Who Are the Master Gardeners?
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
UC Master Gardeners are volunteer staff of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), the public service branch of the University of California. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who share a common interest, the growth and care of plants. Whether it is grasses, herbs, indoor or outdoor ornamentals, shrubs, vines, or trees, it falls within the scope of the “Master Gardener Program”.
The Master Gardener Program began in the Seattle-Tacoma, Washington area in 1973 in response to the public’s need for information regarding the planting, growth, and care of plants. Those who join the program complete 60 hours of classroom training in horticulture. In return we commit to 60 hours of volunteer time and 12 hours of continuing education within the next year to become a “Certified Master Gardener”. In following years, the 60-hour requirement drops to 25, while the continuing education requirement remains at 12 hours. The volunteer hour requirement is met by working shifts at the information desk at the Lake County UCCE office in the Agricultural Center in Lakeport, staffing educational booths at the County Fair or Farmers Markets, participating in field trips, working on special projects, or participating in other horticulture related activities.
At the information desk, we receive questions from the public (we call them “clients”) and
make every attempt to answer the questions or resolve their problem(s). We have access to many resources not generally available to the public, including the on-site professional staff, outside consultants, and laboratory personnel at the University of California’s Berkeley, Davis and Riverside campuses. For research purposes, we have access to on-site libraries that cover every aspect of horticultural science. Many of our members have developed extensive skills and acquired knowledge in specific areas of gardening; we educate ourselves at the same time that we provide service to the public.
What do we gain from our volunteer service? Aside from a great deal of knowledge, we enjoy the association of others who share a common interest, participate in interesting field trips, attend informative classes and presentations on horticulture, and best of all, we learn how to grow and care for plants successfully.
What does it cost us? Other than the initial training class fee of about $85, there are no mandatory dues, fines, fees, or fundraisers. Members are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting and participate as officers or serve on subcommittees for specific events or functions. A typical monthly meeting consists of a 45-minute educational session, followed by snacks provided by the members, and a 30 to 60 minute business meeting. Our meetings are open to the public and are held in the Mendo-Lake Credit Union Building in Lakeport from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month.
If you would like further information, or would simply like to meet or talk to a Master Gardener, please visit the UCCE office at 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport, or call 263-6838, Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. A Master Gardener is generally on duty and if not, leave a message and one will contact you.
Prepared by: Dale Barney, UC Certified Master Gardener
Rachel Elkins, Master Gardener Advisor
September 2004 - revised February 2006 and July 2008
