WyCo Extension Master Gardener Projects Earn International Recognition

Published on July 05, 2023

Original Press Release Source & Release Date: K-State Extension and Research (6/29/2023) 

Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener program was recognized for excellence during the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference, hosted by the Kansas State University Extension Master Gardeners of Johnson County, held in Overland Park, Kansas, June 18 – 22, 2023. The award was presented during the conference and was attended by 1,130 Extension Master Gardeners and Extension professionals from 44 states, Canada, and England.

The David Gibby International Search for Excellence Awards, named in honor of the founder of the Extension Master Gardener program, recognize exemplary group projects that show significant learning by the Master Gardeners or the public. The award-winning projects showcase the efforts and talents of Master Gardener volunteers, often providing economic, environmental, educational, and health impacts. These innovative projects frequently serve as models, influencing the development of Extension Master Gardener-led programs worldwide.

The awards are divided into seven categories: Community Service, Demonstration Gardens, Innovative Projects, Research (Applied Scientific Methodology), Special Needs Audiences (Senior, Disabled Audiences or Horticultural Therapy), Workshops or Presentations, and Youth Programs.

Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners 1st in the following category Special Needs Audiences

The Wyandotte County EMG’s have worked in partnership with Delaware Highlands Assisted Living Facility to create an accessible garden for residents. This has allowed residents to participate in horticulture therapy projects such as tomato and tulip planting, flower arts and crafts, and fresh fruits and vegetables to eat.

Currently, there are 49 Master Gardener volunteers in Wyandotte County who support Kansas State University Extension's educational programs in consumer horticulture. They help Extension better serve the home-gardening public by answering questions, speaking to groups, gardening in demonstration gardens, and participating in many other projects.

To learn more about the Extension Master Gardener program in your area, visit the Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension website at Wyandotte.ksu.edu.

# # #

K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting the event contact Jo McLeland two weeks prior to the start of the event (insert deadline date) at (913-299-9300 or jo1@ksu.edul). Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.