An article in the Redding Record Searchlight advises Master Gardeners to "Put away the pitchforks." A rumor that the program's training session at Shasta College would be dropped is false.
According to the story, horticulture instructor Leimone Waite called current and former Master Gardeners to arms (metaphorically) a few weeks ago saying the program's training class could be eliminated along with other college programs to deal with a budget shortfall. She urged supporters of the Master Gardener program to share their thoughts with college officials.
Shasta College President Gary Lewis said he received numerous letters from Master Gardeners, but told Record Searchlight writer Laura Christman the Master Gardener training class was never targeted for cuts.
"I was surprised I heard from people. It really wasn't in jeopardy," Lewis was quoted.
The Shasta College Master Gardener program is unique in California. Because the county UC Cooperative Extension program lacked a horticulture advisor, Shasta College took on Master Gardener administration and training in 2003.
"The program wouldn't exist in Shasta County without Shasta College," the story quoted Pam Geisel, UC ANR statewide Master Gardener academic coordinator.
Christman, a Master Gardener herself, wrote that Geisel considered it important to bring the Shasta program into the UCCE fold.
"If you speak with one voice as a group, you speak with a much louder voice," Geisel said.
Recently, the Shasta program became part of UC Cooperative Extension, although it still retains "Shasta College" in its name and the college continues to handle the training and oversight, according to the article.
The memorandum of understanding that was finalized in the fall means more structure and paperwork for the local group, but it also will allow for better access to UC experts and resources.