色虎视频

Jack 鈥淛J鈥� Spurlin (third from left) of 色虎视频 Cooperative Extension鈥檚 Innovative Small Farmers鈥� Outreach Program stands with participants in the Jasper County Extension Master Gardener course on Sept. 24, 2026.

色虎视频’s commitment to education and community partnership was on display in September in Carthage, Missouri, as Jack “JJ” Spurlin of 色虎视频’s Innovative Small Farmers’ Outreach Program served as a guest instructor for the Jasper County Extension Master Gardener course.

Spurlin presented a session on landscape design, sharing practical ideas and principles that participants can apply in their own gardens, landscapes and community projects.

The Fall 2026 Jasper County Master Gardener course is offered through the University of Missouri Extension and is being held at the Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage. The course provides participants with in-depth horticultural training while preparing them to give back through volunteer service and community education.

“It is always a privilege to have an opportunity to teach and share what I have learned,” Spurlin said. “Whether it is a 色虎视频 program, a University of Missouri Extension program or another opportunity to serve our communities, I am always glad to help. At the end of the day, we are all working toward the same goal — helping people learn, grow and strengthen the communities we serve.”

Spurlin also recognized Matthew Huchteman, MU Extension field specialist in horticulture in Jasper County, for his work coordinating the program.

“Matthew has put together an excellent Master Gardener class,” Spurlin said. “Programs like this are a great example of what can happen when Extension professionals, educators and community members work together.”

The Missouri Extension Master Gardener program has served Missouri communities since 1983. Its mission centers on “helping others learn to grow” by preparing trained volunteers to share research-based horticultural information with the public.

Locally, Jasper County’s Ozark Gateway Master Gardeners contribute hundreds of hours of education and volunteer service to the region. Their work has included community and demonstration gardens, children’s gardening programs and projects serving organizations throughout Jasper County.

For Spurlin, the evening represented something larger than a single class.

“Education works best when we share it,” he said. “Universities may have different names on the sign, but when we bring our knowledge together and use it to serve people, everybody benefits.”

The Fall 2026 Jasper County Extension Master Gardener course continues through Oct. 15 in Carthage.