Master Gardeners are members of the Grundy county community who take an active interest in growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees and lawns. What really sets them apart from other home gardeners is their commitment to learning and sharing what they learn with others. Master Gardeners complete many hours of education based training regarding gardening and other forms of agriculture as well as complete community service hours each year and offer their assistance to communities in the county in completing gardening projects.

Each year the Grundy County Master Gardeners offer a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior in Grundy County who plans to enter college as a full time student with a degree in an Ag or a horticulture related field.

This year’s recipient plants to attend Iowa State University and major in agricultural studies and agronomy. He has been actively involved in his family’s landscaping business as well as very active in church and school activities. In his application he says “We have always had a family garden and large corn patch. Helping plant and maintain the garden is a family expectation. Continuing in these efforts are important to me as not only to continue to improve my father’s business, but also to keep the gardening traditions in my own future family.”

This year’s recipient of the $500 Master Gardener scholarship is Gladbrook-Reinbeck Senior, Bryce Ehlers.