Dakota Gardener: The Extension Master Gardener Program celebrates 50 years

  • The NDSU Extension Master Gardener Program was started in 1980 and currently has over 200 volunteers. In 2022, the group volunteered more than 12,500 hours in 37 North Dakota counties. (NDSU photo)
    The NDSU Extension Master Gardener Program was started in 1980 and currently has over 200 volunteers. In 2022, the group volunteered more than 12,500 hours in 37 North Dakota counties. (NDSU photo)
  • reappeared and installed the repaired tire. Before the Gibbys could offer payment or thanks, the teens left. The Gibbys celebrated this act of kindness and encouraged their children to pay it forward. Fast forward to the 1970s--David Gibby and his colleague Bill Scheer were overworked Extension agents in Washington state. Inundated with home gardening questions from rapidly urbanizing areas, the two community-
    reappeared and installed the repaired tire. Before the Gibbys could offer payment or thanks, the teens left. The Gibbys celebrated this act of kindness and encouraged their children to pay it forward. Fast forward to the 1970s--David Gibby and his colleague Bill Scheer were overworked Extension agents in Washington state. Inundated with home gardening questions from rapidly urbanizing areas, the two community-
  • Dakota Gardener: The Extension Master Gardener Program celebrates 50 years
    Dakota Gardener: The Extension Master Gardener Program celebrates 50 years

    In 2016, a roomful of Extension Master Gardener coordinators from around the country sat with bated breath as the speaker took the stage. Dr. David Gibby, a distinguished silver- haired gentleman, began to speak of his childhood in the Southwest during the 1930s. He shared a story about his parents that defined his upbringing and inspired a community volunteer program that would be adopted in 49 s…