Donna Hoffman, a University of Wyoming Extension educator based in Casper, was recently appointed state coordinator for Wyoming’s Master Gardener program.
With more than two decades of experience as a Master Gardener coordinator, volunteer, and extension educator in Natrona County, she is well suited to the role.
“The Master Gardener program has a long history in Wyoming and we have a lot of passionate volunteers who continue to support the program,” says Bridger Feuz, associate director of UW Extension. “Donna knows what it takes to have successful local programs and can really bring that experience to this role and help others be successful.”
Wyoming’s Master Gardener program offers 40 or more hours of rigorous horticultural training with the expectation that participants will share their knowledge through educational programming and volunteer work. In addition to an annual online course offered through UW Extension, in-person Master Gardener trainings are also conducted across the state.
According to Feuz, Hoffman will oversee the statewide Master Gardener program, coordinate the state Master Gardener conference, and lead the online Master Gardener course. She will also continue to serve as UW Extension’s Natrona County horticulturist.
“I really enjoy working with volunteers and seeing them grow from where they got started in their training and what they then take on as their favorite subject matter to help other people with,” Hoffman says.
As state coordinator, she will facilitate continuing education opportunities for volunteers and county coordinators across the state, a key component of the Master Gardener program. “One of my favorite things about becoming a Master Gardener is that they will always have access to lifelong learning,” she comments.
Hoffman would also like to expand statewide programming to support Wyoming residents who are interested in home gardening but might not be ready to take on a Master Gardener role.
“I’d like to offer more programming for anybody who wants to do gardening and then encourage people that are willing to share their knowledge to take the training and become Master Gardeners,” she says.
To learn more about the Wyoming Master Gardener program, contact Hoffman at dhoffman@natronacounty-wy.gov or (307) 235-9400.
