CMGA General Info

Christmas Amaryllis with Orchid to the right. Below Ruth Benson's holiday bears.
Photo by Loni Shapiro.

Welcome to the Coconino County Master Gardeners Association blog. The mission of the Master Gardener Program is to create a corps of well-informed volunteers, and to deliver quality horticultural education programs adapted to our regional high elevation environment. The purpose of the association is to provide support for those volunteers and Master Gardener graduates, continuing education, and opportunities to participate in community programs that increase the visibility and participation in the Master Gardener Program.
The Coconino Master Gardener Association (2009) began in 2009. This blog contains information on:
-How to become a member
-Volunteer and Education hours reporting
-Calendar of Events
-General gardening information articles
-Master Gardener Association Documents and forms
-References and Resources
-Interesting Websites and Blogs
-Old Gardening Etcetera columns
-Recipes
-Book Reviews
-How to contact Board or Committee Members
Meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Thursday from 600pm - 8;30pm. We meet at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at 1601 N. San Francisco. This includes continuing education and a business meeting.

Reporting Master Gardener Hours

All master gardener trainees and certified master gardeners need to report their hours.
Beginning in 2010 certified master gardeners need to have 6 Education hours and 12 Volunteer hours in order to maintain certification.The on line reporting system allows you to report Education or Volunteer hours. You can sign in to record hours in the right hand column under Recording Volunteer and Education Hours. Just click on the U. of A.
If you have any questions or concerns about the new reporting system, please contact Brenda Smith (A - M) or Sue Madden (N - Z). Their contacts are listed at the bottom of the blog under
Contacts.



Ideas for hours------
--Attend monthly meetings
--Work on an association committee
--Work at an informational booth for the Master Gardeners
--Be a speaker about gardening topics at a variety of venues

--Host a garden tour
--Work at a fundraising event (Plant Sale - Garden Tour).
--Work at a MG site (Olivia White Hospice, the Arboretum, Riordan Mansion, or school gardens (many others)). Check out the Assoc. Doc. & Forms under Volunteer Sites.
--Work in the Extension office
--Write an article for the newspaper column -Gardening Etcetera
-Volunteer with the Seed Library
Be creative! There are many ways to fulfill your hours. Just remember for volunteering it needs to be a non-profit endeavor or an approved for profit site.

Change in Contact Information

Have you moved or changed your e-mail address, but would still like to be contacted about high elevation gardening information from the Extension? The Coconino County Extension Master Gardener Program has a site that will let you change your information on-line.

Click here to change your contact information!

Event Calendar

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Native Plant Society Meeting on Zoom

 

Don't miss our first meeting, Jammie Yazzie speaking on Forest Change and Climate Sensitivity across the Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau.  This year is a little different as you have to register with the below link to get into the zoom room.  

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Mar 15, 2022 07:00 PM Arizona

Register in advance for this meeting:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  The process is easy as they ask only for your name and email to send you the zoom number.  I registered and received the information via my email.  If you have any questions you can contact me (naris 123@cs.com) or Kirstin Philips (kphillips@musnaz.org). Please register ahead of time.

Meeting Info:

Forest Change and Climate Sensitivity across the Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau

The Navajo forest landscape is experiencing an increasing likelihood of extreme climate conditions, including warming temperatures and drought stress. The forest plays a vital role in Diné livelihoods through social, cultural, spiritual, subsistence, and economic aspects. Jaime Yazzie will discuss lessons learned and reflections on climate change projects focused on forests of the Navajo (Diné) Nation.

Jaime Yazzie is Diné (Navajo) and resides in Northern Arizona. She is Tséníjíkiní (Cliff-Dwellers/Honey Combed Rock People), born for Lók’aa’ Dine’é (Reed People Clan), maternal grandfathers are Honágháahnii, (One-walks-around clan) and paternal grandfathers are Chishí Diné’é (Chiricahua Apache). Jaime received her Bachelors from the University of Washington and Master of Science in Forestry from Northern Arizona University. She currently works as a forestry consultant with the Laboratory of Tree Ring Research, leading two fieldwork seasons and supporting project analysis.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Sustainability of Flagstaff Events

If you are a Sustainability Leader you can volunteer for these events. If not, you might want to attend.

Fix-it Clinic | Saturday, March 26th (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center - 245 N Thorpe Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
  • If you are good at soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, woodworking or general tinkering, we have the volunteer opportunity for you! Join the Fix-it Clinic team and help keep broken items out of the landfill.
  • -> Learn more about the event here.

Spring 2022 Flagstaff Sustainability Leaders Course | Wednesday, April 6th - May 25th (Wednesday nights 5:30 - 8:30 pm)
Flagstaff Sustainability Office (in-person) - 419 N. Mogollon St Flagstaff, AZ 86001

The Flagstaff Sustainability Office is hosting an 8-week Flagstaff Sustainability Leaders training program that educates and equips participants to be advocates for climate action in the Flagstaff community. As a Flagstaff Sustainability Leader, you will have the chance to:
  • LEARN about climate change science and local impacts,  
  • MEET local sustainability leaders through discussions and presentations,  
  • SHARE what you learn with your community through effective communication, and  
  • ACT on what you learn to inspire yourself and others to take sustainable action.
Please share this opportunity with friends and family who have not taken the course yet. More information about the class schedule and application process can be found on our website. Applications close on March 15th.


