CRESTVIEW — For 20 years, whenever an Okaloosa County homeowner encounters an unidentifiable fungus, plant or bug, free advice has been a phone call away.
Volunteer Master Gardeners man phones, analyze plant samples and perform community outreach — including speaking to schools and organizations — and do landscaping projects. The program is part of the Okaloosa County Extension office under the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Retired former extension director Gerald Edmondson says helping establish the program was one of the highlights of his career. “I love the Master Gardeners for what they do and how many people they reach,” he said.
His successor, Director Larry Williams, said since the Okaloosa Master Gardeners program was established in January 1995, its members “have provided 118,212 hours of volunteer service teaching Okaloosa County residents Florida-friendly practices formaintaining their lawns, landscapes and gardens.”
Volunteers annually perform an average of 6,000 hours of service, Williams said Wednesday during a 20th anniversary celebration. “Using the accepted $21.24 per hour value of volunteer time, Okaloosa Master Gardeners contributed a net in-kind donation of $2,510,023 to Okaloosa County residents,” he said.
Members themselves don't see their efforts as “work,” nor in monetary terms. “It’s all a matter of perspective,” former president Ed Smith said. “It doesn’t seem like 20 years if you enjoy what you’re doing.”
Besides, said member Laurie Mackey, the Master Gardeners aren’t alone in their efforts to help homeowners and gardeners. “We’re very fortunate to have the University of Florida researchers behind us, because if we don’t have the answer, they will,” she said.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Contact the Okaloosa County Extension office of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for information about home gardening and horticultural practices, or volunteer opportunities. Call 869-5850 or visit the 3098 Airport Road office.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County Master Gardeners celebrate 20th birthday (VIDEO)