The UC Master Gardener Program is pleased to be welcoming new Advisors to our community of practice! New advisors are joining the statewide team for a 3-part, 3.5-hour orientation to our program where we review roles and responsibilities, opportunities, and the incredible benefits that come along with supporting volunteers. Each new academic has responsibility for the academic integrity of the UC Master Gardener Program in their county or region. This includes aligning program activities with local and state consumer horticulture needs, providing high quality trainings, and reviewing UC Master Gardener volunteer outputs for accuracy. Advisors Goncalves, Solins, Spinelli, and Tanner also have administrative responsibilities to their respective UC Master Gardener groups, working in close alignment with UC Master Gardener Coordinators. Additional Advisor recruitments are currently underway in Ventura County and Tulare/Kings/Madera/Merced Counties.
The following fantastic new Advisors have recently joined UC ANR:
Dr Clebson Goncalves
Diversified Agriculture Advisor, Lake & Mendocino Counties
Areas of Expertise:
- Plant management systems
- Weeds
- IPM
- Soil, plant, water, and nutrient relationships
Dr Chris Shogren
Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Los Angeles County
Areas of Expertise:
- Ornamentals
- Entomology
- IPM
Dr Joanna Solins
Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo Counties
Areas of Expertise:
- Urban green infrastructure
- Ornamentals
- Watershed protection and management
- Trees & urban forestry
Dr Gerry Spinelli
Production Horticulture Advisor, San Diego County
Areas of Expertise:
- Nurseries and floriculture
- Conservation and efficient use of water
- Soil, plant, water, nutrient relationships
Eddie Tanner
Specialty Crops & Horticulture Advisor, Humboldt & Del Norte Counties
Areas of Expertise:
- High tunnels
- Organic systems
- Vegetables
- Native plant landscaping