Earth Day 2022 | Saturday, April 23rd (time TBD)
Location TBD
  • Mark your calendars for our amazing Earth Day event! More information to come about volunteer opportunities. 

Drop-off Day | Saturday, April 30th (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
Flagstaff Police Department - 911 E Sawmill Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001
  • At Drop-off Day, we collect unwanted electronics, medications, documents for shredding, and other items that do not belong in the landfill. As a volunteer, you will help direct traffic, and provide community members with information about item disposal.
  • -> Learn more about the event here

Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance Grain Classes

 

 
The Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance Online Courses
 
GS101: Grain School 101 is a broad and self-guided education program about the importance of growing ancient and heritage grains. Prepare to challenge the current industrial food paradigm and become empowered to get involved in your regional grain system. More info.  $40 
SS101: Seed School 101 offers a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the history, science, business, and craft of seeds. The program allows you to work at your own pace while learning about the magical power of seed saving. More info  $40
Milling and Baking Bonanza - Access to 8 in-depth presentations and culinary demonstrations highlighting the uses and nutritional benefits of ancient and heritage whole wheats! More info.  $40 
 

Monday, February 14, 2022

Eagle Celebration

 


LIMITED Spots for Eagle Celebration 

Join us on Saturday, February 26th, for our Annual Eagle Celebration* held in partnership with Liberty Wildlife and the Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience. Meet a golden and a bald eagle up-close and in-person at our center, join us in the field and spot eagles in the wild with local experts and wildlife biologists, or do both! Presentation will be held indoors and due to Covid-19 participant limits we recommend you sign up early to secure your spot! More information and registration on our website

*Given recent increases in COVID-19 cases we will evaluate the situation as we get closer. In the meantime, we are hoping to be able to host the event. 

Seed Up Saturday:

 Seed Up

Seed Up Saturday:
Online Seed Saving Education Event

In these uncertain times, Seed Up Saturday is 3 hours of seed education
to elevate your own gardening guru by learning to save seeds
.
Stay tuned for NEW classes to help you with your seed goals.
Presented by the Great American Seed Up and Urban Farm U.

Date: Saturday, February 26th, 2022
Starting at 12 pm Pacific / 1pm AZ & Mountain / 3pm Eastern

Tell your friends to go to SeedUpSaturday.orSeed UpReserve Your Spot!


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Saturday, February 5, 2022

CMGA February Meeting Agenda

 

Coconino Master Gardener Meeting Agenda

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church—Benson Hall & Zoom

1601 N. San Francisco, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Thursday, February 10, 2022


6:15-6:30pm    Social Time/Newcomers Welcome - Masks Required


6:30-6:35pm    Welcome -Frank Branham

   

6:35-6:40pm    Introduction of Speakers—Geoff Wood

  • 6:40-7:45pm    Education:  

    • Garden Grant Projects (Olivia White Hospice Garden - Frank Branham & Geoff wood

      Michael Moore Native Medicinal Garden-MNA - Gina Goegan & Laura Davis

      Pioneer Museum - Shannon Benjamin.  

    • 40 Year Anniversary of the Arboretum at Flagstaff - Ellen Wade

    • Annual Year End Report from the President

    Questions from Audience


7:45-7:55pm         Social, Raffle, & Raffle Drawing 

7:55-8:25pm    Business Meeting: 

MG Coordinator—Hattie Braun

  • Master Gardener Winter/Spring Class Updates

  • Beginning Vegetable Garden Classes

  • New Online Reporting System

  • Seed Saving Sessions

  • Affirmative Action Plan for Compliance

  • Other

President --Frank Branham

  • Spring Plant Sale Update

  • Vegetable Tour Update

  • Fund Raising Committee

  • Other


September Treasurer’s Report – Andrea Guerrette

January 31, 2022

Beginning balance:                $6,133.79


Debits                         143.87 ($100 Shephard of the Hills, $43.97 UA printing)                                $5,989.92                          


Credits                          260.00 (21 memberships, donation $50)

                               

New balance:                $6,249.92               


Education Schedule--Geoff Wood

  • March 10, 2021 - Emily Melhorn, City of Flagstaff Water Conservation Specialist on Water Conservation “Waterwise Gardens”

  • April 7, 2021 - January 13, 2022 - Geoff Wood, “Garden Tools 2022

Master Gardener Grants, Calendar, Blog- Loni Shapiro 

  • Master Gardener Grant Applications - Due April 1, 2022

  • Warner’s Root Camp Garden Classes


Membership/Volunteer Support - Crys Wells, Marilyn Canteloupe, Lois Walter

  • Membership Card Change


New Business


Garden or Plant Questions


Next Meeting:  Thursday, March 10, 2022