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UC Master Gardener Coordinators

Rebranding Timeline

We're entering an exciting new chapter! In October 2025, the UC Master Gardener Program officially launched its refreshed look as part of the UC ANR brand family. This update is about more than a new logo — it's about celebrating who we are today and creating a consistent, professional identity that connects all of our counties under one statewide brand. The following timeline shows how we'll roll out the new look over the next few years, making the transition smooth and supported every step of the way. Together, we'll build recognition for our program across California while honoring the roots that make us who we are.

October 2025 – Launch

Goal: 100% awareness of the refreshed UC Master Gardener brand across the statewide program.

  • Public announcement of the refreshed logo and brand family.
  • Press release, social media, website updates, and volunteer communications shared statewide.
  • Coordinators and volunteers gain access to toolkits, FAQs, and Canva templates.

Year 1 (2025–26)

Goal: 80% adoption of new branded templates statewide.

  • High-use materials (PowerPoint templates, flyers, certificates, digital assets) updated and distributed.
  • Coordinators and volunteers begin using new templates in internal and external communications.
  • Statewide office provides ongoing office hours, brand trainings, and volunteer engagement to support transition.

Year 2 (2026–27)

Goal: 100% adoption of templates and updated digital/print communications.

  • All coordinators and volunteers fully transitioned to the new logo in daily communications.
  • Secondary branded items redesigned and available for ordering and replacement of materials that are old or no longer functioning (banners, table runners, patches, folders, notecards).
  • Branding audit of program digital communications (website, social media, etc.) conducted by the statewide office, to identify areas for improvement or support.

Years 3–4 (2027–29)

Goal: Ensure long-term consistency and alignment by fully phasing out outdated materials.

  • Continued phasing out of older physical materials (pop-up banners, tablecloths, signage, etc.) as counties re-order and replace stock.
  • Expansion of branded assets and collateral to meet program needs.
  • Regular reinforcement of updated branding practices through newsletters, coordinator meetings, and training refreshers.

Year 5 (2029–30)

Goal: Completion of phased rollout. 100% of all program materials reflect the refreshed brand.

  • Legacy logos and outdated materials fully retired.
  • Evaluation of brand recognition, credibility, and consistency statewide.
  • Branding audit of program's internal and external communications (signage, presentations, etc.) conducted by the statewide office, to identify areas for improvement or support.
  • Rebrand is celebrated as fully embedded in program identity, with a celebration at the program's 50th anniversary.

UC Master Gardener Brand Launch Plan

The Brand Launch Plan will be kept updated as the UC Master Gardener Statewide Office completes steps and rolls out new assets. Check back for updates here.

Internal Communications

UC Master Gardener ProgramScheduled Update TimelineNotes
Previous UC ANR re-branding effort; developing brand personality and artwork; feedback sessions2023–2024Completed. Moved to new design firm with additional funding from Leadership.
New updated timeline for re-brand announcementAugust 2024Completed
Annual Coordinator Meeting Branding UpdateOctober 2024 & 2025Completed
Quarterly Coordinator Newsletter On-going
Logo refresh feedback surveyJune 2025Completed
Re-brand update and Strat Comm PlanSeptember 2025Completed
Logo refresh feedback surveyJune 2025Completed
Re-brand update and Strat Comm PlanSeptember 2025Completed
Communications team office hours (weekly)September – December 2026On-going
Rebranding webpageOctober 2025Webpage of resources and updated timelines — Completed
Coordinator websiteOctober 2025Create rebranding webpage; update other pages to reflect new brand — Completed
How-to and FAQsOctober 2025Completed — How-To and FAQs
Email signatureOctober 2025Completed
Rooted in Marketing NewsletterOctober 2025 – December 2026On-going; First issue published 10/01/2025

External Communications

UC Master Gardener ProgramScheduled Update TimelineNotes
Rooted in Marketing NewsletterOctober 2025 – January 2026On-going; Communicators network; First issue published 10/01/2025
Volunteer communication emailOctober 13, 2025Sent 10/13/2025
Tagline updateOctober 2025 – January 2026Submissions entered 11/2025; Survey for voting completed 02/2026
Social media postOctober 13, 2025Completed

Updated Graphic Design for Materials (Year 1)

UC Master Gardener ProgramScheduled Update TimelineNotes
Digital assets in CanvaOctober 2025Completed; Slide decks, social media templates, flyers, etc.
StickersOctober 2025Completed
Name badges (staff and volunteers)October 2025In progress, vendor contacted (09/2025); add (optional) to last name ordering forms/materials; Update 11/2025 proofs arrived and artwork needs revision for legibility, working on new art files; Updated samples arrive 02/06/2026 — ordering expected to be open Feb. 2026
LanyardsOctober 2025Completed; Update to "UC" from UCCE; Order placed with vendor on 11/2025
Impact report one-sheetNovember 2025Completed
Certificate of completionNovember 2025Completed; Please note, this is for graduating volunteers
2x6 Foot BannerJanuary – February 2026Pending procurement approval for graphic design contract 02/03/2026
2.5 x 9.5 Foot BannerJanuary – February 2026Pending procurement approval for graphic design contract 02/03/2026
Stand-up BannerJanuary – February 2026Pending procurement approval for graphic design contract 02/03/2026
Table RunnerJanuary – February 2026Pending procurement approval for graphic design contract 02/03/2026

Updated Graphic Design for Materials (Year 2)

UC Master Gardener ProgramScheduled Update TimelineNotes
Photography assetsSpring 2026Updated photography assets with new branding (apparel/name badges) for marketing materials
FoldersJuly – August 2026 
NotecardsJuly – August 2026 
3x3 PatchesJuly – August 2026