Updates

the dirt 2005 Conference Update

The Advanced Training Seminar committee has been working hard over the holidays to prepare the conference registration information for statewide dissemination this month. We're "battening down the hatches" as we ready ourselves for the onslaught of registrations.

Denton County Master Gardeners will be hard at work putting on the conference but don't forget to register promptly! Check our website, DCMGA.com, to print the registration form and mail or bring the form in to the extension office. Several events and tours are limited by space. Hotel registration can be made now (866-9-TESORO). Consider spending a few nights at the Doral and save yourself the drive. Plan your volunteer hours around the events and seminars you want to participate in.

And speaking of volunteering, Donna Wolfe is our volunteer coordinator for all jobs at the conference. This month, she and I will be compiling a list of the types of volunteers needed and when to be there. Volunteers are needed to fill many types of requirements: tour captains to host the tour on each bus, speaker handlers to provide our very special speakers with TLC, "hostesses" at the awards banquet to help with seating, a few special volunteers to help our vendors, many individuals working shifts at the registration table to welcome our attendees with Denton County hospitality and plenty of other positions requiring varying amounts of time and effort before the conference as well as Thursday, May 5, through Sunday, May 8. 

Daunted at the thought of volunteering? Eager to learn details about the conference? There will be two volunteer training sessions held to bring all Denton County volunteers up to speed. The dates are April 4 at 9:30 or April 18 at 7 pm. Both training meetings will be at the Doral Tesoro so we can show you around.

What is your role in this auspicious event? Are you a "people person" or do you prefer a behind-the-scenes job? Please call/email Donna to discuss your options and volunteer.

As always, feel free to contact me with questions.

Peggy Durrett

Butterfly Habitat Certification Class

Rarely does this opportunity present itself! On March 8, 2005, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Tina Dombrowski, Director of Horticulture - Texas Discovery Gardens, will be conducting a Butterfly Habitat Certification Class. Her introduction to butterflies will include history, life cycle, food and nectar plants, commonly seen butterflies and how to create an environment that will fill your yard with these beautiful creatures. Ms. Dombrowski developed and maintains the seasonal butterfly exhibit at the Discovery Garden.

Upon completion of the class you will receive butterfly attractant plants and a Butterfly Habitat Certification Certificate. You will get a unique behind the scenes view of the Butterfly Exhibit and an opportunity to receive a beautiful color metal sign that will designate your property as an official butterfly habitat. The class will be held at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Center during their March Butterfly Exhibit. Space is limited, so sign up quickly. Registration fee is $30.00. Contact Mimi Lyles at mimilyles@aol.com or JoAnn Hahn at johahn@charter.net for reservations and additional information.

This event is sponsored by the Garden Club Council of Fort Worth.

The Graduating Class of 2004

Congratulations to the nineteen 2004 interns who will graduate at the DCMGA Annual Dinner Meeting on January 6 at the Doral Tesoro Hotel. Those interns receiving certification are Diana Block, Emily Clough, Celia Cohen, Ruthanne Dencklau, Gracie Egan, Carol Eggert, Joanne Fellows, Ragena Fulton, Alice Gill, Millie LeClaire, Maribeth Lynch, Evelyn McMillen, Maggie Metzinger, Deanna Miles, James Murdock, Susan Musgrave, Pam Owens, Shari Prince and Joy Stewart.