5/10/01

Contacts:
Donald Lewis, Entomology, (515) 294-1101
J. Michael Kelly, Horticulture, (515) 294-1166
Susan Thompson, Communications Service, (515) 294-0705

NEW LEADER FOR MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM

AMES, Iowa -- An entomologist has been named professor-in-charge of the Iowa State University Master Gardener program. Donald Lewis will serve as administrator of the program, while continuing his duties as an extension entomologist.

Lewis has taught entomology classes for the Master Gardener program since it began in 1977. Now he'll work with James Romer, Iowa Master Gardener coordinator, and local coordinators, campus faculty and staff to develop new materials, curricula and projects.

"Our goal is to broaden the program offerings, build on our legacy of excellence and success, and grow the program into the premier outreach effort of ISU Extension and the Iowa State College of Agriculture," Lewis says.

"The Master Gardener program is an important link between Iowa State and Iowans," says J. Michael Kelly, interim head of Iowa State's horticulture department. "Donald has played an important role in the program from its beginning, and has the knowledge, professional respect and experience to help take it to a new level of importance."

The Iowa Master Gardener program provides unbiased, research-based horticultural information to the citizens of Iowa through the volunteer efforts of Master Gardeners. By completing 40-hours of training, participants increase their own personal knowledge of horticulture. In return for that training, Master Gardeners provide 40 hours of volunteer service to their communities.

To date, about 6,000 Master Gardeners have been trained throughout the state.

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