Author: Stephen Lewis
Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES
Major Program: Master Gardener
Plan of Work: Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, Natural Resources and Urban Forestry
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The How to festival is an event put on by the Louisville Free Public library where the community can come out and learn 50 different topics in 5 hours. Presenters and experts from various local organizations and businesses share their expertise freely with the public in 45-minute workshops. Master Gardener volunteers had a significant presence at this event. The Jefferson County Master Gardener Association is a volunteer group that works closely with extension to provide agricultural education to a wider range of people than county agents can reach personally. Master Gardeners are a valuable asset to the city as they are seen as a reliable source for education, technical assistance, and volunteerism. Traditionally, many How to Festival topics have focused on gardening and urban agriculture and as a result, several Master Gardener volunteers were contacted to help facilitate the event. Master gardener Lavona Casson distributed flyers and information to patrons during the event, while Cindy George worked at extension’s community garden booth giving away free seeds. They also passed out gardening publications and answered questions from other gardeners. Master Gardeners were seen in attendance of various workshops, earning continuing education hours, while several others earned client education hours by giving presentations to large groups of visitors. Judy Buckler gave a presentation on raising backyard chickens and everyone loved looking at the baby chicks that she brought along with her. Master Gardener Terry Gibson, a well-known vegetable gardener, and former nursery grower gave a presentation on growing tomatoes. Trilba Smith presented the topic “Incorporating edible plants in the ornamental landscape” and Phillis Fitzgerald gave a presentation on native plants. With the assistance of master gardeners, 100s of people learned about Jefferson County Extension and the resources we provide the community.
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