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Sedgwick County Extension updates commissioners on drought outreach; Master Gardener program wins international award
Summary
Extension staff updated the board on water-conservation outreach, partnerships and training; they reported 350 Master Gardener volunteers and announced the program won the 2025 David Gibby International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award for a youth program called 'How Trees Drink, Breathe and Grow.'
Sedgwick County Extension staff briefed commissioners on drought-response education, community outreach and volunteer contributions in 2024–25.
Dr. Jennifer Brantley introduced horticulture agents Abby Drought and Matthew McKernan, who detailed more than a year of work with local groups — including the Wichita Area Builders Association, the Sedgwick County Conservation District and city partners — to provide water-conservation education and resources. McKernan said the Extension delivered dozens of public presentations and 30 media interviews in the past year and highlighted online resources at sedgwickcounty.ksu.edu.
Staff also highlighted the Extension Master Gardener program's metrics and recent recognition. "Currently, we have 350 Master Gardener volunteers who serve the Sedgwick County community," the presenter said, and noted volunteers logged tens of thousands of service hours; staff announced the program received the 2025 David Gibby International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award in the youth programs division for the 'How Trees Drink, Breathe and Grow' curriculum.
Commissioners thanked the Extension team and asked about statewide coordination on water policy; staff said Kansas State University extension programs and a state water institute are engaged in broader water-policy work and local partnerships.
