March 20, 2020
State Master Gardener Conference postponed
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Annual conference postponed; originally scheduled for May 14-16
- COVID-19, high flu rate cited
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LITTLE ROCK — Citing concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as the high number of flu cases reported in the state over the past few months, administrators with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture announced Friday that they are postponing the 2020 Master Gardener Conference, originally scheduled for May 14-16 in Jonesboro.
“With the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the more than 30,000 flu cases reported in Arkansas since September 2019, we are taking precautions until further notice to ensure safe and healthy work environments for our members and our co-workers,” said Berni Kurz, extension consumer horticulture education specialist for the Division of Agriculture, in an email addressed to Master Gardeners and Cooperative Extension Service agents throughout the state.
“We will be in touch to discuss rescheduling this meeting,” Kurz said. “We recognize that this may be an inconvenience. However, this decision is being made out of concern for everyone's health and well-being.”
More than 500 people typically attend the annual three-day conference.
The Arkansas Master Gardener Program has organizations in all 75 counties throughout the state, as well as County 76, the statewide organization. To learn more about the program, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/master-gardeners/default.aspx.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media contact:
Ryan McGeeney
Communications Services
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
rmcgeeney@uada.edu