Eighteen Master Gardeners from Sullivan County reported 641 volunteer hours for 2007. Of this, 505 were service hours and 136 were continuing education. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the value of volunteer time is $18.04. Using this figure, the Sullivan County Master Gardeners volunteered $11,563.64 worth of their time to projects benefiting Milan, Green Castle and surrounding areas of Sullivan County.

Some of the projects in Milan included planting and caring for flower beds at local churches, the scattering garden in the cemetery, the Veteran’s Memorial, the post office, and the historical society museum. Other service included helping elderly neighbors and friends with their yards; consultations and providing gardening advice to the public; giving programs or presentations for clubs and school children, and planning a tour and assisting with the 2007 State Master Gardener Conference held in September in Kirksville.