By Darrell Blackwelder
For the Salisbury Post
Sad news for the Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteer Program: Jim Morris, Master Gardener Volunteer, passed away a few days ago.
Morris was an extremely active volunteer since 1997, not only with the Extension Master Gardener program, but as a member of the Cooperative Extension Advisory Council.
He and wife Nona were instrumental in construction of the Outdoor Learning Center which serves the community with outdoor educational adult and youth programs.
He volunteered more than 200 hours his first year to help secure this project as well as various other Master Gardener programs, including educational school programs, work at the West End Garden and most recently the Pocket Garden Project at the Agriculture Center.
His volunteerism was so prominent that he received the first Silver Can Award, an award to Master Gardener Volunteers for their outstanding dedication to Cooperative Extensions Master Gardener Program.
His enthusiasm and love for his community will be sorely missed.