Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA)
The Oregon Master Gardener™ Association is a statewide, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to enhance and support the OSU Master Gardener™ program. The county Master Gardener chapters together make up the state association. OMGA is comprised of representatives of each of the county chapters, as well as state officers. Quarterly OMGA meetings are held at various locations around the state.
The Oregon Master Gardener™ Association (OMGA) serves four main functions as part of the Oregon Master Gardener Program:
- To enhance and supplement the Oregon State University Home Horticulture Program.
- To assume responsibility for performing special tasks and engaging in continuous activities related to the program.
- To promote a wide dissemination of information available as a result of University study and experimentation. Such information shall be in accordance with Oregon State University standards.
- To work with other gardening organizations to enhance gardening in Oregon, when appropriate.
OMGA sponsors a newsletter (past issures), which is printed and distributed three times per year (most current issue), an annual conference (Gardeners Mini-College), and annual awards celebrating individual and chapter accomplishments.
2009 Master Gardener Awards
Each year, at the Gardeners Mini-College, the Oregon Master Gardener Association recognizes County Master Gardeners of the Year, as well as the winners of the Statewide Master Gardener of the Year and the Behind the Scenes Award. County Master Gardeners of the Year are cooperatively selected by local Associations and Master Gardener Program staff.
The Statewide Master Gardener of the Year and the Behind the Scenes Award will be selected, from all applications that are received, by the 2009 Mini-College Awards Committee. This five-person committee will use a set of standard criteria to review all applications. These criteria are included in this packet, for your information. Also included in this packet, you will find the nomination forms for the County Master Gardener of the Year, Statewide Master Gardener of the Year and the Behind the Scenes Award.
Applications and criteria are attached above. Applications are due to Gail Langellotto, 2009 Awards Committee Chair, by Friday, May 15th, 2009.
Karl Carlson Memorial Fund
In addition, OMGA, in cooperation with the OSU Extension Service, oversees the Karl Carlson Memorial Fund. The Karl Carlson Memorial Fund commemorates the life and work of Dr. Karl Carlson, and serves as a tribute to his dedication to the Oregon Master Gardener Association, and to the Oregon State University Extension Service.
The purpose of the fund is to enhance the Oregon State University Urban Horticulture Program in the state of Oregon, by making available Oregon Master GardenerTM funds to help OSU Master Gardener Chapters, in the following ways:
- In the establishment of new OSU Master Gardener Chapters.
- To assist new or struggling OSU Master Gardener Chapters become better established.
- In the implementation of new programs or projects related to urban horticulture, when financial assistance is needed.
Marje Luce Search for Excellence
Search for Excellence (SFE) is the recognition program of Master Gardener volunteer work, both throughout the United States and Canada (at the International level), and across the state of Oregon within the OMGA. If you or your Master Gardener chapter have a project that you would like to have considered for a SFE, please do not hesitate to apply. A request for judges will occur in winter of 2009. A Formal call applications for the 2009 cycle will occur in winter and early spring. Recipients of SFE awards will receive a cash award for their chapter, and recognition at Gardeners Mini-College. Please fill out an application, the deadline is 4/13/09.
OMGA Bylaws
OMGA Policies and Procedures
OMGA Quarterly Meetings: A list of the quarterly Executive Board and Board meetings, with a link to meeting minutes (when available).
OMGA Newsletter
FAQ: Are you confused about the difference between the Executive Board and the Board? Are you confused about the relationship between OMGA and your local Master Gardener chapter?
