2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Since 2012 Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) Master Gardeners have traveled to Otavalo, Ecuador to work in indigenous communities on a variety of garden projects. This gardening vacation program was developed by the Ohio Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program Director and a representative of the Tandana Foundation, a non-profit organization who has hosted volunteer medical vacations in highland Ecuador and Mali's Dogon country for 10 years. Interested EMGs register through OSUE; EMG staff manages paperwork prior to the event. EMGs are also required to attend a pre-trip webinar to learn about traveling in a foreign country as well as some of the cultural do's and don'ts. The introduction of this webinar in the third year greatly alleviated some challenges during the trip. OSUE staff provides leadership to the trip until arrival in Ecuador. Once the plane lands, the group is met by Tandana Staff who arrange housing, meals, and the week's activities. The concept of the garden vacation is that EMGs work in communities on a variety of gardening-related projects in the mornings and then tour the local region in the afternoons. EMGs learn valuable lessons regarding working with other cultures as well as working in a totally different gardening environment. On the most recent trip, participants planted 200 new plants at the Estacion Metereologic de Inguinacho (weather station) and planted 150 plants, plus seeds and created new planting beds at the Subcentro de Salud de Quinchinche (medical clinic). The concept of planting at the clinic was that the garden would be used to demonstrate to new moms, pregnant moms and seniors the types of vegetables that they could grow in their own backyard. The vegetables in the demonstration are typically not used in the normal Kichwa diet. These newly introduced vegetables would help meet some of the dietary needs that were lacking. They will also start a seed-saving effort as a result of EMGs work. The minimum for the trip is eight EMGs and since 2012, 56 Ohio EMGs have attended. In addition to learning about gardening in another culture, EMGs earn volunteer hours and continuing education credits on the trip. Current plans are to expand the opportunity to other states in order to provide EMGs with this rich international outreach experience.