Denton County JMG Wins Big

JENNY ESTES WINS MARVA E. BECK TEXAS JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER LEADER OF THE YEAR

Jenny Estes, Denton County Master Gardener, received the Marva E. Beck JMG Leader of the Year award at the 2008 Texas Master Gardener Conference in Conroe, Texas.  Jenny has always loved teaching and has combined this love with her second passion which is gardening. Estes has coordinated teacher training programs for educators throughout Denton and has facilitated the construction of square foot garden beds with multiple science classes in Denton ISD. One specific program Estes coordinated, Riding the Rails, targeted 3rd-5th graders from Denton ISD in an intensive gardening experience to support connecting math, reading, and science through the garden while also supporting the TEKS.

"Jenny has a contagious enthusiasm for teaching children." states JMG Program Coordinator, Lisa Whittlesey. "Her efforts in Denton County have been a great example of the JMG Program mission of working with youths to ignite a passion for learning, success and service."  This annual state level leadership award is given to an outstanding JMG teacher or leader who exhibits outstanding leadership and contributions to a JMG group.

RIDING THE RAILS PROGRAM WINS TEXAS JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER COUNTY/COMMUNITY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
AgriLife Extension Service received the 2008 Texas Junior Master Gardener Community of the Year award at the 2008 Texas Master Gardener Conference in Conroe, Texas.  The Riding the Rails project originally began in May of 2007 with 30 students and has expanded into a two hour field trip with seven learning stations utilizing the B&B Garden Railway. Denton County Master Gardeners coordinate the learning stations and the children benefit from having an integrated experience of connecting math, reading, and science through the garden railroad and garden. This past year over 200 children participated in this unique and exciting learning experience.

Riding the Rails is a wonderful example of how schools and volunteers can come together to address local needs and issues. What a wonderful way to integrate science and language arts for children and make learning real!" states JMG Coordinator, Lisa Whittlesey.  This award category is a state level award designated for a program that coordinates multiple organizations, activities, and service learning projects to expand youth gardening efforts in local communities.