Development & Retention of EMG Volunteers

Modified Volunteer Functions Inventory for Master Gardener Volunteers (2020)

• C. Glen, North Carolina State University

 Volunteer Service Role Description Template (2020)

• Charlotte Glen, NC State 

Evaluation of Hybrid MG Course During COVD-19 (2020)

• A. West, University of Idaho

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Master Gardener Flipped Classroom Training (2020) 

• S. DeBlieck, Iowa State University, and B. Lester, University of Florida Extension

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Tour of Southern Italy Increases Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Knowledge of Food Systems,  Sustainability and Agritourism (2020)

• W. Wilber, T. Freeman, University of Florida

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Technology Barriers for Volunteers Completing Online Training (2020)

• S. Dorn and K. Hobbs, University of Georgia

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Alternative Master Gardener Training Tests Client Receptiveness to Web-based Class Sessions (2020)

• H. Kolich, University of Georgia Extension\

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Master Gardener Classes Meeting Via ZOOM During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)

• R. Britton, Alabama Extension

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Master Gardener Virtual Diagnostic Scavenger Hunts (2020)

• A. O'Connor, J. Murgel, Colorado State University Extension

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Connection in the Time of COVID: Collaborative Distance Series for Education and Encouragement (2020)

• N. Bumgarner, A. Duncan, R. Painter, M. Rose, L. Sammons, C. Scott, G. Upchurch, University of Tennessee

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

MSU Master Gardener Volunteer Training Evaluation (2020)

• J. Wilson, Mississippi State University

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Volunteer Attitudes and Sense of Preparedness Following Mandated Youth Protection Training (2020)

• K. Hobbs and S. Dorn, University of Georgia

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Alternative Master Gardener Training Tests Client Receptiveness to Web-based Class Sessions (2020)

• H. Kolich, University of Gerogia

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

NC Extension Master Gardener College EMG Continuing Education Conference on Campus (2020)

• M. Jones, NC State University

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Retention Efforts for Extension Master Gardener Volunteers: A Team Approach (2020)

• R. Painter, University of Tennessee

  • Poster - EMG Coordinators' Conference (2020)

Garden-Based learning Library (Winter 2020)

• L. Brewer, Cornell University. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.  

  • The Cornell Garden-based  Learning program developed an online learning library for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer statewide network. This curriculum aim to prepare our volunteers to support our Extension mission, vision, and values through their peer education efforts in their local community programs. 

Agent Planning Team Vital to Vibrant MGEV Advanced Training (Winter 2020)

• S. Dorn, University of Georgia. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • When well prepared and trained on relevant topics, Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEVs) offer a valuable resource to Extension agents for expanding educational outreach at the local level. Quality opportunities to learn more about plants and gardening beyond the initial MGEV training are valued by MGEVs and provide motivation for continued volunteering beyond the first year. To ensure that advanced training opportunities offered to MGEVs equip them to address topics needed by Extension agents, an agent planning team was created in fall 2017. Meeting once in person and thereafter via webconferencing, a team of six Extension agents collaborated with MGEV state program office staff to plan the 2018 MGEV Advanced Training series. 202 volunteers participated in 9 trainings available to MGEVs, including 2 new trainings being offered for the first time. Trainings met or exceeded expectations for 67% of participants, and 94.4% of participants would recommend the training to another volunteer. An agent planning team has been assembled for the next year, comprised of reappointed members of the 2018 team as well as agents new to the team. 

Texas Master Gardener Advancement (Winter 2020)

• N. Madams, Texas A&M. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • The primary purpose of the Advanced Training program is not to designate “experts” in a field of study or topic; rather, it is designed to identify Master Gardeners who have received special training to support specific county educational programs or projects.  Advanced Training is designed to empower the Master Gardener with the knowledge and skills required to effectively support designate programs or projects. This may include administration of projects, training of Master Gardeners, client presentations, and applied research and demonstrations.

Colorado Master Gardener Tree Team (Winter 2020)

• A. O’Connor, Colorado State University Extension. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • The Colorado Master Gardener Tree Team program is currently implemented in Adams, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties in the Northern Front Range. Each Tree Team is made up of Extension Master Gardener volunteers (EMGVs) who have undergone advanced training regarding tree health in order to conduct on-site homeowner visits to help diagnose tree issues as a follow-up to calls that come into the local Extension offices. This program also generates revenue for each county’s EMG program by charging a fee to conduct the on-site visits (currently $25/visit)

Extension Gardener Plant Database Redesign (Winter 2020)

• L. Bradley and K. Moore, North Carolina State University. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu NC State Extension granted $104K to the NC Extension Gardener program to transform North Carolina State University’s Plant Database into a world-class resource.  Enhanced capacities include:  Enhanced search capacity and 3X more data points per plant for plant identification as well as selection for a specific location;  Integrated pest information linking to management strategies and alternate plant recommendations to fill the same niche in the landscape;  Information on seasonal functionality; audio pronunciation and phonetic spelling of botanical names;  Video plant profiles and thousands of high resolution images detailing plant characteristics;  Gallery of landscape designs for specific challenges  accompanied by plant lists; QR Codes for use on tags and plant sales as well as a wide variety of searchable tags and much more.

