Purdue Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute significantly to the lives of Indiana residents and local communities each year. In 2021, the Putnam County Master Gardeners volunteered more than 1,110 hours in Putnam County by hosting horticulture related events, working at the Putnam County Fair, and raising funds for two horticulture/agricultural scholarships.  During the December Putnam County Master Gardener Association meeting, several local residents received a new Master Gardener certification.  To earn Purdue Master Gardener certifications, volunteers must complete horticultural training conducted by Purdue Extension county offices and engage in volunteer service that has been approved by Master Gardener county coordinators and performed in Indiana communities.

During the 2021 December Putnam County Master Gardener Association meeting, Judi Bundza received her Master Gardener certification (35 cumulative volunteer hours & 35 cumulative education hours). Those receiving their Advanced Master Gardener certification (60 cumulative volunteer hours & 45 cumulative education hours) include John Craney, Anita Johnson, Pat Johnson, and Becky Samsel.

Please join Purdue Extension in congratulating all of the Purdue Extension Master Gardeners who received a new certification!

The main objective of the Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program is to train volunteers to assist Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in local communities.  For Spring 2022, there will be a Statewide Virtual Purdue EMG Basic Training from Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm February 1 to May 3, 2022. The local county connection hour will be on Wednesdays, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm each week. To complete the course, we ask that you attend both the statewide virtual sessions and the local county connection hours. If you would like to know more about the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program or would like to sign up for the 2022 course, please contact the Putnam County Extension Office at 765-653-8411. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

^{Pictured are four of Putnam County Master Gardeners who recently received new certification in 2021.  Individuals include, left to right, Anita Johnson, John Craney, Becky Samsel, and Pat Johnson.  Not pictured is Judi Bundza.}