Programs and Outcomes of the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

The Fair Oaks Horticulture Center (FOHC), established in 1998, is a one-acre facility that has provided educational programs for the public, UC Master Gardeners, landscape professionals, and local agencies. Demonstration areas at the FOHC include a water-efficient landscape, an orchard, a table grape vineyard, a berry variety planting, a vegetable garden, an herb garden, and a composting area. Educational activities at the center each year include 7 to 10 workshops and numerous informal open gardens; tours for university and college classes, local and state agencies, and garden clubs; and training for local and regional UC Master Gardeners. The principles of sustainable gardening – using the least amount of water and reduced impact on surface water quality – are incorporated into all educational activities. The largest event, Harvest Day, consists of presentations, demonstrations, educational booths, and fruit and vegetable tasting. Each year attendance at the FOHC events increases; average workshop attendance has increased about 20 percent each year (the January 2011 workshop attracted 285 people) and over 2,000 people attended Harvest Day 2010, which was more than double the attendance of 2005 and four times that of 2000. A formal evaluation of the FOHC was conducted in 2004 and 2005. Evaluation methodology consisted of an analysis of workshop exit surveys, a compilation and review of media coverage, and a series of four focus groups with Master Gardeners, workshop participants, and representatives from collaborating organizations. An analysis of post-workshop surveys revealed that there was a dramatic increase in knowledge of workshop lecture topics reported by participants. The FOHC has attracted considerable media attention over the past 10 years, including being the site of numerous TV segments and interviews and the focus of dozens of articles in local and regional magazines and newspapers. The following statements about the FOHC were made in the focus groups: 1) The FOHC is the premier demonstration garden site in the region, 2) The water-efficient landscape is highly regarded throughout the region, 3) The FOHC is unique in terms of its diversity and its focus on home gardening, and 4) The level of education and outreach provided by the Master Gardeners at the FOHC is of a very high quality. Educational centers such as the FOHC require leadership, collaboration with other agencies, funding, and consistent hard work and dedication, but the payoff in community education in sustainable horticulture can be a significant, positive impact in the community.

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