In their 2022 Annual Report, the Master Gardener Program through ISU Extension and Outreach saw more than 440 new trainees, and recorded over 100,000 total volunteer hours.

With members and volunteers in 82 counties across the state, Master Gardeners contributed nearly 115,000 pounds of produce last year for Growing Together Iowa. The program works to promote healthy food access and nutrition education to individuals who are food insecure.

The mission of the Master Gardener Program is to use research-based horticulture and gardening knowledge and practices to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy communities. Beginning in Iowa in 1979, the program saw a 41% increase in trainees over the last year.

Johnson County finished in the top five for total volunteer hours for Iowa counties with 6,367. According to the report, an additional 1,545 volunteer hours were logged in Iowa County, 663 in Washington County, 375 in Henry County, 355 in Keokuk County, 106 in Jefferson County, and 60 in Louisa County.