MG History - Cecil County

Mike Ensor coordinated the Cecil Co. MG program from 1986 to 1990, conducting 5 MG trainings. The program was then dormant for 10 years until 2000 when Eileen Boyle was hired as a Horticultural Consultant. She has coordinated 4 MG trainings (44 total trainees) and currently has 33 active MGs. We conduct monthly meetings at the Cecil County Extension office. Speakers present a pertinent topic, and a business meeting is held. Visitors and perspective members are welcome to attend the speaker program.

Our main projects are:
Woodlawn New Beginnings Park- a nature park which is adjacent to a former superfund site located in northeast Cecil Co.

Joining with the Wildlife Habitat Council and the owners Bridgestone -Firestone since 2002, the Cecil County MG's offer tours,classes and activities at the site to local residents.

We have established a 440 gal rain barrel water retention system, created and maintain native plants beds, built an active compost pile station, and teach classes in areas of animal, insects, plants, arts and conservation.

Elk Landing Plantation- A colonial plantation on the Elk River now has a charming herb garden. George and Joanna Esry, members of the Elk Landing preservation group, initiated plans to construct a Herb Garden containing plants common to gardens of the colonial period when the home was established. The traditional brick paths are patterned to contain beds of plant material used for medicinal,cooking and general use. Members also placed fencing and a sitting area. At holiday time the members create colonial and victorian style natural ornaments to sell to visitors.

Christina River Clean up- Since 2002 we have been focusing on an area of the Persimmon Creek that flows into the Christina River. The annual clean up
of the creek is supported by local government and White Clay Creek Preservation.

St Mary Anne Plant Festival- Each year in May, the community of North East, Maryland holds a festival devoted to garden lovers. We conduct a plant clinic, information booth and a plant sale to benefit our projects.

Cecil County Libraries coordinate with the Cecil County Master Gardeners to teach programs in Herbs, crafts, vegetables and gardening at the 5 locations throughout the county. All ages participate in the lectures, hands-on activities and activities are held every month.

Cecil County Fair- Members create an educational display, host a Master Gardener Night, manage the exhibit registration and participate
as judges. Some members are also active 4-H parents assisting in other fair activities.

Cecil Soil Magazine- Beginning in March 2008,our newest project is offering a column in the Cecil Soil, a bi-monthly magazine. The column offers instructional advice, local stories, and insight into MG activities for the public to attend.

Cecil County members also offer lectures to members and the public, have contributed to the new Master Gardener Handbook, teach at Farm Safety Day, mentor the new interns,
obtain donations, and services to benefit the projects, attend seminars and conferences, and take group trips to local gardens and events.

For more information, contact Robin Hessey

Last updated: 04/8/2008