. Jesse Randall, ISU Extension Forestry Specialist; and, Sheila O'Riley, "The Ugly Gardener," MG and USDA Earth Team volunteer. This seminar is presented by Warren County MGs and Indianola Parks and Recreation. Tuition is $40 and includes a catered luncheon.   The 5th annual Buchanan County MG Public Daylong Symposium will be on Saturday, February 26 in Independence, IA at the Heartland Acres Events Center. Tuition is $25 if registered by Feb 5 or $30 at the door and includes lunch.   The Henry County MG 2011 Symposium is planned for Saturday, March 5 in Mt. Pleasant, IA. Speakers include Kelly Norris, Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Gerald Hobbs, Marty Schnicker and Jennifer Bousselot.   Hort In the Heartland is planned for Saturday, March 5 in Clinton, IA at Clinton Community College. The Bickelhaupt Arboretum and the Clinton County MGs have teamed up to host an incredible list of speakers. Cost is $30 and includes a light breakfast and lunch.   The Jackson County MG Conference will be hosted on Saturday, March 12 in Maquoketa, IA at the Maquoketa Middle School.   The Art of Gardening conference on Saturday, March 19 in Muscatine, IA is co-hosted by the Muscatine County MGs, ISU Extension, and Muscatine Community College. Lunch will be catered. Door prizes will be given away following the session - must be present to win! Tuition is $40.   The Atlantic Garden Seminar, on Saturday, March 19 in Atlantic, IA at the Atlantic High School from 8am-5pm, is hosted by the Cass County MGs.   The West Pottawattamie Spring Gardening Conference, on Saturday, March 26 in Council Bluffs, IA at the Senior Citizen Center, is hosted by the West Pottawattamie County MGs. Tuition is $30.  

 

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