The Braxton/Clay Master Gardeners would like to announce that David Derby has been selected as the Master Gardener of the Year for 2022.  David was selected by a vote of his peers.  Since his certification as a Master Gardener, in 2013, David has donated a total of 938 volunteer hours. Among the projects that he has worked on are Clay UMC Rose Garden, Clay Main Street Wildflower project, Ivydale UMC, Clay Elementary,and other community-based projects. Congratulation, David, on a job well done!

       Past recipients include: 2021- Christi Boggs, 2020 - Polly Gerwig, 2019 - Anita White, 2018 - Suzie Legg, 2017 - Bonnie Mitchell, 2016 - Tony Slabaugh, 2015 - Kim Dennison, 2014 - Aine Slabaugh, 2013 - Vicki Pierson, 2012 - Lisa Dennison, 2006 - Cathy Sowa and Karen Hutchens.

       In 2021, the Braxton/Clay Master Gardeners and Master Gardener Trainees donated a total of 793 volunteer hours and received 346 educational hours.  The Braxton/Clay Master Gardeners are a group of gardening enthusiasts who have been trained by the West Virginia University Extension Service seeking continued education and providing service within our communities.  If you are interested in becoming a West Virginia University Certified Master Gardener, contact the Braxton County Extension Service at 304-765-2809 or the Clay County Extension Service at 304-587-4267.