Thanks to everyone who donated to our Learning Landscape campaign for #GivingTuesday. We raised a total of $1,500. Thank you for your generosity in supporting a healthier California. We look forward to sharing information and progress with you about our project in the new year.

If you didn't have a chance to watch our video, you can still catch it on YouTube.

Good morning everyone! We are excited to launch our Learning Landscape campaign for the UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardeners. We had a lot of fun putting together this video for you.

Hear short, heartfelt comments from Master Gardeners about why they are invested in this project, and a 20-minute presentation by Dr. Kari Arnold going over the campaign from start to finish, including blueprints, plans, and purpose.

To give today (and be matched while funds last) please visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/GivingTuesday/ then select Stanislaus County Master Gardeners from the drop down menu. This will direct you to the payment page. Only credit card donations are being matched, but if you prefer to donate by check, please:

Make checks payable to UC Regents

Send to:
UCCE Stanislaus Master Gardener Program
3800 Cornucopia Way, Suite A
Modesto, CA 95358

For in-kind donations, please contact aschellman@ucanr.edu to discuss details or ask any questions.

Thanks for considering our project! We will keep you posted next week with our donation total!

#GivingTuesday

Everyone has heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But have you heard of Giving Tuesday? This is a time when you can support our program, which offers its services at no cost, connecting concerned citizens and home gardeners to research and information directly from the University of California.

#GivingTuesday is a great way to help us be the most reliable source of high-quality, research-based gardening information in Stanislaus County. 

Next week, you will hear personally from some of our Master Gardeners about an upcoming project they are very excited about! Stay tuned for another blog post AND a fun video.

p.s. You don't have to wait to give; you can support us anytime by visiting the UCCE Stanislaus County Fund page at https://donate.ucanr.edu/?fund_id=1050 Choose “UCCE Master Gardeners” from the drop down list to make your donation online.

Or, send a check made out to UC Regents to:

UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardeners,
3800 Cornucopia Way, Ste A
Modesto, CA 95358

I am excited to announce that the 2020 Master Gardener Program class has graduated! This year it was an unpredictable journey that I'd like to share with you.

Our dedicated group of trainees began an intensive learning program in January, meeting each week for 4 ½ hours. They heard form expert speakers from University of California on topics including soils, water management, ornamental plants, drought tolerant plants, turf management, landscape tree care, integrated pest management, weed identification and management, fruit and nut tree care, vegetable gardening, and so much more!

During the classes, we had hands-on learning activities, plenty of time for questions, all while  enjoying delicious potluck food. Everything was going smoothly. In mid-March, we learned that due to COVID-19, we could no longer meet in person. Several UCCE Master Gardener Programs across the state canceled their trainings.

Our group decided against canceling. Although many had never used Zoom to meet online, they were willing to learn. We continued our classes, and our group completed the training, quizzes, and final exam.

We are so proud of this new group of 31 Master Gardeners who have joined our 2019 class to make a total of 55 UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardeners! Although they cannot be out in the community just yet, we are finding opportunities for them to share their knowledge through Zoom, our help line, and other projects.

Will there be a 2021 Master Gardener Class?

Due to COVID-19 concerns and a classroom facility that may be under construction, we have decided against holding a training program in January of 2021.

We know that many of you are disappointed. We feel this way as well. If you are interested in the next program, and haven't signed up yet, please fill out this survey at https://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=28350

We will contact you when it is time to start recruiting for our next class.