Volunteer News April 2026
- Apr 18
- 11 min read
Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer Program
Message From The Coordinator
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week. As Garden Education Volunteers, we accomplish a lot every year. Take a moment to be proud of the commitment and good work that you undertake for the residents and environment of our great state. You are making a difference in your community!
April Updates
Reminder: We use RGEV internally
While we wait for a new acronym for the Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer Program, please use the acronym RGEV to replace RCMG. This should only be used for internal communication and never for external documents. Like RCMG, the general public will not understand what it stands for.
Share your Stories and Inspire Everyone
If you are a project lead with important updates about your project, volunteers who are excited about activities they are doing, or anyone with something they want to share with others in RGEV, we want to hear from you! Hearing from one another is one of the best ways to learn and find new inspiration. You can share your stories easily using an online form.
Reminder: Sign-up Etiquette
The community requests for Garden Education Volunteers start coming in fast and frequently now that the growing season is nigh. While it is tempting to sign up for lots of interesting projects well in advance, we encourage you to be mindful of your schedule and only sign up for activities that you are sure you will be able to attend. If you need to cancel out of an activity because of an emergency or illness, we absolutely need you to find your own substitute. Project leaders depend on you!
Track Your Visitor with the Contact Tally Sheet
To help track contacts (the people who talk with us at events), please use the Contact Tracking Forms included in the provided Education Kit. Shift Leads are especially encouraged to fill out a sheet during their shift and take it home with them to help them enter the information when they record their hours. This tool was introduced last summer. We know the name is outdated but we want to use the forms we already printed before we get new ones.
Shift Leads to Report Unexcused Absences
Quick reminder that Shift Leads will need to help us take attendance at events. Check the sign-up for your shift to know who should be there and then report any absent volunteers. We’ll follow-up with the person but we need you to tell us who needs a check-in. Please help us out!
Your Monthly Plant Pun:
What’s a frog’s favorite type of flower?
(Search for the answer somewhere below.)
Nonprofit News
The Ramsey County Master Gardeners nonprofit is a 501(c)(3) organization that is separate from the University of Minnesota Extension Garden Education Volunteer Program and helps raise funds for volunteer activities.
Board Blurb
The RCMG Board of Directors Meeting was held on April 14, 2026, on Zoom. The next Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. (There will be no Board meeting in May because of the Plant Sale.) All volunteers are welcome to attend. (By computer, smartphone, or tablet on Zoom Video Conference with Meeting ID: 949 4344 4368 and Passcode: 060589.)
Get Your Garden Gloves: 4/21
Once again, high quality garden gloves will be available for purchase at the April Monthly Meeting on 4/21/2026 at the Roseville Oval. This is a fund-raiser for the Ramsey County Master Gardeners non-profit organization and supports many of our volunteer activities. You can purchase gloves for $7.00/pair. This sale is CASH ONLY.
2026 Plant Sale
Pre-sale Plant Pick-up: 5/11
This is your Member Pre-sale Plant Pick-up Day Reminder! If you ordered plants in January through the RGEV Pre-sale, you will need to collect your plants from the Maplewood Extension Office “The Barn” (2020 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood) on Monday May 11 between 3pm - 6pm. If you are not able to be there at that time, contact Jean Kohs at jean.kohs@gmail.com or 651-246-0479 to make other arrangements. Thanks for ordering!
Mark Your Calendars Now! 2026 Plant Sale: 5/16
The annual plant sale is Saturday, May 16th, from 9 am to 2 pm at Aldrich Ice Arena, 1850 White Bear Ave, Maplewood. Volunteers are needed for setup on Thursday and Friday (May 14th and 15th) and for the sale day on Saturday (May 16th). Sign-Up Genius is now available.
The plant sale is the primary fundraiser of the Ramsey County Master Gardeners non-profit organization and ensures that volunteer projects have the resources to be healthy and sustainable. Plus, it is a fun event to help you get to know other volunteers and interact with the public. Want to know what will be available? Check out our list of plants at: www.RamseyMasterGardeners.org/plantsale
Help Promote the Plant Sale
Like and share our plant sale posts on Facebook and Instagram. If you can share information on Next Door or other platforms, contact Nanette Boudreau at nettboudreau@gmail.com for a photo, flyer, and plant sale verbiage. If you know of places you can post a flyer, they will be available at the monthly meeting.
Donate Pots or Garden Tools: 4/21
If you have clean ceramic or terra cotta pots or gently used gardening tools that you could donate for the sale, please bring them to the monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 21. Or contact Susie DeShon at sjdeshon@gmail.com to make other arrangements.
Intern Roadmap
Sign Up Genius Tips and Tricks to Make Volunteering Easier for Everyone
Volunteer Don Muske is creating a series of tips and tricks to make the lives of Garden Education Volunteers easier. (Thank you, Don!) In his first video, he shares some pro-tips for using Sign Up Genius. These hacks will be especially useful to interns, but even seasoned volunteers will learn something from Don. Look forward to future tips and tricks.