Extension Gardener Teacher’s Guide (Winter 2020)

• L. Bradley and K. Moore, North Carolina State University. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • The Teacher’s Guide provides instructors with everything they need to flip the classroom, replacing the traditional 3- hour power point lecture with hand-on activities. The guide is full of customizable materials and strategies that help instructors easily create a tailored course! A companion to the NC Extension Gardener Handbook, the text for the EMGV initial training program, students are encouraged to read the corresponding chapter prior to class. Available online for free, and for sale as a e-book and hardback copy, the 728 page handbook has 1,067 color images, and a wealth of information on gardens, lawns, landscapes, insects, disease, weeds, soils and much more. 

Longwood Gardens and NC State University Online Learning (Winter 2020)

• L. Bradley, P. Montague, and C. Bradish, North Carolina State University. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • Extension Gardener online classes provide an asynchronous learning opportunity through a partnership between NC State University and Longwood Gardens. There are three courses, each dealing with the identification of a different group of plants: Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers; Edibles, Bulbs and Houseplants; and Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.

Placemaking: Connecting Volunteers, Community Beautification, and Scholarship (Winter 2020

• A. Freidig and M. Maddox, University of Wisconsin. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA. 

  • Placemaking for Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) explores how MGVs can use the scholarship around the concept of placemaking to address community needs via volunteer projects and programming. This novel approach was developed through an interdisciplinary partnership with colleagues on the Extension Community Vitality and Placemaking Team and utilized placemaking principles discussed in Principles and Practices of Community Placemaking. Certified MGVs were eligible to take this fully online course created and facilitated by the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program State Office.

A New Model for EMG Basic Training (Winter 2020)

• C. Glen, North Carolina State University. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • NC State Extension agents are testing a new model for Extension Master Gardener (EMG) basic training that divides the traditional training course into two series; one that is open to the public and taught on weekdays as well as in the evenings or online, and a second series that completes the basic training requirements for those accepted into the EMG program. The public series was offered in spring, with two-hour lecture classes held at the local Extension center. Chatham classes were offered individually with no fee. Guilford classes were offered as a 6-class course with a $50 fee. The Guilford County course was also offered as a live feed via Zoom at the High Point Library. Classes were marketed on social media, Extension websites, and in county newsletters. Prior to classes beginning, multiple information sessions were held to promote the EMG program and answer questions about both the public series and how to become an EMG volunteer.

Advanced Training for PSU Master Gardeners: Woody Plant Certifications, Diagnostic Webinars, and More (Winter 2020)

• E. Kinley, N. Knauss, S. Daderko, and B. Finlay, PennState. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21;Valley Forge, PA. 

  • Since the first-class module was offered in 2013, nine Master Gardeners have received their Advanced Certificate in Woody Plant Identification, with 352 more in-progress. To receive their Advanced Certificate, Master Gardeners complete six different course modules. Module 1, which covers Plant Taxonomy and Morphology, is available online and must be taken before starting the other modules. The rest of the modules include Broadleaf Evergreens, Conifers, Deciduous Shrubs, Flowering Trees, and Shade Trees. These can be taken in any sequence and are all held in-person. For each of the plant material modules, you must take a pre-test and complete the post-test with a passing score.

Master Gardener Volunteers Expand Diagnostic Confidence through Advanced Training (Winter 2020)

• L. Sanderson, University of Florida. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA. 

  • Sumter County and surrounding counties are characterized by retirement communities of varying populations; Florida’s population grows by almost 1,000 people a day. Master Gardener Volunteers meet the needs of this growing population through plant clinics, information booths and helplines.

Master Gardener Volunteers Achieve Green Industry BMP Certification (Winter 2020)

• L. Sanderson, University of Florida. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • GI-BMP training is incorporated into UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer initial training in Sumter and Hernando Counties. Near the end of their training, students receive the full-day Green- Industry Best Management Practices training provided by certified GI-BMP Instructors.

Weed Identification and Management Workshop for North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (Winter 2020)

• D. Dillion, North Carolina State University. Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are asked to identify weeds and provide recommendations for management via telephone, email, at plant clinics, at Extension Master Gardener plant sales, and at events that they participate within their communities. The Horticulture Extension Agent works with a regional professional green industry group as part of their Board and secured a NC State University Extension Weed Specialist to speak to that group. Since the Specialist was in the area, a 1/2 day workshop on Weed ID & Management was planned for Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in the region

Basic Training for Master Gardener Volunteers (Winter 2020)

• Poster presented at: International Master Gardener Conference; 2019 June 17-21; Valley Forge, PA.

  • The Penn State Extension Master Gardener basic training provides volunteers with the skills needed to support the mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate the public on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship.  Recruitment for the Master Gardener basic training is accomplished through various approaches, including social media outlets, such as Facebook and Instagram, newspaper articles, personal engagement through outreach programs, and online via the Penn State Extension Master Gardener website.  The delivery mode of basic training classes varies throughout the state. Types of training include: live face- to-face, live Zoom on-line, flipped classroom where students view recorded sessions of the Zoom classes on their own and come together as a group for hands-on activities, etc., or a hybrid of all of these. Accommodations for hearing-impaired students are made by adding closed-captioning to the Zoom recorded sessions. Most county programs offer classes once per week from October to March, with some variations.