Sarasota County Master Gardener Program

Transcription

1 Sarasota County Master Gardener Program Welcome! Original program by Pam Brown, Pinellas County Extension, retired Revised by Patricia Porchey, Sarasota County Extension

2 Objectives Identify components of the Master Gardener program. Identify Master Gardener volunteer opportunities. Identify horticultural education opportunities. Identify social benefits.

3 Master Gardener Mission Statement Florida Master Gardeners are University of Florida-trained volunteer teachers. Master Gardeners educate and provide research-based information to Floridians about gardening America s most popular pastime. Their information about planning and maintaining landscapes always emphasizes environmental stewardship.

4 History of Master Gardeners Originated at University of Washington Extension of Extension Agent Began in Florida in 1979 Sarasota County in 1991 Florida Master Gardeners are University of Florida-trained volunteers.

5 Master Gardener Program Steps to becoming a Master Gardener Application process Classroom training Master Gardener Trainees Master Gardener Certification Continuing education Yearly re-certification

6 Application Process Fill out application form Mailed out in May Due by mid June Application review & Interviews July Acceptance letters go out end of July Fee of $150 due by mid August

7 Classroom Training Training 13 weeks (one day 8:00 AM 3:30 PM) 4 hours landscape workday training Tuition $150 includes books, handouts and notebook Attendance is mandatory

8 Quick Point Preserve

9 Master Gardener Trainee First year Donate 75 volunteer hours 25 hours at Extension Office, Twin Lakes Park 25 hours at Extension Help Desk or Satellite Service Help Desk or Special Event Help Desk 25 hours approved volunteer activities Earn 10 CEUs (continuing education units) Graduation after training

10 Certified Master Gardener! Certification after 75 volunteer hours & 10 CEUs Second year & thereafter to maintain certification Donate 35 volunteer hours Earn 10 CEUs Reactivation Take comprehensive exam Same as above

11 Volunteer Opportunities Extension Office Maintain landscape Maintain individual demonstration plots Guide tours of landscape Test soil & water samples Assist staff with clerical tasks

12 Soil Testing

13 Volunteer Opportunities Master Gardener Help Desk Answer telephone questions Answer walk-in questions Answer questions Satellite Service 5 County libraries Farmer s Market Answer walk-in questions

14 Master Gardener Help Desk

15 Volunteer Opportunities Therapeutic Horticulture Venues School gardens Community gardens 4H programs Assisted living facilities Developmentally-challenged facilities Mental health facilities

16 Cyesis School Garden

17 Orange Blossom Community Garden

18 Volunteer Opportunities Create presentations Compile scripts Produce PowerPoints Give presentations Extension office Garden clubs Libraries Schools

19 Presentations

20 Volunteer Opportunities VMS webmaster MG Newsletter Passionvine Compile Edit Write articles FYN Yard Advisor Home recognition program Presentations Home irrigation evaluations

21 Volunteer Opportunities MG Advisory Committee MG Association officer Special Events MG plant sale Oscar Scherer Earth day Epcot Flower Festival Festival at Palmer Ranch North Port Tree Festival Selby plant sale Girl Scouts Forever Green

22 Master Gardeners at Epcot

23 E-fest Newspaper Hats

24 Horticultural Education Opportunities CEUs (Continuing Education Units) Quarterly In-service Training MG meetings MG field trips Regional MG training Polycom training Annual MG conference Annual tree & ornamental short course

25 Jelks Preserve Field Trip

26 Horticultural Education Opportunities CEUs (Continuing Education Units) Presentations by Extension staff Approved presentations outside of Extension Approved reading materials University of Florida/IFAS Publications

27 Social Benefits Annual holiday party Pot-luck lunches Share recipes Meet new people Make new friends Share plants

28 Requirements Desire to learn Interest in helping others Interest in gardening Time to volunteer Affirmative Action compliant Americans with Disabilities Act compliant

29 Summary Master Gardeners are Volunteers! If you re excited, please fill out your application form. Thank You