The Colusa County Master Gardeners once again hope to raise awareness of the value of their program by inspiring others to donate during a 24-hour period.
The University of California Ag and Natural Resources and UC Master Gardener Program have set May 18-19 as the annual “Day of Giving.”
The local program aims to raise as much money as possible to expand outreach that will benefit Colusa County residents, said Gerry Hernandez, coordinator.
Last spring, the group raised $1,250.
Hernandez said all money raised on that day will go toward maintaining the Donna Critchfield Memorial Garden, located at the Colusa County Office of Education Village, in Williams.
“We hope to raise $2,000 for the demonstration garden this year,” Hernandez said.
The group has held a number of public educational events at the garden, including demonstrations on how to install drip irrigation systems – and the planting and care of a vegetable garden.
While the demonstration will serve to educate the public about gardening practices, landscape for the environment, reducing waste and recycling, nurturing the soil, water and energy conservation, responsible pest control, benefiting wildlife, and growing food, the Master Gardeners, in the past year, have found their niche in the gardening community.
“We have been raising vegetables to donate to the Colusa County Ministerial Association’s food distribution program,” Hernandez said. “The fresh vegetables have been appreciated by the participants.”
For 24 hours, beginning today, the public is encouraged to support the program and the memorial garden, which has been named for the late Donna Critchfield, who was not only a master gardener but was known for many accomplishments and her commitment to the community through numerous acts of service.
Alsco-Geyer Ace Hardware, in Arbuckle, has pledged $250 to match the first $500 in donations received.
Those who are interested in participating in the local “Giving Day” initiative are invited to donate online by visiting the website: donate.ucanr.edu/givingday.
Supporters of the program can also drop off donations at the University of California Cooperative Extension office, located at 100 Sunrise Boulevard Suite E, or mail to PO Box 180, Colusa, CA 95932. Checks should be made payable to UCANR. ■
