The Search for Excellence is a triennial statewide competition that recognizes outstanding projects by UC Master Gardener volunteers. It highlights programs that make a meaningful difference in their communities through research-based gardening education, outreach, and service.
The 2026 winners exemplify this impact through innovative, community-driven projects that advance food security, youth education, and community engagement across California. Explore the 2026 winning project stories.
2026 Search for Excellence Winners
We are proud to recognize the top projects from across the state:
- First Place – Orange County, Hydroponics Project
- Second Place – Butte County, The Living Lab
- Third Place – Sonoma County, Youth Education Field Trip Program, Valley of the Moon Children’s Garden – Los Guilicos Demonstration and Teaching Garden
These projects were selected for their innovation, measurable impact, and strong alignment with the UC Master Gardener mission.
What Winners Receive
Winners of the Search for Excellence competition receive:
- Cash awards ($1,500, $1,000, $500)
- Feature stories on the statewide blog and social media
- Recognition across UC ANR channels
- Invitation to present at the Virtual 2026 UC Master Gardener Conference
- Opportunity to showcase their project through a digital poster display
In addition to the top three winners, other high-scoring projects may be recognized through statewide features, helping share impactful work across California.
About the 2026 Competition
The 2026 Search for Excellence competition received submissions from counties across California, showcasing the depth and diversity of UC Master Gardener programs. Each project was evaluated using a standardized rubric to ensure fairness and consistency.
Updated Categories: Reflect Growing Impact
12026 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. 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: Reflecting Growing Impact
- 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.
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
Past Winners
- 2023 UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence Winners
- 2020 UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence Winners
- 2017 UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence Winners
Questions? Contact:
Search for Excellence Chair
Email: mgsfe@ucanr.edu
Include county name in subject line for all email communications