The Braxton/Clay Master Gardeners would like to announce that David Derby has been selected as the Master Gardener of the Year for 2022. David was selected by a vote of his peers. Since his certification as a Master Gardener, in 2013, David has donated a total of 938 volunteer hours. Among the projects that he has worked on are Clay UMC Rose Garden, Clay Main Street Wildflower project, Ivydale UMC, Clay Elementary, and other community-based projects. Congratulation, David, on a job well done!
Past recipients include: 2021- Christi Boggs, 2020 – Polly Gerwig, 2019 – Anita White, 2018 – Suzie Legg, 2017 – Bonnie Mitchell, 2016 – Tony Slabaugh, 2015 – Kim Dennison, 2014 – Aine Slabaugh, 2013 – Vicki Pierson, 2012 – Lisa Dennison, 2006 – Cathy Sowa and Karen Hutchens.
In 2021, the Braxton/Clay Master Gardeners and Master Gardener Trainees donated a total of 793 volunteer hours and received 346 educational hours. The Braxton/Clay Master Gardeners are a group of gardening enthusiasts who have been trained by the West Virginia University Extension Service seeking continued education and providing service within our communities. If you are interested in becoming a West Virginia University Certified Master Gardener, contact the Braxton County Extension Service at 304-765-2809 or the Clay County Extension Service at 304-587-4267.