Category: Cooperative Extension
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! A look back at our 2024 Master Gardeners.
April 22, 2025 Written by: Michele Walfred and Jackie Czachorowski
Volunteerism is the driving force in many Delaware Cooperative Extension programs, and the Master Gardener volunteer impact is keenly felt across Delaware, a visible presence at schools, libraries, attending public events, holding workshops, and answering online questions and helplines. Kent County boasts 37 active volunteers, Sussex County has 79, and 100 in New Castle County.
Active Volunteers
After their first year, to be considered “active” volunteers must serve a minimum of 30 volunteer hours and five advanced training hours a year. Most exceed this requirement. Combined, these 116 active volunteers logged nearly 11,000 hours in outreach service to Delaware and undertook more than 1,100 hours of advanced training during the 2024 year. Statewide, with all three counties reporting, Delaware Master Gardeners delivered nearly $580,000 in volunteer service across the First State. Volunteers from the Delaware Master Gardeners program in Sussex, Kent, and New Castle County proudly celebrated a remarkable year of service in 2024!
2024 Master Gardener of the Year
In Kent County, Zoe Bell, Class of 2021, was honored as the 2024 Master Gardener of the Year. Bell has many roles, including chair of the information table and scholarship committees, the latter of which she attends high school ceremonies to personally present the funds to students. Megan Pleasanton, Master Gardener program coordinator on behalf of Delaware State University, shared highlights of Bell’s many roles. “Zoe’s proactive approach has made her an invaluable asset during workshops where she readily offers assistance with any necessary tasks,” remarked Pleasanton.
Tracy Wootten, horticulture extension agent for Sussex County and Sussex County Master Gardener program coordinator, acknowledged Ana Dittel, Class of 2001, as the 2024 Sussex County Master Gardener of the Year. Dittel began her volunteer service by spending most of her time in the county’s educational demonstration garden in Georgetown. Her volunteer hours rapidly accumulate upon returning to Delaware. ”Ana has been described as a splendid person, always willing to share her expertise in a humble and cooperative manner,” Wootten said. “She exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding Master Gardener, working tirelessly and generously.”
New Castle County named Pam Nelson of Wilmington a new Master Gardener from the class of 2021. She quickly rose to make a difference in leadership roles, first as vice president and then, in 2024, as president of the county’s Master Gardener program. As one nominator wrote, “She was everywhere!” after she finished training.
Lifetime Volunteer Service for Sussex and Kent
The lifetime volunteer service award is given to a Master Gardener who has provided a minimum 10-year or 1,000-hour track record of outreach through the program. Kent County’s lifetime honoree was Charlotte Clive. Clive also leads the Kent County leadership as chairperson for the past and upcoming term. Sussex County recognized two individuals: Marian Reedy, who chairs the demonstration garden, and Penny Huth, who leads the speaker’s bureau for Master Gardener talks scheduled throughout the community. Both counties officially welcomed 26 new Master Gardeners from the Class of 2023, all having successfully completed their initial 40 hours of volunteerism and five hours of advanced training.
New Castle County’s Career Service Award
The Career Service Award acknowledges a “lifetime” of volunteer service. Karen Curtis of Wilmington has served as a Master Gardener since 2013. Curtis, who was involved in community gardens long before her start as an Extension volunteer, was noted for her well-spring of knowledge and willingness to share with all who ask. Curtis is highly valued for her leadership of the Community Gardens team and cultivated key relationships as the face of the Master Gardener program for the public through community and school garden outreach.
The Delaware Master Gardener program is coordinated by Delaware Cooperative Extension through Delaware State University and the University of Delaware. Learn more about the program.