CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener program and the nonprofit Oregon Master Gardener Association have recognized exemplary volunteers with 2025 statewide awards for their leadership, educational service and dedication to community horticulture.
Richard Bertram (Umatilla County), Linda Brim (Clatsop County), Barbara Low (Jackson County) and Julie Stanbery (Douglas County) were named 2025 statewide Master Gardeners of the Year for their outstanding efforts in sharing research-based gardening knowledge and supporting their local Master Gardener volunteer programs.
Carole Hardy (Multnomah County) and Kristie and Stephen Kalb (Marion County) received statewide Growing and Belonging Awards for their exceptional commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces and expanding access to gardening education in their communities.
Colet Allen (Jackson County), Stephanie Hazen (Marion County) and Dan McDonald (Washington County) received the statewide Behind the Scenes Awards for their contributions in organizing events, mentoring volunteers, developing new programs and ensuring successful public outreach.
The winners were announced at the Joy of Gardening conference, an annual event sponsored by the Oregon Master Gardener Association, at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the OSU campus in Corvallis.
About 2,300 Master Gardener volunteers across the state work with OSU Extension to share their knowledge of sustainable gardening practices in 28 Oregon counties. In 2024, volunteers put in over 157,000 hours.
Master Gardener of the Year
Bertram is known throughout Umatilla County as a generous teacher and mentor. He shares expertise in propagation and hydroponics through volunteer trainings, public webinars and hands-on tours of his garden.
Bertram has contributed to multiple educational efforts, including the Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up series and 10-Minute University, and has presented at the Joy of Gardening Conference.
He stepped into a leadership role during a challenging time in his local association, helping guide major initiatives including the bylaws committee, a tasting booth at the Pendleton Farmers Market and the South Hill demonstration garden. He is currently leading efforts to establish a new Pendleton Community Garden.
Brim, a Master Gardener volunteer since 1987, has helped build the Clatsop County program from the ground up. She has taught a wide range of public classes, led Master Gardener volunteer training modules for more than two decades and taken on every local leadership role. Brim’s vision helped transform the county demonstration garden into a vibrant, inclusive learning space.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brim mobilized volunteers to enhance the garden’s accessibility and educational features. She is a longtime youth gardening advocate and continues to lead education and outreach efforts through classes, media appearances and one-on-one mentorship.
Low has served in multiple leadership roles in the Jackson County Master Gardener Association, including president and president-elect. She co-directs the Practicum education program, writes and edits the Garden Beet newsletter, mentors new volunteers, staffs the Plant Clinic weekly and represents the program at community events.
Low staffs the Jackson County Master Gardener Association booth at numerous community events and supports efforts like Plant A Row, which donates fresh produce to local food pantries. Her educational leadership extends to speaking at the Joy of Gardening conference and guiding Master Gardener volunteer trainees through practicum classes.
Stanbery has played a central role in shaping the Douglas County Master Gardener Program for over 30 years. She is a mentor, educator and steward of the Horticultural Learning Center and the Discovery Garden. Under her leadership, the Horticulture Learning Center has flourished into a thriving hub for education and community service.
Stanbery teaches pruning classes, facilitates training opportunities and supports the mission alignment between the local association and OSU Extension.
Growing and Belonging Award
Hardy brings deep expertise as a forest ecologist and educator to her Master Gardener volunteer work. She has led bilingual and family-oriented workshops in partnership with local schools, opened demonstration garden programming to public audiences and expanded access for volunteers by offering evening and weekend opportunities. Hardy’s partnerships with community organizations such as Feed the Mass and Wisdom of the Elders have broadened the program’s reach and impact.
After participating in the Seed to Supper program, the Kalbs launched neighborhood-based classes, expanding access through their Grow Your Own on a Budget curriculum. Their flexible, community-based approach supports food security and belonging for diverse learners. Their outreach now includes Spanish-language engagement and mentoring for new Master Gardener volunteers.
Behind the Scenes Award
Allen has helped organize nearly every major event since 2012. From coordinating speaker engagements to mentoring new trainees, she ensures Master Gardener volunteer programs run smoothly and reach broad audiences. Allen’s steady leadership and tireless outreach have helped grow the program's community impact.
Hazen, a retired veterinarian and Master Mellitologist, is a passionate advocate for pollinators and native plants. She creates hands-on displays, leads educational events, and shares resources across Oregon. In 2024 alone, Hazen logged 370 volunteer hours and reached nearly 2,000 contacts. Her dedication and creativity have made her a quiet powerhouse for outreach statewide.
McDonald leads the Grow 1 Give 1 project, which connects food pantry clients with gardening supplies and education. In 2024, the program reached over 900 participants and distributed thousands of plants and seeds. McDonald also mentors volunteers, teaches classes, and supports chapter events. His work expands access to fresh food and strengthens community connections.
