Tarrant County Master Gardener Association - Texas A&M AgriLife ...

Sharecropper Master Gardener Announcements —cont’dPage 13Acvies Commiee Field TripUpdateLavender scents and smells. Texas Backland Prairie. EastTexas ecosystem. All right here in the Metroplex. A behind-thescenes look at the Dallas Arboretum and the horticulturalside of the Gaylord Hotel.The activities committee with Donna Fry, Dorothy Hildebrand,Linda Kitson, Starr Krottinger, Laura Lowe and PatsyMiller, chairman, have been busy planning this year’sfield trips. Some of the trips are still in the planning stage, acouple have confirmed dates. We’ll be announcing sign-updates in the near future.Confirmed for Friday, June 1 is a double visit to twounique ecosystems that reside almost side by side. TheDogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill openedlast fall. It is a 205-acre nature and bird sanctuary nestled inthe Metroplex’s version of the Hill Country. Almost untouchedby man, it has many of the flowers, trees and birdsof East Texas.We will also visit Cedar Hill State Park which includesBackland Prairie and rugged Austin Chalk limestone. Lessthan one percent of the American tall grass prairie survives.At Cedar Hill, plant species include Indian grass and bigbluestem and a wide variety of wildflowers.Tentatively set for Thursday, September 20, Master Gardenerswill get a behind-the-scenes look at the Dallas Arboretum,its trial gardens and greenhouses. A special bonus isthat Chihuly glass will be displayed throughout the gardenfor us to view.Also on the schedule is a trip to the Purple Ranch LavenderFarm in Royce City. Started by Collin County Master GardenerJune Hand, she and her daughter created the recipesfor their lavender products. In addition to seeing severalkinds of lavender, we will also see her unique rose rootingsystem. Roses outline the lavender farm.The Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine is known for its beautifullandscaping and delicious restaurants. Many of the vegetablesand herbs used in the recipes are grown on site. Thecommittee is looking to get a behind-the-scenes tour withthe Gaylord’s horticulturist and chef.We know Master Gardener’s love to eat and we plan onsampling the restaurant scene in the areas we visit.Look for the announcements of the field trips and sign uptimes. Feel free to offer suggestions for possible trips thisyear or the future.Activities Committee ChairmanPatsy MillerThe task of the Nominating Committee is to present a slateof qualified nominees to the general membership for votingpurposes. From these nominees, and any that may be nominatedfrom the floor, the general membership will vote tofill Executive Board positions that will be vacated at theend of the year.Before any of the above happens, the Nominating Committeemust be formed. According to the By-Laws/StandingRules, the current board appoints the chairperson. Thegeneral membership shall elect four members, two ofwhom may be from the Executive Board. Anyone whoserved on the 2011 Nominating Committee is not eligibleto serve in 2012.At this time, I am asking all certified members (blue badges)to give serious thought to anyone you believe would bea willing and effective member for this committee. Eligiblecommittee members will:●●●Nominang CommieeCall for Nominees and VolunteersBe certified members in good standing who have completedtheir certification requirements and paid theircurrent duesHave been a certified member for at least one yearHave not served on the Nominating Committee duringthe previous year.Once committee members have been voted on by the membership,the committee will determine what positions needto be filled next year. We will again call on you to recommendcandidates.For now, the critical need is to identify MGs who are willingto serve on this 2012 Nominating Committee. If youknow someone who would be a good candidate, and haveverified they are willing to take on the task, or you yourselfwould be willing to serve if elected, please e-mail or callme. Thank you for your participation.Nominating Committee Chair,Sue Ellen Schlitzers.schlitzer@sbcglobal.net/817-294-1329Looking for Gold DiggersIf you are good at finding loose coins in the sofa, money in thedryer, or change on the ground, we could use your help. A GrantCommittee is being formed to locate funds to help support ourprojects. The committee will work on grants for the associationand/or individual projects.If you are interested, please contact:Sue Ellen Schlitzers.schlitzer@sbcglobal.net