Martha Keehner Engelke NC State Extension Master Gardener SM volunteer of Durham County
The Extension Master Gardener National Committee has recognized what Durham County EMGs have known for a long time. Ashley Troth is is an innovative creative leader with the energy and expertise to cultivate and grow not only healthy plants but also a coalition of volunteers that enthusiastically share her vision.
Ashley recently received the 2026 Distinguished Early Career Award (DEC). This award recognizes outstanding contributions to an EMG program. It is given each year by the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) National Committee.
Durham County Horticulture Agent Ashley Troth (left) displays her 2026 Distinguished Early Career Award with statewide EMG program manager Charlotte Glen (right). Image credit: Shekina Mullen, Illinois Extension Media Communications Coordinator
The goal of the National Committee is: Growing plants, people and partnerships. Ashley has operationalized this goal by strengthening the internal operations of the EMG program while reaching out to community stakeholders to cultivate research based gardening practices not only in Durham County but across the state and country. One of her overriding principles in everything she does is her unwavering commitment to making gardening accessible all to people.
In the words of Charlotte Glen, the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Manager:
“One of Ashley’s greatest strengths is her ability to see opportunities where others see challenges ..she combines creativity with a deep commitment to research-based education, meaningful partnerships, and volunteer development. In just eight years, she has made a lasting impact not only in Durham County, but also across our statewide program.”
A Call to Action!
If you are reading this post and you are not a Durham County EMG, but think you would like to join Ashley and the other Durham County EMGs, you are in luck. Training sessions will begin in January and last through May, 2027. There are 3 information sessions remaining and you must attend one of these before submitting you application by October 19, 2026. The remaining sessions are:
- Wednesday, Sept 16: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (In-person)
- Thursday, Sept 24: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Online)
- Saturday, Sept 26: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Online)
You can sign up for an information session and find registration links through the Durham County NCSU Extension News Page.
A Time for Celebration!
Congratulations and many thanks to Ashley from the Durham County EMG’s for your leadership, commitment, creativity, kindness and sense of humor! You are the best!
The Durham EMGs gather for a celebratory photo after a very successful plant sale in April, 2020. (Image credit: Allie Mullin)
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