Volunteer T-Shirts Arriving by Mail
Extension-branded shirts have just been mailed to the home address that interns provided when they applied to the Master Gardener volunteer program. Please monitor your mail in the coming 1-2 weeks. If you do not receive it, OR you have a different address that has not been shared, contact program leadership at rcmg2@umn.edu ASAP.
Core Course Progress
Congrats to the 12 interns who have completed the Core Course! You are ahead of the curve. For everyone else keeping up with the Core Course weekly, you should have just completed the weeds module and plant talk session. This pace helps you be ready to hit the ground running in May when growing gets going. If you are having any trouble accessing the course or using Canvas, email Jennie Wagner (wagn1400@umn.edu).
Be on the Lookout for Sign-Up Genius Emails
Just a reminder to interns that emails, which announce new volunteer opportunities on Sign-Up Genius, are sent on Thursdays and Sundays. They have started to come out fast and furiously. Please check your email regularly to keep up with all the new and exciting things with which to become involved. If you are not receiving messages from Sign Up Genius, contact program leadership at rcmg2@umn.edu ASAP.
Answer to Your Monthly Plant Pun:
(What’s a frog’s favorite type of flower?)
Croakus!
Volunteer Stories
Volunteers are continually doing great work in the community. Take a moment to read about what your Garden Education Volunteer peers are doing and ask them about it when you see them at events and activities.
Congrats to the Pilgrim Baptist Green Screen Team
The Pilgrim Baptist Green Screen project was highlighted on page 4 of the MN State Master Gardener Volunteer Program 2025 Annual Report. Congrats to all of the volunteers who participated in this new endeavor —Alanna Kennedy, Ben Waldo, Cathy Miller, Ellen Tveit, Gene Ranieri, Jayme Neverton, Julie Ann Wegscheid, Julie Coopet, Julie Johnson, Kerry Morgan, Laura Blasena, Laura Savin, Laurie Bergmann, Laurie Witzkowski, Lynda Anderson, Nate Galloway, Rebecca Zerlin, Robert Wilson, Therese Gilbertson, and Trahern Crews!
Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteers’ Project Fair
The 2026 Project Fair was held at the Roseville Oval on 3/26 and was a huge success with over 20 volunteer projects on display! Over fifty interns and their mentors learned about volunteer activities for the coming year. If you missed the project fair, you can always view the 2025 Project Directory on the website. If you want more information about a particular project, sign up before the end of April to learn more
.
Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service
At the end of 2025, certificates of appreciation were awarded to the following RGEV volunteers for their dedication to the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Please congratulate them on their passion and perseverance when you see them! Volunteers can pick up their certificates and stars at the April monthly meeting or anytime from the Resource Center.
10 Years of Service: Jamie Aussendorf, Nancy Berry, Cheryl Brady, Laran Brandt, Julie Coopet, Carol Mollner, DeAnn Strenke, and Susan VonBank
15 Years of Service: Cees Duijndam, Jerry Horgan, Rochelle Jansen, Jennifer Moeller, Karen Sutherland, and Laurie Witzkowski
20 Years of Service: Susan Haataja and Jean Thompson
25 Years of Service: Chris Kraft
30 Years of Service: Mary Montagne
1, 000+ Hours of Service: Cheryl Brady, Linda Minter, Beth Fritcher, Julie Bechtold, Simba Blood, Sandy McDonald, Judith Ginter, Susie Deshon, and Kay Wimer
7,000+ Hours of Service: Brianna Gohde
Is a River Alive? (Book Review)
In March, the Book Club read and discussed Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane. This is not just a book about rivers; it is a heartfelt exploration of our connection to nature and a compelling argument for the recognition of rivers as living entities that deserve our respect and protection. Critics have praised this book for its insightful commentary on environmental issues and its beautiful prose, and the volunteers who read the book agreed! You can borrow a copy of this book or many others for continuing education credits but please remember to return them.
Volunteer Activities
SignUp Genius notices of new volunteer activities are emailed on Thursdays and Sundays. If you are not receiving them, please contact us at rcmg2@umn.edu.
Ramsey County Monthly Meeting Volunteer Roles
Help out at the next monthly meeting. Every month we need volunteers to make our meetings run smoothly. This month, we help with: A/V Support, Journalists, Time Keeper, and Zoom Aide. Sign up to volunteer.
Yard and Garden Phone Line: 4/18–4/24
Sign up to answer residents’ garden questions from home through the Arboretum’s Yard & Garden hotline. These are excellent opportunities to volunteer remotely and build your garden knowledge at your own pace (and with your reference materials readily available).
At-Home Projects are Another Way to Serve
At-home projects provide a way for volunteers to work safely and independently on projects beneficial to their communities. Volunteers can choose to maintain a pollinator garden/habitat, grow produce to donate to local food relief programs, or establish transplants to donate to the community. These work-from-home volunteer activities are available for all volunteers through the state program. Registration is required.
Education Opportunities
Find approved opportunities to learn more on the RGEV website, the State MG Volunteer website, the MN Landscape Arboretum, or through Extension. Check with the program coordinator about other local events and learning opportunities.
