Feb 4, 2021
ESCANABA — Elizabeth Slajus of Iron Mountain was among the Michigan State University Extension Master Gardeners from the Upper Peninsula recognized for their many volunteer hours and continued assistance with the MSU Extension’s public gardening outreach and educational efforts.
Although they were not required to complete any volunteer hours during this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many opted to continue volunteering while following the MSU COVID-19 guidelines. No face-to-face volunteer efforts were allowed during 2020.
Despite these restrictions, they volunteered more than 1,000 hours with an economic impact of nearly $29,000 to communities. Volunteer projects focused on food gardening, gardening with children, improving communities through beautification and assisting MSU Extension with public education of the gardening public.