Search for Excellence | UC Master Gardener Program

The Search for Excellence is a triennial statewide competition that recognizes outstanding projects by UC Master Gardener volunteers. It highlights projects that make a real difference in their communities through research-based gardening education, outreach, and service. Winning projects show measurable impact, whether by improving food security, supporting environmental stewardship, or enhancing community well-being, and serve as inspiring examples of how volunteers bring the UC Master Gardener mission to life across California.

Projects entered into the competition should highlight outreach efforts and demonstrate measurable impact in local communities that align with the UC Master Gardener Program mission. All submissions will be evaluated using established judging criteria to ensure fairness and consistency. A panel of gardening and horticultural experts will review the entries, and winning projects will receive a cash prize, be featured in the statewide blog, on social media and be invited to present at the Virtual 2026 UC Master Gardener Conference.

Updates to the UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence Competition

We’ve updated the Search for Excellence to better reflect the mission and impact of the UC Master Gardener Program. The entire application process, including categories, criteria, submission guidelines and timeline has been refreshed to better align with how UC Master Gardener volunteers make a difference in their communities. Please read through all materials carefully and don’t assume they are the same as in previous years.

Updated Recognition: Celebrate Teamwork

Search for Excellence will adopt a new approach inspired by Gardeners with Heart. This updated recognition framework expands how we celebrate the remarkable teamwork behind local UC Master Gardener projects. In addition to the top three winners, high-scoring projects will also be recognized through statewide features, including blog stories, social media highlights, and possibility featured in the statewide impact report. By showcasing more projects, we can better share the powerful ways volunteers are making a difference in their communities.

This model also helps coordinators spotlight their volunteer teams’ success while minimizing the administrative effort required for nominations.

Note: The Gardeners with Heart recognition program will pause in 2026 and return in 2027 to focus on celebrating individual volunteer contributions.

Updated Categories: Reflect Growing Impact

Search for Excellence categories were updated to better reflect the wide range of contributions UC Master Gardener volunteers are making across California. While the original categories highlighted important areas such as community service, demonstration gardens, and youth education, they did not fully capture the evolving scope of our work.

The revised categories emphasize food security, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion areas central to UC ANR’s public value priorities and integral to the future of our efforts. By broadening and refining the categories, we ensure that innovative projects, whether they expand access to gardening education, build climate-smart landscapes, or foster healing and well-being through green spaces—can be celebrated and shared statewide.

This update acknowledges the growing role UC Master Gardener volunteers play in addressing pressing community needs and ensures the Search for Excellence competition continues to showcase projects that reflect both the mission and the measurable impact of the program.

Updated Categories

Climate Resilience & Sustainability- Projects that address wildfire preparedness, water conservation, urban greening, or climate-smart gardening practices. This could highlight programs like fire-wise landscapes, turf replacement, or climate-resilient plantings.
Community Well-Being & Service- Projects that foster health, healing, and resilience through gardening. Includes programs in correctional facilities, memory care, and therapeutic gardens, or efforts that reduce stress and promote mental/physical health through green spaces.
Demonstration & Teaching Gardens- Innovative gardens designed as living classrooms. These may feature water-wise, fire-wise, pollinator-friendly, or ADA-accessible designs and serve as hubs for hands-on learning, community outreach, and sustainable landscaping practices.
Environmental Stewardship & Research- Projects that apply science-based methods to protect California’s natural resources. Includes applied research, citizen/community science, invasive species scouting, pollinator health monitoring, and projects demonstrating measurable environmental impacts.
Food Gardening & Food Security- Initiatives that increase access to fresh, nutritious produce while teaching communities to grow their own food. Examples: cultural gardens, school farms, food bank donations, or programs addressing food deserts and healthy eating.
Public Education & Outreach- Workshops, presentations, and other outreach efforts that share UC ANR science with Californians. Includes help desk innovations, media and communication campaigns, and events that engage large or unique audiences.
Serving all California Communities- Programs that intentionally expand access to gardening education and resources to better serve all Californians and California communities. Examples: bilingual workshops, partnerships with tribal groups, accessible garden design, and outreach to new volunteer audiences.
Youth Engagement & Education- Projects that connect young people to gardening, sustainability, and food systems. Examples: school garden programs, partnerships with 4-H or Future Farmers of America, after-school clubs, and projects fostering lifelong skills and environmental stewardship.

Eligibility of Projects

Projects must fit the following parameters to qualify for SFE awards:

Project must not be previous winners in the UC Master Gardener SFE awards
Project is judged on merit for work completed between 2023-2025
Project must have been implemented for a full year to be considered
Must be a group project, not run by one individual
Each county may complete multiple SFE submissions, but only one project per category will be considered

Prizes

Cash prizes will be awarded to the three highest scoring entries:

First Place- $1500
Second Place- $1000
Third Place- $500

Timeline

Submission Guidelines posted online Nov. 17, 2025
Submissions accepted Dec.1, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026 (close of business)
Top 3 winners contacted by end of Feb. 2026
Top 3 winners announced publicly in Apr. 2026 during National Volunteer Month
Other eligible submissions celebrated from May - Dec. 2026
Virtual 2026 UC Master Gardener Conference: Sept. 18-20, 2026

Submission Resources and Form

2026 Search for Excellence Submission Guidelines (Word)
2026 Search for Excellence Submission Guide (Word)
2026 Search for Excellence Submission Form (Qualtrics)

Past Winners

Questions? Contact:

Search for Excellence Chair
Email: mgsfe@ucanr.edu
Include county name in subject line for all email communications