Each year, the Hall County Master Gardeners select one of their own as the Master Gardener of the Year.

It is a fun selection that is quite complex, because this very special recipient is chosen from many supremely qualified members.

The vastly talented 170-member group has an extensive range of proficiencies from whimsical, as demonstrated on this year’s Garden Walk, to technical, as can be observed in the mechanical sustenance in the garden projects around Hall County. And there is never a shortage of worthy candidates.

This year in the wake of the long-anticipated opening of the Linwood Nature Preserve, the revered award went to Margaret Rasmussen, executive director of the Redbud Project for her inexhaustible perseverance in bringing the Preserve to a reality

“The Linwood Nature Preserve is the Redbud Project’s model for environmental conservation to get people into the woods of Hall County/Gainesville that are so spectacular with native plants,” Rasmussen has said about the spectacular and peaceful refuge. “It’s a unique area of the United States, and when we realized that, we decided we better do something about preserving it, smart growth and sustainable development, because we were being highly developed.”

Under Rasmussen’s direction, the Linwood Nature Preserve conquered a seemingly endless series of frustrations, setbacks, delays, bureaucratic pushback and challenges ranging from county approvals, confusing codes and weather. Nonetheless, she and her band of volunteers overcame the complications and in the process she earned a tremendous amount of respect and loyalty from Redbud volunteers who share her passion to maintain the natural integrity of our area.

Volunteers cite Rasmussen’s leadership, inspiration, energy, enthusiasm, resourcefulness, warmth and passion to substantiate her receipt of the Master Gardener of the Year award. The award is chosen from nominations from the 170 members. The many accolades from Linwood volunteers made Rasmussen one of the clear favorites.

Because of her efforts, the 30-acre Linwood Nature Preserve haven features more than 2 miles of trails which wind through an urban oak-hickory forest and prairie ecosystems. They have been ecologically designed for easy walking and environmental protection.

We at the Hall County Extension Office and Hall County Master Gardeners heartily congratulate Rasmussen for achieving this prestigious award.

Residents are encouraged to visit Linwood Nature Preserve at Linwood Nature Preserve Trailhead, 415 Linwood Drive, Gainesville.

Robin Lynn Friedman is the Master Gardener coordinator for the Hall County Extension Office. She can be reached at robinf@uga.edu or 770-535-8293.