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Fall 2025 - Volume 15, Issue 3

Editor’s Note: It’s been a while since our last issue of The Latest Dirt—thank you for your patience as our team took a short break to regroup and refresh! Over the past six months, we’ve been rethinking how best to share all the great work happening across the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County. We’re excited to be back, ready to dig in with new stories, timely gardening tips, and updates that highlight the many ways our volunteers make a difference in the community.

We’re also thrilled to welcome the New Volunteer Training class of 2026! This group brings fresh energy, curiosity, and a love of learning that reminds us why we do what we do. We can’t wait to see them grow into their new roles and share their enthusiasm in our gardens, at events, and throughout the county. Welcome, trainees—we’re so glad you’ve joined the UC Master Gardener family!

This issue opens with warm greetings from Dawn Kooyumjian, our CoCoMG Program Coordinator, and Terri Takusagawa, an Executive Leadership Team member-at-large. Ann Ramirez, NVT Project Lead, follows with updates on the New Volunteer Training Program. Then, meet our 26 new trainees in their own words—each with a unique and inspiring story—and hear from several 2025 graduates reflecting on their first year as UC Master Gardeners.

Also in this issue: David George highlights four CoCoMGs honored as 2025 Gardeners with Heart, a statewide recognition celebrating extraordinary dedication. Bonnie Dwyer offers an essential piece on using soap and detergent safely in the garden. At the same time, Emma Connery from the Help Desk investigates the curious case of lichen growing on a client’s Japanese maple tree. David also contributes a thoughtful profile of UC Master Gardener Titiana Buchholdt, and we wrap up with a look at the Water Conservation Garden’s first Open House.

And finally, if you haven’t already, please sign up as a member on CoCoMGHub.com. This site is moderated, as it contains a wealth of resources for Master Gardener volunteers’ eyes only! This issue of The Latest Dirt will be made available there a few days after publication. See you on the Hub!

Simone Adair, Editor