- Author: Lauren Snowden
That's a wrap! The virtual 2020 UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference was a LIVE stream success. All nine sessions streamed directly to the statewide Facebook and YouTube channels, which made for lively comments and instant access to recordings. If you did not get a chance to join the conference live, or you just want to re-watch a session, they are all conveniently available on the statewide program's YouTube channel.
A special thank you to all of our amazing speakers, who were willing to try something new and speak online live! Although we would all rather be able to meet in person for a full conference, having the online format has made it possible to share gardening information more widely, and encouraged people interested in gardening or volunteering to connect with their local program.
Celebrating and recognizing volunteers
During the opening session, hosted by statewide director Missy Gable, volunteers who donated more than 5,000 volunteer hours were recognized and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the University of California, our communities and our environment. Please join us in thanking and honoring volunteers in your county who reached new hour milestones since the 2017 conference:
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15,000+ Hours Michael K., Santa Clara County
10,000+ Hours Rose P., Fresno County
7,500+ Hours Bev V., Calaveras County Ann P., Riverside County Elizabeth W., Sacramento County Gail C., Fresno County Bette L., Santa Clara County Candace S., Santa Clara County Leta B., San Diego County Gail P. Sacramento County
5,000+ Hours Cheryl T., El Dorado County Franc-i N., Santa Clara County Thurman H., Riverside County
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5,000+ Hours Allen B., Santa Clara County Mindy C., Sacramento County Gael P., Marin County Isabel B., Orange County Rita E., Fresno County Phyllis T., Sonoma County Kathryn R., Marin County Gretchen Z., Santa Clara County Cathy C., Amador County Emma C., Contra Costa County Alice S., Santa Clara County Laura C., Sacramento County Deb T., El Dorado County Ottillia B., Riverside County Sue M., Placer County Judy C., San Diego County Merry C., El Dorado County Mary C., Santa Clara County Judy A., Ventura County Bonnie B., Nevada County
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During the virtual 2020 UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference, the program was excited to feature special Gardeners with Heart volunteers from across the state. Gardeners with Heart volunteers were nominated by their local county leadership for their creativity, strategic thinking, passion for the program's mission, and commitment to outreach. You can watch the Gardeners with Heart panel discussion and a tribute video celebrating the contributions of 52 of our exceptional UC Master Gardener Program volunteers! 
Search for Excellence
UC Master Gardener Programs in San Diego County, Contra Costa County, and Santa Clara County won the triennial Search for Excellence competition. In honor of their achievement, winning projects receive a cash prize to support local program delivery and the opportunity to present their projects during the mini conference. To learn more about these exceptional projects watch their sessions and read about them in the statewide blog.
Continuing Education
The virtual 2020 UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference counts as continuing education (CE) hours for UC Master Gardener volunteers. Whether you join us live or watch the recording, be sure to enter your continuing education hours into the Volunteer Management System (VMS). Use the mini conference activity guide to determine how many continuing education hours you earned by session.
