SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Master Gardeners Program from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County took a top education prize in the Farm and Fruits category for their exhibit at the New York State Fair. With the theme “Stop Mowing and Start Growing a Healthy Yard,” the Master Gardeners sought to encourage and inspire homeowners to reduce water-hungry lawns in favor of plantings featuring natives and edibles.
Over 4200 people enjoyed the booth which included a display of native plants, interactive boards for children, and Extension materials. (Courtesy Photo)Over 4200 people enjoyed the booth which included a display of native plants, interactive boards for children, and Extension materials. Thirty-nine Master Gardeners staffed the stand over seventy-eight shifts for the entire thirteen days of the Fair to offer advice about eco-diverse plantings and field general gardening questions.
Although the Onondaga Country Master Gardeners have successfully tabled at the Fair in the past, this was the first year they were in the Horticultural Building, a shift that enabled them to almost double their educational impact!
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County
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