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History of the Oklahoma County
Master Gardener Program
In 1972, a very bright Washington State Extension
Service Educator had the idea that well trained volunteers could answer
many of the routine questions asked by homeowners. This would free him
for more challenging and technical problems. So, he selected, trained
and certified volunteers as 'Master Gardeners". They soon exceeded all
expectations! Since that time, it is estimated that at least 60,000
people have been trained as Master Gardeners in over 1000 programs in
all 50 states and 4 Canadian provinces.
The Oklahoma program began right here in Oklahoma County in 1978 by Bill
Geer (now Oklahoma County Extension Director). It is estimated that more
than 1200 people have gone through Master Gardener training right here
on North Portland in OKC! Also, more than 50,00 hours of volunteer
service has been given back to the Extension and the community of
Oklahoma City.
Master Gardeners are recruited and trained to:
1) improve the overall efficiency in providing one-on-one service to the
non-commercial horticulture clientele in the county
2) provide group learning and teaching activities
3) allow Extension Educators time to develop proactive Extension
programs, and
4) form a group of Extension volunteers to support additional
horticultural efforts
So, our mission is to help support the Extension and their mission of
bringing the University to the Community by educating ourselves so we
can educate others.
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