The 120-acre 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm is a private, non-profit education center, and one of the outreach assignments for Master Gardener volunteers in Hartford County. It was deeded to the Connecticut 4-H Development Fund by the family of Beatrice Fox Auerbach in 1976. Over 15,000 students and family members participate annually in 4-H curriculum-based school science programs, animal clubs, and Junior Master Gardening projects. “There is a sense of community and excitement to whatever it is we’re doing at the garden; every day is a new day. Our goal is to raise sustainable, low-mainte- nance plants that people can replicate at home,” Marlene says. “We planted currants, elderberries and asparagus in the early years. The whole garden is about teaching and getting people to grow things in their own backyard.” The ¼ acre FoodShare garden is one of the primary projects at the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm. The garden produces over 4,423 pounds annually that is donated to Foodshare. Over the course of a summer there will be 600 volun- teers total working in the garden. High school students volunteer in May and June fulfilling the hours required by their school. These students often keep volunteering after their hours are done. “Sarah Bailey became the Master Gardener Coordinator for Hartford County the year after I began volunteering. She’s been supportive from day one, and The UConn Extension Master Gardener program celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. Volunteers are the heart of the program, and contribute to its growth each year. Marlene Mayes of West Hartford has volunteered with the Master Gardener program since 2004. Volunteer Spotlight: Marlene Mayes Building Community Through a Garden 22 2018 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION