Yakima County Master Gardeners Program Meeting minutes for 5/21/2025
Program Coordinator Patty Ratzlaff opened the program meeting at 11 a.m.
OUTREACH SUMMARY REPORT/DEMOGRAPHICS: Patty explained a poster that is available for any MG who speaks or participates in events. The poster asks participants to use their phone to scan the QR code on the poster, then fill out the demographic information requested. A paper version of the form is also available if participants prefer. I
VIEWING PARTY: Details about a Viewing Party for those who want to attend the first day of the AEC with other Yakima Master Gardeners was discussed. Also discussed was whether members who are not signed up will be able to attend the party. Details are not firm, Patty said.
OUTGOING MATERIALS: Patty reminded everyone that outgoing materials such as flyers, posters, etc. have to the beapproved by Patty before being distributed. This is to assure that they comply with WSU regulations.
GIVE PULSE: There will be changes in the Give Pulse program beginning June 1 with full launch around July 1. The change will be called New View. Patty said there should be advantages in the new system, including ease to use. However, she cautioned that everyone should track their hours carefully because there could be glitches.
WRITER’S GUILD AND SPEAKERS BUREAU: Carol Barany reported that articles for the Yakima Herald are scheduled through July 1 She encouraged anyone with an idea for an article to submit it to her . She also said the library presentations are “outstanding.”
DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC: A written report submitted by team co-chair Kim Foster included a plea for help at the clinic. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and the onboarding experience continues to be improved. New software for the data collection will be implemented in the next month. A working microscope that is compatible with the clinic computer has been obtained. Team training continues: May is larva identification month. In upcoming months topics include identifying insects and weed identification. Monthly meetings are the second Thursday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Extension Office.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Kelly Klingman said the social media sites recorded 73,666 views in April, and income from Facebook was $3,278. There had been 751 Instagram views and she would welcome help with using Instagram. The booth at the Arborfest event at the Arboretum had 903 visitors. The mural created for the booth was displayed at the plant sale, and will be used at the Garden Party.
DEMONSTRATION GARDEN: Carol Barany said she had helped at the Demo Garden prior to the meeting, and was very impressed. “I’m very very proud that our Master Gardeners can do this,” she said. It was noted at a special plea for help was sent out this week seeking everyone to help spread gravel on the paths in preparation for the Garden Party celebration June 21. There will be an article in the Yakima Herald June 6 about the event.
There is a summer class on Water Wise Gardening scheduled at the demonstration Garden May 31.
WEST VALLEY FOOD GARDEN: Camille Smith reported the vegetable garden is “up and running” after a slow start due to water supply. The peas are doing well, which is overly appreciated by the rabbits.
HEIRLOOM GARDEN: The garden is looking for money to replace the picnic table which has rotted.
The meeting concluded at 11:30 a.m. Give Pulse total for both meetings is 1 hour in Program Support
Respectively submitted
Carrie Chicken, Secretary