UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog
VMS Reappointment In-Progress!
Annual reappointment is a requirement for all volunteers working with UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Please read this update thoroughly and direct any questions regarding the appointment process to your county's Program Coordinator, Advisor or County Director.
Reappointment began June 1 and must be completed by all Active, Limited Active, First-Year, Gold Badge and Platinum Badge volunteers. If you haven't finished the process already, it can be done in three easy steps!
Step One: Select “Complete Agreement Now” in VMS
- Log into VMS, vms.ucanr.edu
- Select “Complete Agreement Now” from prompt box at top of VMS home screen
Step Two: Complete all three sections to fulfill county requirements for participation
Step Three: Verify Date Completed Displays and Print a Copy for your Records
California Invasive Species Action Week, June 6-14
Find out more about California Invasive Species Action week, species of concern, schedule of events, and what you can do to help prevent invasive species at https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Action-Week.
The University of California has information about exotic and invasive pests on the UC IPM Exotic and Invasive Pests page and the Center for Invasive Species Research.
Also, read some of our recnt blog articles on invasive pests and their impacts in urban areas:
- Help Protect California's Citrus from Asian Citrus Psyllid
- Invasive Pests of Concern for California's Urban Farmers
- Bagrada Bug Continues to Spread in California
- Don't Grow Crazy: An Update on California's PlantRight Program
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
- Exotic Pests Invade California Landscapes
Once established, invasive species are extremely difficult to eradicate and can cause not only ecological disruption, but economic problems as well. Everyone has a part to play to keep exotic and invasive species from coming into California and spreading throughout the state.
Pinnipeds, Pollinators and People – We’re all in this Together
Astrid, Pirate, Highway and Toasty are just four of the 120 sea lions and elephant seals currently under care at the Pacific
The majority of PMMC's patients are pups found stranded on our beaches. According to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA), pups are going hungry because unusually warm water along the Pacific coast has made it more difficult for their mothers to find food.
Climate change, drought and pollution are affecting each and every earthly being and so, it is with great commitment, that several UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County have taken on the task of revitalizing the garden area in and around PMMC.
As supporters visit the Center to learn more about the plight of the marine mammals, they can also learn about native plants, water-wise gardening, beneficial insects and water quality, bringing their experience full circle.
Founded in 1972, the PMMC is nestled at the foot of the Laguna Canyon hills juxtaposed to a waterway that flows directly into the ocean. Mixed in with the sound of barking sea lions, frogs croak. Along the fence leading down to the creek and near brick walkways Master Gardeners have planted more than 50 new plants including Butterfly Cassia, California Fuchsia and White Yarrow, attracting pollinators and using little water.
“It is the perfect place to create a learning environment for the general public,” said Master Gardener and project lead, Ingrid Cebula. “The garden adds value to the entire experience of what each of us can do to help support our precious earth.” Garden plans also include informational signs throughout the landscape and free educational materials at the PMMC gift shop. Master Gardeners can be frequently seen tending to the garden, ready to answer questions.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine mammals and to inspire ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration.
For more information visit www.pacificmmc.org or contact Ingrid Cebula at idcebula@gmail.com
Coming Soon Regional Drought Workshops: The New California Landscape
The Statewide UC Master Gardener Program in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources has secured funding to provide regional drought workshops. The workshops will focus on the critical issue of water management in the home landscape and provide a forum for discussion of drought-related UC Master Gardener outreach around the state. The statewide office will be looking for interested host counties to work in partnership to roll out these workshops to the UC
To provide continuing education for UC Master Gardeners, the Statewide UC Master Gardener Program provides regional workshops and trainings. These events are always popular and serve as a place for Master Gardeners to learn new things, refine their skills, interact with University of California scientists, and meet other gardeners. By promoting activities where UC Master Gardeners learn together, the Statewide UC Master Gardener Program ensures that Master Gardeners are up-to-date with the most recent research recommendations from the University of California.
Together, through this series of workshops, the UC Master Gardeners are making a difference! Hope to see you at one of “The New California Landscape” drought workshops!
Tags: Statewide UC Master Gardener Program; Training; Workshop; Drought
VMS Reappointment Process Begins June 1
Annual reappointment is a requirement for all volunteers working with UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Please read this update thoroughly and direct any questions regarding the appointment process to your county's Program Coordinator, Advisor or County Director.
Reappointment starts June 1, the process for reappointment can be done in three easy steps!
Step One: Select “Complete Agreement Now” in VMS
- Log into VMS, vms.ucanr.edu
- Select “Complete Agreement Now” from prompt box at top of VMS home screen
Step Two: Complete all three sections to fulfill county requirements for participation
Step Three: Verify Date Completed Displays and Print a Copy for your Records
Quick Tips and FAQ's:
Who must complete the reappointment process?
The Appointment process is mandatory for all UCCE Master Gardeners / Master Food Preservers, including:
- Active
- Limited Active
- First-Year
- Gold Badge
- Platinum Badge
How many hours do I need to volunteer for reappointment?
The minimum hours required to remain a certified UCCE Master Gardener / UCCE Master Food Preserver are:
- 25 hours - Volunteer
- 12 hours - Continuing education
Note: First year UCCE Master Gardeners / UCCE Master Food Preservers are required to complete a minimum of 50 volunteer hours (no continuing education requirement) before the next certification cycle.