Congratulations 2020 Search for Excellence winners! UC Master Gardener Programs in San Diego County, Contra Costa County, and Santa Clara County won the triennial Search for Excellence competition. In honor of their achievement, winning projects receive a cash prize to support local program delivery and the opportunity to present their projects during the 2020 virtual mini-conference.
First Place- San Diego County, $1500 Prize
Taking the top honor in the Search for Excellence competition is the UC Master Gardener Program of San Diego County for its Reminiscence Gardening project. This inspiring initiative partners with memory care communities and Alzheimer’s San Diego to provide sensory exploration and tabletop gardening activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Since its start in 2018, more than 50 UC Master Gardener volunteers have reached over 1,000 participants across nine residential care facilities, creating meaningful connections through hands-on gardening experiences. The project’s thoughtful two-part approach—sensory exploration followed by guided container planting—encourages social engagement, stimulates positive garden memories, and promotes relaxation and well-being. Judges praised the project for its significant impact, low costs, and easy adaptability, calling it “a model of compassionate education that enriches lives through the healing power of gardening.” Congratulations to the dedicated team behind this award-winning effort! Read the full blog about San Diego's project- Sensory Gardening Project Takes Top Prize.
Second Place- Contra Costa County, $1000 Prize
Earning second place in the Search for Excellence competition, the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County was recognized for its Gardening with Underserved Communities project—an initiative that truly embodies the program’s mission of extending research-based gardening education to all Californians. In collaboration with Contra Costa Health Services, the County Department of Behavioral Health, Bi-Bett Corporation, Eden Housing, and the Veterans Affairs campus, volunteers developed and delivered inclusive, hands-on gardening lessons for seniors, veterans, and individuals with mental health conditions or limited mobility. Since 2017, the project has reached more than 2,000 participants, offering lessons on topics such as vegetable gardening, composting, pollinator support, and pest management. Participants have carried their new knowledge into home and community gardens, improving food access, mental health, and personal well-being. Judges commended the project’s outstanding alignment with the UC Master Gardener mission and its success in reaching audiences who often face barriers to educational opportunities. Congratulations to the dedicated Contra Costa County team for this transformative and inspiring achievement! Read the full blog about Contra Costa's- Mission-Focused Project in Undeserved Community takes Second Place.
Third Place- Santa Clara County, $500 Prize
The UC Master Gardener Program of Santa Clara County earned third place in the Search for Excellence competition for its Morning at Martial Cottle Park project—a dynamic partnership bringing science and nutrition education to life for local youth. Through collaboration with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, the Santa Clara County Parks Department, CalFresh Healthy Living, and local schools, volunteers created an engaging field trip program for second graders at San Jose’s Martial Cottle Park. Students rotate through interactive garden-based learning stations that explore plant life cycles, insect anatomy, pests and beneficial insects, and healthy eating. Over a 24-month period, the program served 25 classes and more than 600 students, many from Title 1 schools and special needs classes, providing transportation support through local grants. Judges commended the project for its strong community partnerships and exceptional educational impact, calling it “a beloved and successful program that inspires youth through gardening and nutrition.” Congratulations to the Santa Clara County team for cultivating such a meaningful and memorable learning experience! Read the full blog about the Santa Clara's- Morning at Martial Cottle Park.
Watch the Winners
The 2017 Search for Excellence winners presented their projects during the UC Master Gardener Conference. Watch the videos below to learn more about their innovative and impactful work.
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