by: Dianne Percefull
On September 23 and 24, 2013, over 160 Master Gardeners and County Agents from around the state attended the Plant~Nurture~Grow Leadership Training Conference held at the Clarion Resort on Lake Hamilton. The conference was presented by the Horticulture Department of the University of Arkansas. The discussions and seminars topics were social media, parliamentary procedures, conflict resolution, youth programming, effective meetings, recruiting, audio visual tricks, motivation and how to retain Master Gardener membership. The 2013 MG project of the year winners presented the steps that were required to have a winning project and how their projects were selected. The Master Gardeners participated in group discussions, shared ideas of how to make the Master Gardener program stronger, more visible and more fun for its members. Each participant will bring back ideas and suggestions to share and implement in their respective counties. Verna Hicks, Dianne Percefull, Linda Pratt and Annalee Culp attended from Van Buren County.
Anyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener can call Danny Griffin, VBC Extension Agent, 745-7117 or Eleanor Hilsenrath, President VBC Master Gardeners, 501-252-7272 for an application for the 40 hour training sessions. Applications are due by October 23. 2013 Classes will be held each Tuesday, November 5, 2013 through December 3, 2013.