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

Friday, April 15, 2022

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Beekeeping and Bee Caring

The Bees' Knees: Beekeeping and Bee Caring Basics with the Northern Arizona Organic BeeKeepers Association In-Person

Celebrate Earth Day at Flagstaff Public Library!

Join us for a talk and demonstration (without bees) on what is involved beekeeping and caring for the bees in our environment through flowering plant, honeybee, and other pollinator relationships. Check out two types of hives while learning what is needed to open your own hives and to work with bees. There's something in this talk for people of all ages, and whether you want to keep your own bees or learn more about how your garden, yard, and natural environment can support bees. Presented by local organic top bar beekeeper Dr. Patrick Pynes and the Northern Arizona Organic Beekeepers Association. Bring sunscreen or a sun hat, water, and a blanket or camping chairs to sit in the grass!

 

This talk will be presented outside on the North side of the library, weather permitting.

 

To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331. Three days prior notice is requested.

Date:
Friday, April 22, 2022
Time:
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Registration is required. There are 9 seats available. 

https://flagstaffpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/8998304

 

Sunday, April 10, 2022

CMGA April Meeting Agenda

 

Coconino Master Gardener Meeting Agenda

The Peaks Senior Living Center Main Meeting Room

3150 N Winding Brook Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Thursday, April 7, 2022

 

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

6:30-6:35pm        Welcome -Pam Garcia    

6:35-7:40pm        Introduction of Speaker—Pam/Geoff

·         6:35-7:40 pm Education:  Geoff Wood, “Garden Tools 2022”

                                Questions from Audience

7:40-7:55pm      Social, Raffle, & Raffle Drawing

7:55-8:25pm      Business Meeting -- Will be on Zoom - Pam Garcia

2022 Grant Process/Decisions --Loni Shapiro 

MG Coordinator—Hattie Braun

President --Frank Branham

·         Spring Plant Sale Update - May 21 -Plant Sale and Garden Festival at Colton Community Garden - 10-2

·         Vegetable Tour Update - August 13- 2nd Annual Vegetable Garden Tour, Maps and Tickets at Warner’s, 10-3

·         Fund Raising Update

·         Other

September Treasurer’s Report – Andrea Guerrette

January 31, 2022

Beginning balance:                                                 $6,634.92

Debits                                                                          100.00 (Shephard of the Hills Rent                                                                                                                                  $6,534.92                         

Credit                                                                            245.00

New balance:                                                          $6,779.92      

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

From the Rocky Mt. Seed Alliance Newsletter

 

RMSA Co-Founder, Bill McDorman
Bill and his corn in Cornville, AZ
 

Bill McDorman, one of the three founders of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, took the once-novel idea of 'Seed School' and turned it into an education movement of thousands of seed savers and grain growers. Bill's beaming presence has nurtured the growth of this organization and the seed movement, his passion for seed saving palpable and wonderfully supplemented by an impressive gift to inspire any listener.

Co-founder John Caccia praises Bill for creating a vast Alliance of seed stewards. “Bill lives a meaningful life sharing his passion and knowledge about seed saving with the world! It has been an adventure and my honor to have worked with Bill these past 7 years.” 

Following in the steps of Belle Starr, co-founder and Bill's wife, Bill has officially retired from RMSA. Bill's presence will be missed at the organization, but he and Belle will never be too far from seeds; you can connect with them at Cornville Seeds! We will always be grateful for Bill and our founding predecessors and will honor them by continuing to educate and inspire seed savers far and wide.

We appreciate you Bill for inspiring us all to embrace the magic of seeds.

 
The Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance Online Courses
 
Seed Library Webinar - Join us for a discussion about seed libraries, how to get one started, and frequently asked questions. April 28th, 2:00 - 3:30pm MT. More info here.  Free 
SS101: Seed School 101 - 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 here.  $40 
GS101: Grain School 101 - Grain School 101 is a broad, self-guided education program bound to challenge the current industrial food paradigm and empower you to get involved in your regional grain system. More info here.  $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 here.  $40
 

These chats combine learning and connection with our valuable gardening and farming community. Join the conversation live or watch one of our recordings to deepen your connection to seeds, seed savers, and the planet. 

We hope to see you there!

 

Spring Classes at Seed St. Louis online

 

April Classes

All of Seed St. Louis' Virtual Classes are Free and Open to the Public! To Register, Click on the Link Listed for Each Class.


Perennials for the Garden & Orchard

Thursday, April 7, 6-7 p.m. CT

Instructor: Dean Gunderson, Seed St. Louis Director of Education


Capacity-Building & Summer Maintenance in the School Garden

Thursday, April 14, 6-7 p.m. CT

Instructor: Tonia Scherer, Seed St. Louis Director of Schools


Seed Saving & Plant Breeding

Thursday, April 28, 6-7 p.m. CT

Instructor: Dean Gunderson, Seed St. Louis Director of Education



Interested in our upcoming virtual classes?

Visit our website for a list and to register.