ELLICOTTVILLE — The Cornell Cooperative Extension Cattaraugus County Master Gardener program continues to grow with the addition of the Class of 2024 graduates.
The program was delivered in a 13-week hybrid format as a collaborative training between the Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County CCE offices.
As part of the program requirements, each trainee will present a topic that interests and has been researched.
“The group is passionate about a variety of topics including sustainable gardening practices, composting, pollinators, community gardens, low-impact lawn care, seed libraries, working with seniors, container gardening, terrariums, food foraging, working with students and much more,” said Kelly McDonald, CCE Executive Director. “The graduates look forward to sharing their knowledge and resources with the community.”
The Master Gardener Apprentice Class of 2024 includes Matthew Bucholz, Anna Cruz, Sarah de Vries Jolan, Emily Edmonds, Brad Emory, Jean File, Jennifer Francois, Susanna Frigon, Kayla Giunta, Kirsten Hansen, Mimi Joynt, Richard Kunkle, Kelly Loverdi, Phileeb Palmer, Eleni Pfuss-Josma, Stephanie Pikulski, JoJo Pingitore, Kimberly Rowe, Linda Senn, Laurie Skinner, Lynn Smith, Katherine Thrash, Robin Valeri and Katherine “Cali” Wilcox.
The Master Gardener Program is a nationwide program in which trained volunteers partner with county Cooperative Extension offices to provide research-based information to home gardeners, expanding educational efforts throughout communities.
In Cattaraugus County, McDonald said, neighbors teach their neighbors about landscaping, fruits, vegetables, herbs, beneficial and harmful insects, plant diseases, integrated pest management, wildlife, soil, composting and more.
“The program is part of a community gardening outreach effort, where volunteers educate home gardeners, youth in schools and after-school programs, local gardeners, garden clubs and consumers of garden products,” she said.
Additionally, during the Master Gardener Celebration, CCE Cattaraugus' Butch George Demonstration Garden was opened. The opening was held in memory of Carl “Butch” George, a former CCE Cattaraugus board member and longtime advocate for local agriculture. Signage for the demonstration garden was created by students from the CA-BOCES CTE Center in Ellicottville.
CCE Cattaraugus has a Master Gardener Helpline where the public can ask questions about pests, growing seasons, soil health and any other gardening-related topic. Contact the Helpline by email at cattaraugusmg@cornell.edu or by phone at (716) 699-2377.
To learn more about the Master Gardener program, visit cattaraugus.cce.cornell.edu or call the CCE office.
