It’s a good thing when a Master Gardener program grows well beyond expectations. This is something Amy Grandpre, the Yellowstone county Urban Horticulture Assistant, knows something about. Grandpre has been the Master Gardener Coordinator for Yellowstone county since its inception in 1994. She has watched the program grow from nine participants to more than 230.

W hen a group of volunteers grows to this size, the challenge becomes how to make meaningful

connections within such a large group. Some may think the 8-week course would create such an environment, but experience has shown that once the course is finished, most participants don’t stay connected. Some may think the volunteer projects will bring participants together, and to an extent they do, but only a few, not the collective group.

Grandpre has had great success developing, and keeping, a tight-knit group of volunteers by finding activities that bring them together socially. She said “Luckily, I had some monies left over after program expenses.

It became my goal to use this money in a way that benefits the participants, the program and the community.” Her solution was Yellowstone County ‘Master Gardeners on the Town.’

‘Master Gardeners on the Town’ meets once a month at various coffee shops, ice cream parlors and specialty shops. Starbucks, City Brew, Spinners, Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen and Candy Town in Billings have all been hosts. Guests are welcome to join. “This has become a fun way to get out of the classroom/project setting to hang out with each other. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new people and local businesses to the Master Gardener program to find ways to participate,” said Grandpre.

Montana has an extensive network of rural roads, and encountering a herd of livestock shouldn’t be a surprise when driving the backroads. Many roads in Montana pass through land used for cattle and sheep ranching. To ensure adequate grazing, ranchers must move livestock to different pastures throughout the year. Rotating livestock to greener pastures can include traveling down rights of way. As a motorist, there are several things to do to ensure the safety of all involved when you encounter a cattle or sheep drive. En

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A CLOSER LOOK

Slow down!Slowing down doesn’t mean coasting to half the posted speed limit. Even 10 miles per hour is often too fast when cattle and sheep are on the road. Going slow will help avoid vehicle-livestock collisions. Ranchers take precaution to avoid damage to vehicles and their cattle by placing a flagger or signs on one or both ends of the herd. A flagger or sign warns to slow down and could look something like a slow-moving vehicle waving a flag out the window or a patrol car with flashing lights.

Be CautiousBe aware of surroundings. Know there are more than just livestock to look out for on a drive; there are also riders and often cattle dogs. It is easier to be cautious when moving slowly or stopped. Be aware that you are dealing with live animals and stay in the vehicle. Although you may want to get out to talk to a rider, take a photograph, or help in some manner, you may likely add to the rider’s stress if you are outside of the vehicle on foot.

Ask A RiderRoll the window down and ask a rider for guidance. They can direct the best way through or around the herd; they may even help you through if needed. If there is no oncoming traffic, don’t be afraid to cautiously and briefly change lanes, or if necessary, drive on the shoulder. If a majority of the herd is gathered to one side of the road, drive through the lowest populated side, regardless of designated driving lane.

When approaching the cattle drive from the front, drive slowly, wait, or pull off the road; the livestock will filter by with little inconvenience. If you approach the back of the livestock, drive slowly and ask a rider the best way to navigate the herd. Often the herd can be strung out with slower livestock in the back and faster moving livestock in the front. Be sure to pass the entire herd before accelerating. If livestock are simply crossing the road, stop and wait instead of trying to drive through.

Do Not Harass the LivestockDo not honk or cause a riot out the window to get livestock to move. Livestock and horses have little traction on asphalt and may slip and fall when spooked. Do not bump livestock with a vehicle to get them to move. If bumped, they may kick and as a result, remove a headlight or damage the vehicle.

Enjoy itSoak in this glimpse into the western way of life. Celebrate America’s and Montana’s roots in agriculture and be delighted to experience a cattle drive firsthand, and maybe even take a picture or two from inside your vehicle.

Melissa Ashley is an MSU Extension agent in Rosebud and Treasure counties.

As one of the largest Master Gardener groups in Montana, the Yellowstone County Master Gardener Association hosts many events throughout the year, including the Mystery Night at the Library, the Master Gardener fall picnic, the annual Christmas party, and advanced educational opportunities. Grandpre’s efforts to engage volunteers and keep them coming back for more is exactly what is needed to grow and sustain a Master Gardener program, maybe even in a community like yours.

For information about the Yellowstone County Master Gardener Association visit: http://www.ycmgamt.com/index.html.

Dara Palmer is the MSU Extension Horticulture Master Gardener Coordinator and Amy Grandpre is the MSU Extension Horticulture Assistant in Yellowstone County.

Yellowstone Master Gardeners enjoying coffee and conversation.

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17 Spring 2020