Extension Master Gardeners were busy in 2019 in the Douglas-Sarpy counties. Over 200 volunteers reporting 16,022 hours of service to the program. These volunteer opportunities came in a wide variety of formats. They answered Over 7,000 calls on the horticulture helpline that we staff six months out of the year. Volunteers were also present at 60 Ask the Master Gardener tables from the Papillion Farmers Market to health fairs, seed share exchanges and more.

We also said goodbye to one of our long standing teaching gardens, Heartland of America Park that is being demolished for the renovation that is taking place on the river front property. We taught from this park for over 20 years where we highlighted perennials that are low maintenance.

Volunteers grew and raised vegetables for the Heartland HOPE Mission Food Pantry that helped over 11,000 households. We also grew and All American Selection seeds for both display and trial gardens. They spoke to over 20 different organizations with 730+ people in attendance.

Overall it was a busy and fulfilling year and looking forward to see what 2020 has in store.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is a horticulture assistant with Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties. A certified arborist through International Society of Arboirculture and Nebraska Arborist Association. Scott is also Tree Risk Assessment Qualified through ISA. Scott co-leads the Master Gardener program in Douglas & Sarpy counties. Along with volunteer management he provides his expertise with disease and insect identification, lawn and landscape weed management, plant health, and I.P.M. practices. He also enjoys growing many houseplants ranging from African violets to cacti and succulents. Scott has two Bachelors of Science, one in Biology (emphasis in Botany, Ecology and Environmental Science) and second in Environmental Geology from Northwest Missouri State University. He earned his Master of Agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.