- Author: Kevin Marini
This may be considered a minor point by some, but after working as a Master Gardener Program Representative for almost a decade, I applaud these fundamental “consistencies”. In recent years, I have served on a number of committees related to UCANR and/or the Master Gardener program and I have really come to appreciate the balancing going on at the Statewide Master Garde
As a Program Representative for two very different Master Gardener county programs, I am committed to preserving the flavor of each of my volunteer groups. I don’t want them to lose what makes their programs unique in their communities and the specific approaches that have proven successful over the years in regard to outreach and education. However, I do believe in a common “infrastructure” to all the Master Gardener Programs up and down the state so that the public understands exactly what our program is and what we’re trying to accomplish across the golden state.
I want a Master Gardener volunteer to be able to transfer to a new Master Gardener program when they relocate and not have to be confused with different timelines and volunteer requirements. I want the public to be able to make sense of what the “Master Gardener Training” is all about and what it entails no matter where they train. That doesn’t mean trainings can’t be customized to the locale, it means we all agree to a level of consistency and quality that we can be proud of and share in.
As all of our Master Gardener Programs grow, we can flourish by keeping our roots tucked firmly in the fertile Statewide soil but allowing our local blooms to be as unique and colorful as we are.
- Author: Aubrey Bray
The Volunteer Leadership Summit is the first ever leadership training designed for California Master Gardener volunteers. At this free one-day workshop participants will hear from a range of speakers and be challenged to engage in the larger Master Gardener community by networking with their peers from across the state. The workshop will be held November 9, 2012 at the UC Davis Campus.
The idea for this conference was actually introduced by a volunteer earlier this year. She had noticed that other volunteer organizations have trainings and conferences specifically towards making better leaders out of their volunteers and requested that the Statewide Master Gardener Program do the same. We quickly recognized what a powerful tool this could be and set to work creating a program. At the workshop, participants will hear from Associate Director of UC Cooperative Extension, Bill Frost; discuss the importance and process of building community within their programs from Ellie Rilla, and hear from select volunteers from diverse programs throughout the state during our panel talk. Participants will also explore ideas for program and board structure, meeting facilitation, and the nitty gritty on financial policies. Breakfast refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Unfortunately, to stay within fire code and to make the workshop as interactive and meaningful to participants as possible each program may select one volunteer to attend. For more information and access to registration please contact your local coordinator.
UPDATE: Thanks for those who commented, to remind me to say that we will be recording the day's session for those who are unable to make it and would like to see it later! It will not be a live webinar because the logistics of audience participation and such via Adobe Connect and teleconference would be nearly imposible, however the DVD of the taped session will be available to all counties.
- Author: Amanda Crump
- Author: Pam Geisel
- Contact: James A. Bethke
- Contact: Matthew Daugherty
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Citrus Greening Disease has been moving through California. We are reaching out to California gardeners and UC Master Gardeners in an effort to slow the spread.
How can you learn more or help?
- Watch the California Garden Web for posts related to Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Greening caused by the bacteria known as Huanglongbing.
- Help us spread the word by following us on Twitter at @ACPoutreach.
- Attend a talk on Citrus Greening near you! We'll post events here.
- Learn more at http://www.californiacitrusthreat.org/.
- Author: Aubrey Bray
Cost of the workshop is $20 and include materials and lunch. Event runs from 8:30am-4:00pm and is open to the public so bring your spouse or friends! Click on the links below to register or view more information.
View Registration Homepage for more information and mail-in registration information.
Register Online for:
Los Angeles Area May 17, 2013 10am-4pm
Riverside May 18, 2013 10am-4pm
- Author: Mary Louise Flint
First identified in California in 2004, the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus auroguttatus, has killed more than 24,000 oak trees in San Diego County since its arrival, probably in the late 1990s. In 2012, it was detected in Riverside County and it is expected to spread northward in the state.
The most seriously damaged oaks are those in the red oak group including coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, and black oak, Q. kelloggi. It also infests canyon live oak, Q. chrysolepis but has not been found to kill the other native oak species in the area, the Englemann oak, Q. englemanni. So far losses have been most serious in parks and forested areas, but landscape trees are also being killed.
A new Pest Note from the UC IPM program outlines management guidelines for this serious pest. Flatheaded borers such as GSOB are difficult to manage and seriously infested trees cannot be saved. The primary way GSOB spreads into new areas is through the movement of infested wood and the authors recommend leaving infested wood on site for 2 years. If wood is to be moved, the Pest Note provides guidelines for treating it through containment, grinding, and debarking. Guidelines for replanting infested areas, less susceptible oak species, biological control, insecticide applications and developing GSOB management plans are also described.
Many other borers attack oaks but do not kill trees. GSOB infested trees can be distinguished by the characteristic D-shaped emergence holes it leaves behind. A special feature of the Pest Note is a table illustrating the emergence holes of borer species on southern California oaks. Many photos are also included.
The information in this Pest Note: Goldspotted Oak Borer is based primarily on research studies by the authors: Mary Louise Flint (UCIPM and Entomology/UC Davis), Tom Coleman and Steve Seybold (USDA/US Forest Service), and Mike Jones (Entomology/UC Davis). Find it at http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74163.html