Dave DeMille
| Reporter assisted by AI
Several members of the Northern Michigan Master Gardener Association were recently recognized for their contributions at the 2025 MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Recognition event.
According to a community announcement, the ceremony took place Nov. 9 in Traverse City.
Nancy Cunningham of Boyne City was named NMMGA Master Gardener of the Year. Cunningham, along with Frances Paris of Boyne City and Ginny Heinritzi of Harbor Springs, also received Golden Trowel Awards for outstanding service and volunteer efforts that support the group’s mission to share science-based gardening knowledge, promote food security and enhance community spaces.
NMMGA earned eight spots on the Top 12 list of regional Master Gardeners for 2025: Frances Paris, Nancy Zuker of Alanson, Ginny Heinritzi, Midge Stewart of Petoskey, Babette Stenuis Stolz of Petoskey, Kris Whittet of Boyne City, Beth Cowie of Charlevoix and Susan Affholter of Petoskey.
Additional honors included a Lifetime Service Award for Heinritzi, who logged more than 1,500 volunteer hours. Paris and Zuker received Gold Badges for surpassing 1,000 hours. Advanced Master Gardener status went to Shari Froelich of Boyne City and Mark Priest of Bellaire.
Newly certified members include Josette Lory and Joanne Costello, both of Boyne City. Trainees recognized were Joanne Costello, Kay Hanna-Deluca of Gaylord, Paul Spata of Mackinac Island, Carole Winnard and Sue Lamkin-Iltis of Harbor Springs, and Kathy Tyler of Alanson.
“Our members are involved in various projects across Northern Michigan, sharing their knowledge and expertise and demonstrating environmentally sound gardening practices,” said Babette Stenuis Stolz, NMMGA co-president. “Our chapter has 39 members who have collectively volunteered nearly 3,000 hours this past year, which equates to a $93,000 value.”
Beth Cowie, co-president, added: “This year they have worked with the Lake Charlevoix Association to create the newly dedicated Shoreline Demonstration Garden in Boyne City, designed and installed a pollinator garden at the NCMC Early Learning Center in Petoskey, and improved food security with community gardens in Charlevoix and Emmet counties, along with more than 20 additional projects.”
More information about NMMGA projects, membership and upcoming events, including the annual spring plant sale, is available at northernmichiganmastergardenersassociation.org.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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