Congratulations to Putnam County Master Gardeners

Nathan Edwards, Vickie Whicker and Pat Johnson (from left) receive their Purdue Master Gardener certifications during the monthly association meeting.

Courtesy photo

Purdue Master Gardener volunteers contribute significantly to the lives of Indiana residents and local communities each year.

In 2019, the Putnam County Master Gardeners volunteered more than 452 hours in Putnam County by hosting horticulture-related events, working at the Putnam County Fair, and working with local schools to help youth continue their horticulture education at a post-secondary school. 

Those volunteer hours are estimated to be valued at $11,494 (based on Independent Sector value of $25.43 per hour).

During the December Putnam County Master Gardener Association meeting, several local residents received a new Master Gardener certification. To earn Purdue Master Gardener certifications, volunteers must complete horticultural training conducted by Purdue Extension county offices and engage in volunteer service that has been approved by Master Gardener county coordinators and performed in Indiana communities.

Those receiving their Master Gardener certification (35 cumulative volunteer hours and 45 cumulative education hours) include Pat Johnson and Heidi Menzel.

Nathan Edwards received his Advanced Bronze Master Gardener certification (200 cumulative volunteer hours and 60 cumulative education hours).

Lastly, Vickie Whicker, received her Advanced Silver Master Gardener certification (500 cumulative volunteer hours and 75 cumulative education hours).

Please join Purdue Extension in congratulating all of the Purdue Master Gardeners who received a new certification.

If you would like to know more about the Purdue Master Gardener program, persons may contact the Putnam County Extension Office at 653-8411.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events:

Dec. 23 – Extension Office closed at noon for holiday.

Dec. 24-Jan. 1 – Extension Office closed for winter holiday.

Jan. 8 – Farm Bill program, 9-11 a.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Jan. 16 – Cultivating Your Farmers Market Knowledge – night 1, 6:30 p.m., Extension Office. Cost is $20. Register at http://www.cvent.com/d/chqszv