The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference

Extension organizations around the country are facing budget cuts and staff reduction.  In order to continue to be a leader and remain in the forefront as a consumer horticulture resource, Counties are relying on volunteers to increase outreach efforts.  The focus of this workshop is to share successful projects that expand Master Gardener volunteer outreach, which leads to increasing Extension's effectiveness as well as develop a portfolio of these efforts.  Three speakers will jump-start the discussion with specific projects; faciliated discussion will follow in order to gather input for the portfolio. Dianne Dilger Jacobson will present the "Volunteer Mobile Irrigation Lab." Volunteers are trained to utilize the mobile lab and to teach homeowners irrigation recommendations regarding desgin, installation, operation andmaintenance of their irrigation systems. Alison Stoven O'Conner will present "Larimer County Farmers’ Market."  Larimer County Extension originally supported the market by funding the construction of a CMG information booth, establishing market policies, and managing finances, while CMGs managed all other market aspects, including marketing and vendor recruitment.  Today, CMGs can volunteer at the 24-week market as one of many volunteer opportunities. Heidi Krastch will present "Nevada Master Gardeners Facilitate On-campus Student Learning."  Through a cooperative agreement between the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources and the College of Extension and donations of seed and seedlings from a number of community organizations, UNCE Master Gardeners are growing plants that represent the major plant families native to the Great Basin ecoregion and have excellent ornamental potential for urban landscapes. Such collaborations facilitate communication across disciplines and provide diversity in the range of experiences available to both students and master gardeners.