- Author: Melissa G. Womack
“Garden Sense is a wonderful example of partnership between UCCE Master Gardener volunteers and our local water agency. A lot of hard work went into developing this innovative program by many volunteers. Everyone involved feels like they're making a real impact in our community in the very important area of water conservation practices.” - Mimi Enright, Program Coordinator
UCCE Master Gardeners of Sonoma County presently have 50 trained volunteer consultants who receive advanced training in lawn conversion, water management, irrigation systems, and low-water use plants. By working together the UCCE Master Gardener Program and the Sonoma County Water Agency help to conserve precious water resources and protect our communities and environment through responsible gardening practices.
Water savings as a result of the first year of Garden Sense consultations are estimated at an equivalent to six acre feet of water saved annually (nearly 2,000,000 gallons)!
For more information about saving water in your home landscape visit your local UC Master Gardener Program for event and workshop information. The newly revised UC ANR California Master Gardener Handbook has helpful information about water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices.
- Author: Aubrey Bray
This in-depth publication provides research based information for individuals interested in adopting sustainable landscape practices. These practices include: plant selection, water conservation, pest management and providing wildlife habitats.
The free publication contains helpful figures, photos, and references for individuals looking for detailed and more complex information. “Sustainable Landscaping in California” can be a powerful tool for new volunteers working at a helpdesk or for developing workshop content or use in a presentation.
The sustainable landscaping publication is available as a free downloadable Adobe PDF from the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Catalog. Don't forget to check-out some of the other high-quality gardening publications available. Ask a local UCCE office about publication discounts for volunteers!
One of the most profound ways in which UC touches people's lives is through the work of Cooperative Extension.– Janet Napolitano, President, University of California
UC Cooperative Extension launches its first crowd-sourced science project on May 8 to commemorate the organization's 100thanniversary! On May 8, 1914, the president signed an act of Congress to channel scientific advances from university research to everyday people working and living in the United States. On May 8, 2014, California residents will collaborate on a dataset that further connects public higher education with community.
“UC Cooperative Extension is all about science and service,” said Barbara Allen-Diaz, UC vice president for the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which administers Cooperative Extension in California. “To celebrate the anniversary of Cooperative Extension, we are asking Californians to help us collect scientific data so that all of us will better understand our natural, agricultural and urban communities.”
How to participate
Everyone in California is invited to take part. To participate, go to http://beascientist.ucanr.edu and record your observations on three questions:
- How many pollinators do you see?
- How do you conserve water?
- Where is food grown in your community?
Many UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Programs are holding special events on May 8 where the public may join in the celebration of science and service. Participants can easily access and record observations using a mobile device with Internet connection.
Spread the word, #BeaScientist
Help spread the word. Share images, events and encourage friends and family to participate on May 8th using social media. Include the hashtag #BeaScientist in your posts!
/span>- Author: Melissa G. Womack
As University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners, we are all doing great things. Search for Excellence (SFE) awards is an opportunity to celebrate and share accomplishment by showcasing the tremendous talents of Master Gardeners statewide. Master Gardeners are invited to submit an educational and innovative county project for consideration April 1 – July 1, 2014.
What is the “Search for Excellence”?
Master Gardeners have successfully developed outreach projects in their local communities and have dedicated an huge amount of time and resources to ensure the project's success. The Search for Excellence awards are a small way to recognize and thank Master Gardeners for all that they do.
Search for Excellence is a statewide competition which recognizes county UCCE Master Gardener Programs for outstanding projects that support the mission of the UC Master Gardener Program.
What are SFE Categories?
Projects must fall under one of the following categories:
- Youth programs
- Demonstration gardens
- Workshop or presentation
- Community service
- Innovative projects
- Special needs audiences (senior, disabled or horticultural therapy)
- Research (applied scientific methodology)
What Projects Count for SFE Award Considerations?
Project submissions must fit the following parameters to qualify for SFE awards:
- Projects judged on merit for work completed between 2011 – 2013
- Projects must be completed for a full year to be considered
- Entries must be group, not individual, projects
- Each county may submit multiple SFE applications, only one project per category will be considered
Search for Excellence awards are designed to highlight the statewide conferences and we hope you will consider submitting an application for a project in your county that educates the public in a special, fun and creative way. Additional details including guidelines and an application for the 2014 SFE awards are attached below and also available on the 2014 UC Master Garden Conference website.
If you think one of the projects is a candidate for an award based on its' development, implementation and impact in the community, let your Master Gardener Program Coordinator or leader know about it!
Questions? Contact Kevin Marini, 530-889-7399
2014 SFE Application
2014 SFE Guidelines
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
Thank you for registering early to ensure the UC Master Gardener Conference will be an extraordinary event. Currently more than 400 attendees have registered for the conference!
The Tenaya Lodge is officially sold out of rooms (don't panic) from Oct. 8 -10, 2014. There are a few ways you can do to help manage the situation as outlined below:
- Attendees are encouraged to check with roommate(s) for duplicate hotel reservations and release unneeded reservations as a courtesy to their fellow Master Gardeners.
- Still need lodging? Continue to check on room availability by contacting the Tenaya Lodge directly, (559)683-6555. There is no waiting list - rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The Statewide Office is looking at alternate accommodations and those options will be published as soon as they become available.
We are reviewing the lodging list from the Tenaya Lodge to ensure accuracy of reservations. Be on the look-out for an email confirmation from UC ANR regarding your lodging plans in the upcoming weeks. We still have plenty of space for UC Master Gardeners who would like to attend the event.
We promise to keep you informed on hotel updates and conference activities in the near future!