Oldham County's population is just over 66,000.  Residential areas make up about one-half of the county, and information about food and landscape production is in high demand. Extension Master Gardener volunteers help address this need through a variety of service work in Oldham County.  Their work helps foster self-reliance skills, a goal identified by Oldham County Extension Council for the county plan of work.

Master Gardeners complete the Extension Master Gardener program in order to begin volunteering. This program consists of 11 classes, each based on Extension curriculum, homework assignments, and a final comprehensive exam. The Master Gardener program is a partnership among the Oldham County Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Assistant, UK Extension Specialists, and local plant experts who teach, plus the participants themselves who agree to learn and contribute volunteer hours.

Oldham County Master Gardeners had another record-breaking volunteer year in 2018-2019. Thirty-seven Master Gardeners contributed 2,156 volunteer hours in the community, a 16% increase in service hours since last year. This work is valued at over $53,000 based on the Independent Sector's value of volunteer time in Kentucky. 

Highlights of their service include the following activities:

- Many Master Gardeners volunteer at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve and Yew Dell Gardens, two tourist destinations in the county. Their work enhances the beauty and success of these sites and supports tourism dollars spent in Oldham County. Their activities at these sites include All-America Selection plant variety trials; greenhouse production, and leading tours.

- Master Gardeners provide gardening time with residents at Friendship Health & Rehabilitation.

- A Master Gardener shares seeds and grows vegetable transplants to provide for Red Cross Food Bank clients.  This encourages clients to produce their own fresh produce.

- Master Gardeners taught programs or helped lead activities to educate adults and youth at Oldham County Extension at Brownsboro Area Trail Association.  This includes a trail event offered to educate urban youth about nature.

- Master Gardeners take care of gardens and plant new ones at local churches and schools.  They also help their families, friends, and neighbors to become better gardeners.  This provides self-reliance skills in growing food and taking care of landscapes.

- Other sites benefiting from Master Gardener service hours in 2018-2019 include:  Harrods Creek Park; Rob Morris Home/Historic Site; and the Kentucky State Fair.

Master Gardener volunteer activities are ongoing.  The Oldham County Extension Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Assistant, plus the Master Gardener Association develop and provide continuing education and volunteer opportunities to inspire continued learning, leadership, and service.