NCC Master Gardeners Awarded for Volunteerism, Dedication

Winners at the annual NCC Master Gardener's award ceremony. (Photo submitted)

New Castle County Master Gardeners were awarded for their dedicated service, both locally and nationally.

During the annual awards ceremony held this past March, the University of Delaware New Castle County Cooperative Extension celebrated more than 20 Master Gardeners for acquiring over 100 hours of service during the last year. Also, over 20 team and individual awards were also presented.

Special congratulations go to the following members:

Susan Amadio, of Wilmington, received the Career Service Award, with 8 or more years of service to the New Castle County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners.

Suzanne Baron, of Middletown, was named the Master Gardener of the Year.

Cindy Huffman, of Middletown, was given the Rookie of the Year Award.

National Reckognition

Peg Baseden, Master Gardener, of Wilmington, was selected as the National Wildlife Federation’s 2008 Affiliate Volunteer of the Year.

Pat Baseden (center) being honored as the National Wildlife Federation's 2008 Affiliate Volunteer of the Year. (Photo submitted)

Chosen above thousands across the country, Baseden’s extensive outreach and volunteerism in the name of conservation has given her the recognition only one person receives each year. She began donating her time with the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliate, Delaware Nature Society, since the 1990’s, where she taught, and still teaches, home-owners about ecologically sound gardening practices.

Besides educating adults, Baseden has also worked with children, particularly in the Red Clay School District, about the wonders of nature in their own backyards.

She was honored at the Delaware Nature Society on Wednesday, April 1, during the organization’s annual meeting in Hockessin, Delaware. For more information about the Master Gardener Program, contact 302-831-2667 or visit their website.