Reopening and other program updates

Dear Gardeners,

This month, I have a few program updates to share with you, as Oregon ‘reopened’ on June 30. Read the full announcement from the governor’s office here. While we don’t have the full details of when OSU Extension will be open to the public (as of June 29), we can start to increase activity in the Demonstration Gardens and have meetings in person. There is also an update about the upcoming 2022 MG training.

Demonstration Gardens: Beginning Wednesday, June 30, our capacity and activity limits for working in the Demonstration Gardens will be lifted. So, if you have been interested in working in the Demonstration Gardens all summer, contact me (Erika) for a list of gardens with a head gardener, and we’ll find a spot for you!

Programming: Programming will be planned and executed without the need for formal approval from OSU Extension Administration. Please be sure to check in with me and fill out the appropriate project selection and activity proposal forms before organizing a new event or program.

Face coverings: Face coverings are no longer required as of June 30, except for individuals who remain unvaccinated. Individuals are encouraged to wear masks if they choose, but are not required to do so.

COVID-19 training: COVID-19 training for employees and volunteers will no longer be required.
**Additionally, OSU’s policy (current as of June 29) is that vaccination status of volunteers or the public cannot determine participation in Extension activities, which includes JCMGA events and activities.

2022 MG trainings: MG trainings will be held in 2022. Because of a reduction in available instructors, it is likely that some counties may use online MG training classes to supplement on-site classes. Hybrid trainings (part online and part in person) may thus become more common in MG trainings. In addition, we are looking at ways to make MG training classes and certification more broadly accessible. One way to do this is to reduce the service hour requirement, so long as it does not go below the national minimum standard of 40 hours of volunteer service. The hybrid training option is another option to make classes more accessible.

That’s all for now, and please reach out with any questions or comments.

Thanks!!

– Erika