This is a great, great column that strikes a much-needed positive, forward-looking note in the dreadful situation of Greene County, the third largest county in Missouri, failing to fund its University Extension program. I would urge anyone who cares about the quality of life in our region to read it. Gardeners Know the Value of Extension by Lisa Bakerink, president of the Friends of the Garden. This weekend, Master Gardeners from Missouri and surrounding states will gather in Springfield to advance their skills and share their wisdom. Many will be first-time visitors to the Springfield Botanical Gardens, where the Master Gardeners of Greene County have maintained demonstration gardens for others to enjoy. Thanks to Friends of the Garden and a cooperative effort with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, there are now 46 collections of flowers, trees and shrubs. After 27 years, the Japanese Stroll Garden has matured into an exceptional place for meditation and hosted the 17th annual Springfield Sister Cities’ Japanese Fall Festival. Still, our elected leaders in Greene County have all but zeroed out of existence one of the most important resources we have locally. Funding for the MU Extension Service has dwindled to only $10,000 annually, the minimum required by state law. Not long ago, the operating support was $92,000; this after $400,000 was committed to help fund the Springfield/Greene County Botanical Center complex. Many of us benefited from the training and resources through 4-H and horticulture seminars. When you ask for a soil test, MU Extension provides it. Want to learn about nutrition, raising livestock (and children) or battling harmful insects safely? Chances are that MU Extension has the information you needed, nearly always free or at little cost. Master Gardeners visiting this weekend can be expected to spend upward of $200,000 during their stay. They will eat, sleep, shop and enjoy the amenities we have in Springfield. A few years ago, a market study ranked Springfield third in the nation in per capita spending on lawn and gardening products. That number easily reaches many millions of dollars each year. The economic impact of this popular activity, the dividends through farmers markets, restaurants serving locally grown products; purchase of trees and shrubs, and various lawn and garden services is really difficult to overestimate. With it comes the value of volunteerism, quality of life, health and exercise benefits. Plus, the opportunities many have to learn and work in this “industry” are taken for granted. Master Gardeners are not oblivious to the financial trauma facing Greene County. In fact, we stand ready to do anything we can to help. All we ask is that we return to the financial partnership of federal, state and county governments that support the education and productivity of local citizens, a partnership that has been in place locally since 1943. Already, MU Extension has been forced to move professionals to other counties to eliminate services. MU Extension, Master Gardeners nurture essential services. Greene County would never close its superb libraries, our schools, roads or law enforcement services. They are essential services, but so is MU Extension in Greene County. We are not, as at least one county commissioner has said, a “civic organization.” If you see a Master Gardener visiting this weekend, please thank them for all they do. They are the fruit of our vine. Lisa Bakerink is a Master Gardener and president of Friends of the Garden.
Posted on: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 00:51:22 +0000
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