Posted: September 30, 2022

The Master Gardeners of Wyoming County grew together in volunteer service and learning in 2022.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Wyoming County recently recognized the contributions of several volunteers. In 2022, seven volunteers completed the Basic Training course, scored above 90% on the midterm and final exams, and collectively contributed over 350 volunteer hours in Wyoming County.

As Master Gardener Trainees, their volunteer service included organizing the annual Community Seed Exchange, teaching Seed to Supper classes, staffing an educational exhibit at River Day, recording observations for the Pollinator Preferences Study, guiding youth in an environmental leadership project, revitalizing an overgrown willow tunnel, and planting a pollinator-friendly garden. Thank you and congratulations to these newly Certified Master Gardeners: Tina Barker, Ashlee Butkiewicz, Amy Colley, Roberta Daniels, Randi DeMarco, Tara Murphy, and Kyle Wortman.

Master Gardeners Cheryle Stone and Mark Catalano were awarded pins for five years of outstanding volunteer service. Roberta Daniels, Cheryle Stone, and Melissa Wright logged the most continuing education hours by attending lectures and viewing webinar presentations.

The Master Gardener program is growing in Wyoming County, welcoming the following thirteen volunteers for the 2022-2023 Basic Training course: Jessica Bendock, Maegan Coolbaugh, Emily Geras, Jonathan Geras, Lou Jasikoff, Gregg Keen, Courtney Leaidicker, Julie McDermott, Julie Orloski, Sarah Jane Roecker, Sarah Stegner, David Whitham, and Kristine Whitham. Master Gardeners hail from all over the County, including Factoryville, Falls, Laceyville, Lake Carey, Lake Winola, Nicholson, Noxen, and Tunkhannock. Volunteers are working professionals, stay-at-home parents, and retirees, both men, and women, with a variety of gardening interests and experience levels.