Letter to Editor: Vote Yes on Prop. 1

— from Julia Turney on behalf of 26 Orcas Island Master Gardeners —

As Orcas Island Master Gardeners we would like to encourage you to vote Yes on Proposition 1, the 6-year “Levy Lift” renewal. This proposition supports many local programs including the County Extension office affiliated with Washington State University. For the Master Gardening program, the levy helps fund the program which includes one part time staff member, volunteer training and office. The small part of the levy that funds the program brings tremendous value to Orcas Island by coordinating community volunteers who help to educate and train the public in the latest gardening information and techniques based on proven scientific research.

Under coordination from the Extension volunteer Master Gardeners are at the Orcas Farmers Market answering questions; answering phone requests for horticultural information; sponsoring native plant sales; establishing and maintaining a demonstration garden in Friday Harbor; putting on gardening workshops; as well as coordinating Master Gardener training programs. Extension funding helps make this possible by training members of the community.

The property tax of 18 cents per $1000 of assessed value funds this valuable program and keeps Master Gardener volunteers helping our community with plant and insect identification, pesticide use and safety, plant disease identification, soils and fertilizers, flower gardening, fruit and vegetable, organic gardening, tree and shrub care. Please vote yes on Proposition 1.