April Monthly Meeting: 4/21
Dr. Vera Krischik, Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota, will present information on landscape management of pests and benefit insects. Integrated pest management is a sustainable, integrated approach that utilizes cultural, biological and chemical tactics to minimize economic, health, and environmental risks. We will discuss safe and effective ways to have a pest free garden and promote biodiversity. More information can be found at IPM and Pollinator Conservation. In-person social time begins at 6 pm. The meeting begins at 6:30. Hint: You can easily sign into Zoom monthly meetings through Quick Links on our website.
March Monthly Meeting Recap
The March monthly meeting was held via Zoom and in-person at the Roseville Oval. Nonprofit members Maggie Maggio and Shanna Hoffman summarized the results of the annual audit. During the educational lecture, Amy Jay and Olivia Blanchflower (RGEV volunteers) shared their knowledge and experience in developing and building a Monarch Way Station at the Barn. The Waystation scope has been enhanced to support a wide range of pollinators. Steps to register a site in order to achieve certification can be found on Monarchwatch.org.
If you missed a monthly meeting, don’t forget that you can find recordings and summaries on our website. This is a great way to accrue Continuing Education hours and brush-up on what’s happening.
May Book Club: 5/26
The RGEV Book Club will meet on Tuesday, May 26th, to discuss Chasing Wildflowers: An Adventurer's Guide to Finding Minnesota's Native Flowers in Their Unique Habitats by Phyllis Root, with photography by Kelly Povo. Root and Povo share tales of their adventures along with practical tips for your own outings.
Get 10% Early Bird Discount for State Conference before 4/30
This year’s statewide Master Gardener conference will be held at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. Register by 3:00 PM on April 30 for the Early Bird discounted registration fees and a complimentary conference t-shirt. Check out the state website for more information.
2026 Statewide Conference Update: 6/26-6/27
This year’s statewide conference will be held at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. Conference registration is now open.
Jon Trappe, Assistant Extension Professor, who will speak about "Changing Landscapes —The Science Behind the Public’s Yard and Garden Decisions."
Bethann Garramon Merkle, Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming, will present "Cultivating Community: Tools to Help People Care About Plants."
Check out the state website for more information, including many more presentations.
Pre-conference Guided Walking Tour: 6/26
After you have registered for the state conference at the Arboretum, sign up to attend any of the three pre-conference tours taking place on Friday morning, 6/26. Send an email to mgweb@umn.edu requesting that your name be added to the attendance list of the tour that you wish to take.
Build Your Knowledge with Master Gardener Toolkits in 2026
Get ready for the 2026 gardening season and log some continuing education credits by registering for one of the Master Gardener community engagement toolkits! These toolkits are learn-at-your-own-pace, online courses that are open for year-round registration. They are designed to enhance your knowledge and give you resources to share information in your community. Click the class titles below to register. Email questions to mgweb@umn.edu.
Help Bumble Bees this Summer – Nest Quest Workshop: 5/07
Bumble Bee Nest Quest is a public-participation, science project that tracks bumble bee nesting. Nest Quest volunteers will attend a training workshop, adopt a grid cell, and conduct six 20-minute surveys within that grid cell between June and August looking for bumble bee nests. Anyone is welcome to participate to gather this important data to help us refine bumble bee conservation plans. The first online training session will be held on May 7 from 5:30-7:00 PM. Find out more about the Nest Quest project and register for the Zoom training.
Planting for Clean Water Workshop: 5/07
Join Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, and Blue Thumb for an informative Planting for Clean Water Workshop on May 7th. This workshop covers assessing your yard, landscaping with native plants, installing a rain barrel, siting a rain garden, and more. Registration is free for residents of either watershed. Following the presentation, you’ll have the chance to meet with landscape designers and master gardeners to discuss project ideas for your property. Learn more and register through the Blue Thumb website.
Lawn Leaders
Lawn Leaders complete a mix of online and in‑person training focused on lawn care management, watering efficiency, and turfgrass establishment. After training, each volunteer hosts a small neighborhood event between May and October. Demonstration options, supplies, and handouts are provided. The estimated time commitment is about five hours of online learning and five hours of community engagement. Volunteers can choose the topics that best fit their neighborhood, and it continues to be a great fit for people who enjoy connecting with neighbors and sharing practical, research‑based lawn care information. If you would like to learn more about the program please contact Gary Deters at dete0040@umn.edu
Calendar
In-person office hours with Darren at the Maplewood Extension Office on Wednesdays (10am-2pm). Sign up here. Contact him directly to schedule additional times.
4/21 – Monthly meeting
4/18 – 4/24 – Yard & Garden Hotline shifts
5/11– Plant Pre-sale pick-up at the Barn
5/12 – Board meeting
5/14-5/15 – Plant sale set-up
5/16 – Plant sale at Aldrich Arena
5/26– May Book Club
6/26-6/27 – State Master Gardener Conference
Quick Links
RGEV Resources
RGEV Website & Quick Links page
Extension Resources
Access the MN Arboretum for free with code MG2026