January 2021
December 31st is the Deadline!
If you served as a volunteer or completed Master Gardener continuing education in 2020, please log the hours online in the Volunteer Reporting System by December 31st. https://mastergardenerhours.hort.iastate.edu/
  • Username: Probably your email address
  • Password: Click on Forgot Password and it will be emailed to you

Reminder that zero hours are required in 2020 to remain an active Master Gardener volunteer. Click here to learn more. In 2021, the Master Gardener volunteer requirements will return to normal - completion of 20 volunteer hours and 10 continuing education hours.
Sign up for Saturday Webinars
Choose your own virtual gardening adventure when you sign up for the Gardening in the Air webinars. Topics include wildlife, pruning fruit trees, and buying seeds.

Registration opens January 11th. Learn more on this link.
Apply for Donation Garden Funds by January 8th
Food insecurity is growing, and MG volunteers can help. Mini grants are available to ISU Extension and Outreach county offices to support Master Gardener volunteer donation gardening projects. Applications are due January 8th. Read more about Growing Together mini grants and view application guidelines on this site.

Incredible! Over the past 5 years, Master Gardener volunteers have built partnerships to donate 435 thousand pounds of fresh produce to neighbors in need. That's why many other states are following your lead and initiating more Growing Together projects.
Support Pollinators in 2021: Plant Native Trees
Many native trees are great sources of nectar for pollinators. And more importantly, many are nurseries for some of your favorite butterflies. Check out this list of trees native to Iowa.

Three trees and the butterflies they support from Gardening for Butterflies:
  • Willow - host plant for Mourning Cloak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, & Viceroy butterfly 
  • Oak – host plant for Red Spotted Purple butterfly
  • Birch - host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, & Mourning Cloak butterfly
Continuing Education Opportunities
Here are some virtual continuing education opportunities:


See the full list of upcoming events here: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/events