UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County Master Gardener Awards

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2024) - UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County Master Gardener volunteers recently attended their state conference. The Charlotte County group received several awards and recognition at this conference. The Master Gardeners attend this conference annually where they can receive state awards, network with other Master Gardeners from around the state and participatein advanced training sessions.

Joan Schneider was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Award for her unwavering commitment and more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service in Charlotte County.

Additionalawards were given for Years of Service:

• Jane Schurr- 20 years

• Janet Laird - 15 years

• Mary Harder - 10 years

Phil and Wendy Sollecito were honored with two awards: Outstanding Edible Garden and Outstanding Mature Landscape.

Michelle and Terry Zirbelreceived recognition for their collaborative work, earning the Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer and Agent Collaboration Award for their efforts in the Charlotte County Rain Barrel Program. This program also won the award for Outstanding Florida-Friendly Landscaping Educational Campaign.

The Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteer team also excelled in the horticulture judging competition, securing 2nd place as a team. Congratulations to team members Nancy Palmer, Bob Prier, Sue Watts, Phil Sollecito, and Mike Stevens.

These awards highlight the incredible dedication and passion of the Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteers in promoting sustainable gardening practices and educational outreach in the community.

For more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Charlotte County, contact HollyBates at 941-764-4352 or [email protected]

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