Your local Master Gardener volunteers and interns are interested in facilitating public education and participation in local environmental stewardship projects, including management of urban and community trees and community gardens.

Listed below are some of the major projects and programs that Master Gardeners volunteer to help design, implement, present, and/or maintain for members of the local community.

Stark County Heirloom Seed Bank

The Stark County Library is providing free vegetable, flowers, herbs and grasses through the Stark County Library Heirloom Seed Bank. The great efforts of the Master Gardener Volunteers who sort donated seeds, labeling and scanning of the seed envelopes has led to the success of this project.  Librarian Julie Hoffman coordinates the library portion of the seed bank providing the envelopes, labels, staffing, space and advertising.   She also arranges free gardening and cooking seminars in conjunction with the free seeds for library patrons.  In addition the library provides two seed catalogs, one which is a children’s seed bank of fun things kids can grow and hopefully eat.  The Stark County Heirloom Seed Bank runs during library hours from March 2^nd through mid-June.

Growing Gardens, Growing Partnerships

There are numerous community gardens in Stark County, providing a means for residents to grow their own food, teaching children about nature, and offering food for those in need. Each garden is unique, has its own design, and management structure and policies that support its goals.

The Stark County Community Garden (2010)

Our Master Gardener Volunteers provide guidance to community and group gardens throughout the growing season.

They provide gardening information for the public, offer seeds that have been donated by local businesses, and schedule on-site garden visits during the growing season.

 Community Learning Gardens
The Learning Gardens consist of Phenology, Butterfly and Rain gardens. All gardens are located at the Extension Office and are maintained by Master Gardener Volunteers.The OSU Extension Office is located at 2800 Richville Drive S.E., Suite 100 in Massillon, Ohio 44646 (Map).

Annual Plant Expo

Every year during May, the Master Gardeners of Stark County hold a Plant Expo at the Stark County Fairgrounds. The annual expo includes: (a) research-based gardening and agricultural information; (b) educational programs of local interest; and (c) a variety of plants offered for sale to the public.

The free event includes plants for sale, gardening seminars, and time with gardening experts. Proceeds from the sale benefit educational and community outreach programs, as well as provide trees for local Habitat for Humanity families.