2017 Search for Excellence winners
Congratulations to the 2017 Search for Excellence winners. UC Master Gardener programs in Los Angeles, Orange, Marin, Amador and Ventura counties were honored in the triennial competition, which recognizes outstanding educational and innovative projects that exemplify the program’s mission.
Each winning team received a cash award to support local program delivery and was invited to present its project during the 2017 UC Master Gardener Conference. From community-based garden education and youth engagement to creative outreach through radio and pest management initiatives, these projects highlight the diversity and statewide impact of UC Master Gardener volunteers.
First place: Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative, Los Angeles County
UC Master Gardener staff and volunteers in Los Angeles County noticed that the UC Master Gardener Helpline was receiving more calls from beginning vegetable gardeners, reflecting a trend documented by the National Gardening Association. In response, the Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative was created to meet the needs of beginning vegetable gardeners.
Using a curriculum developed by staff, UC Master Gardener volunteers lead the four-session workshop series at community sites, including libraries and schools. UC Master Gardeners lead more than 20 series annually. To date, more than 100 UC Master Gardener volunteers have led or assisted with 229 four-week classes at 40 community partner sites. The project has reached 3,140 participants.
Second place: “In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners,” Orange County
UC Master Gardeners of Orange County host a weekly radio show on a range of garden-related topics for the general public. The goal of the show is to share UC research-based gardening, pest control and water-use best practices in an entertaining, season-appropriate and informative way.
“In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners” reaches a population of more than 1.5 million people. The show is broadcast from the UC Irvine public radio station every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Podcasts of each show are available on demand on the UC Master Gardener Program of Orange County website, giving audiences an accessible way to get gardening information and expert tips.
Third place: “Dig it, Grow it, Eat it,” Marin County
“Dig it, Grow it, Eat it” is a two-part portable field trip that engages school-age youth in learning about garden ecology and interdependence. UC Master Gardeners of Marin County lead learning stations that focus on growing edibles from seed to harvest.
Students learn about edible plant parts, seed science, propagation, soil science and pollination. These concepts teach and use mathematical skills and botanical concepts, including germination and dissection. UC Master Gardener volunteers meet with classroom teachers before and after the field trip to help them learn about the science on display and conduct follow-up lessons in the classroom.
Evaluation shows that “Dig it, Grow it, Eat it” increases knowledge of growing edibles, the scientific method, healthy eating, happiness in gardens and plant diversity.
First runner-up: Multiple youth programs, Amador County
In response to inquiries from local schools and community groups asking for hands-on garden education for youth, Amador County UC Master Gardeners launched three successful youth programs. Volunteers began assisting with field trips, public classes and a 4-H project.
The program goal was to reach 200 young people in 2015 and have every fifth grade class in Amador County offer a field trip to a local farm. UC Master Gardeners collaborated with locations throughout the county, including the UC Cooperative Extension office and teaching garden, the Amador County Fairgrounds for Farm Day and Hundred Acre Farm. UC Master Gardeners also partnered with local schools, Farms of Amador and the 4-H Youth Development Program.
Second runner-up: Asian Citrus Psyllid Action Team Model, Ventura County
In response to the Asian citrus psyllid threat, UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County created an outreach and education program that includes speakers. Asian citrus psyllid and the Huanglongbing disease it can carry have the potential to damage California’s citrus industry, which produces 41% of all citrus grown in the United States and generates more than $3.4 billion in revenue.
Through partnerships with local agencies and participation in speaking events, UC Master Gardeners distribute printed Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing information and attend neighborhood meetings to educate the public.