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 19-20 as the annual “Day of Giving.”
The local program aims to raise as much money as possible to expand outreach that will benefit more people, said Gerry Hernandez, coordinator.
Last spring, the group raised $2,500.
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.
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.
“We hope to raise $2,000 for the demonstration garden this year,” Hernandez said.
Alsco-Geyer Ace Hardware, in Arbuckle, and Messick Ace Hardware, in Colusa, have each pledged $250 to match the first $500 in donations received.
Messick’s kicked off the campaign last year by matching the first $250 in donations.
Hernandez said with donations received from the public this year, the demonstration garden will serve to educate the public about the Eight Smart Gardening Practices: landscape for your local environment; reduce waste and recycle; nurture the soil; conserve water; conserve energy; responsible pest control; support beneficial wildlife; and grow your own food.
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.■