UC Master Gardeners in the perennial garden at the “Garden of the Sun” in Fresno, Calif. Photo credit: Janet Cangemi, UCCE Master Gardener Program Fresno County

2015 marks the 45^th anniversary of Earth Day, which is celebrated by more than 1 billion people worldwide. The national theme for this year's Earth Day is It's Our Turn to Lead, a phrase that directly describes the more than 6,000 UC Master Gardener volunteers actively leading in their local communities.

UC Master Gardener volunteer and coordinator answering questions at a local Farmer’s Market. Photo Credit: UCCE Master Gardener Program of San Joaquin County

UC Master Gardeners are critical in supporting UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources' (UC ANR) strategic initiatives for healthy communities, healthy environments and healthy plants across the state of California.

“UC Master Gardener volunteers represent the most passionate and dedicated group of people I have encountered,”  said Missy Gable, statewide director of the UC Master Gardener Program, “they are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of research-based gardening information with the public and their commitment of time to this practice is both generous and inspiring.  UC Master Gardeners are an unbelievable resource for all residents in California and I want to recognize their efforts this Earth Day.  Volunteers are taking the lead to provide sound advice to CA gardeners as we all work to use water appropriately, connect to our food systems and protect our environment.”

Join us on Earth Day 2015!

Perhaps you've seen your local UC Master Gardeners answering questions at the Farmer's Market or you've read an article by a volunteer in your local paper.  If the 45^th anniversary of Earth Day has inspired you to become more active with your environment, consider connecting with your local UC Master Gardener Program. 

Sample of UC Master Gardener Events Happening Across the State the Week of Earth Day:

• Calaveras County:
  Open Garden Day
  April 25, 10 am – 2 pm
• Contra Costa County:
  Antioch High School Earth Day Festival
  April 22, 12 – 3 pm
  Lafayette Earth Day Festival
  April 26, 11 am – 3 pm
• El Dorado County
  Rainwater Harvesting/Greywater Use
  April 25, 9 am – 12 pm
• Lake County:
  Yuba College Earth Day
  April 22, 10 am – 1 pm
• Napa County:
  Earth Day Celebration
  April 25, 10 am – 3 pm
  Sierra College Earth Day 2015
  April 22, 10 am – 3 pm
• Sacramento County:
  Plant Clinic - Greener Gardens Expo and Garden Tour
  April 25, 10 am – 3 pm
• San Diego County:
  Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Earth Day Celebration
  April 22, 11 am – 2 pm
• Santa Clara County:
  Earth Day - San Jose
  April 22, 10 am – 3 pm
• Sonoma County:
  Drip Irrigation - Rincon
  April 25, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Ventura County:
  Front Yard Landscape Irrigation and Water Usage
  April 22, 1 – 3 pm

UC Master Gardener volunteers receive University training in horticulture from experts in the field, mostly UC Cooperative Extension Advisors and Specialists.  In exchange for training, UC Master Gardener volunteers extend research-based information on sustainable home horticulture practices to the public. Whether you are looking to reduce your landscape water use, grow tomatoes or even become a UC Master Gardener yourself, volunteers are ready to help you.  Find a program or event near you!