The Kalamazoo County Master Gardener Association is a membership organization, affiliated with the MSU/MSUE Master Gardener Program, whose mission is to provide:

•  ongoing networking and horticultural education for our members; and

•  educational information and programming to the greater community.

Of the 400+ active Master Gardeners in the Kalamazoo County area, over 100 have chosen to join the KCMGA and continue a special association with other Master Gardeners—continuing their education, sharing expertise, and providing educational opportunities to the community.

Membership is open to certified Master Gardeners and Master Gardener trainees; dues are $15 per year; guests may attend one meeting before becoming a member.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of September, October, November (Annual Meeting), January, March, and May at Trinity Reformed Church on Cork Street, Kalamazoo, from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Meetings generally include: a knowledgeable speaker (1 ed. hr.); brief business meeting; and networking opportunities. Members are welcome to share a brown bag supper with other members starting at 6 pm.

Summer Garden Walks to private homes and public gardens, and other activities, enhance programming throughout the year.

KCMGA reaches out to the community with gardening-related educational events, through the wide-ranging volunteer activities of its members and collaborations with MSU Extension and other organizations.

Many members of KCMGA also provide leadership and support for other local gardening initiatives whose missions range from community beautification to gardening with/for people with disabilities to feeding the hungry.

As an unincorporated organization, affiliated with the MSU Master Gardener program, KCMGA has its own elected Board of Directors that governs the organization and assures compliance with our Bylaws and MSU/MG policies. The 2008 Board includes: Patti Pittman, president; Sonya Voss, vice president/programs; Topsy (Rachel) Schlegel, treasurer; Julie Simonds, secretary; Kathy Bielecki, membership; and Ann Paulson, communications. In addition, small committees carry out such activities as programs, hospitality, maintaining historical archives, and KCMGA-sponsored projects.

For more information about the Kalamazoo County Master Gardener Association, contact Patti Pittman, president, at pattipitt@aol.com. 

For information about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Kalamazoo County, call the MSUE office directly at 383-8830 extension 8 or email at msue39@msu.edu.

May, 2008