University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai CountyUpdated 1/11/2013 

How to Become a Certified Master Gardener

What We Will Cover

Primary role of Master GardenersMaster Gardener certificationHow the Master Gardener program

fits with ExtensionMentor Program

Primary Role

Mission - Master Gardeners support the Extension Agent by providing science-based education and information that addresses local issues and needs in the field of horticulture...

Volunteer activities are directly or indirectly related to educating the community, i.e. public outreach.

Examples of How We Educate

Extension Office Phone Volunteers

Talks to Small Groups (Community Education)

• Workshops for speakers• Canned outlines/talks

available• Be creative

• Sit w/ MG until comfortable answering ?s• Periodic in-service training• Research, public interaction, computer

• Plants grown by Master Gardeners

• Opportunity to educate the public on plant types/care, Extension helpline, etc.

Monsoon Madness Plant & Yard Sale

Information Tables at Farmers’ Mkts, Fairs,

Festivals• Share information about

Extension & gardening• Answer questions• Reference materials available

More Examples

Native and Naturalized Plant Database• Take photos• Research plant information• Database input

MoreExamples

Assist teachers with lessons in habitat gardens

VA Hospital Greenhouse and Gardens

School Habitats

Provide guidance to patients

Additional Examples

Write unpaid horticulture articles for newslettersWork with Community GardensCreate your own projectsParticipate in MGA committee workResearch, prep, and travel time counts

too

Reaching Certification

How to achieve certification:Finish the MG training coursePerform 50 volunteer hours within 13

months of completing the MG classAttend public outreach information

session

University of ArizonaCollege of Agriculture and Life

Sciences

Yavapai County Cooperative Extension Director

Jeff Schalau

Family Consumer Sciences

Lori Brandman4-H Program

Brent Strickland Stacey Deveau

Water Resources Program

Edessa Carr

Wildfire Survivable Space

Administrative Associate

Karen Pizzuto

Administrative Assistant

Pam Denney

Agriculture & Natural Resources- Rangeland Mgmt - Insect/plant identification, infestation, education, etc.- Master Gardener Program

Jeff Schalau

Prescott Extension Office

Camp Verde Extension Office

V Bar V Ranch

Rangeland ManagementDoug Tolleson

Office SpecialistLisa Gerber

January 2013

Master Gardener Program AdvisorJeff Schalau

▫ Provides training, supervision, and direction to MG volunteers▫ Ensures that MG activities and education are based on accepted horticultural science ▫ Is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the MG Program including Program Policy,

Terms of Agreement, Affirmative Action, etc.

Master Gardener Volunteer CoordinatorMary Barnes

▫ Admin. Interface between MGs and Program Advisor▫ Ensure consistency between Prescott and Camp Verde offices

▫ Coordinate preparation for MG classes▫ Maintain e-mail group codes, MG database, MG website

▫ Track MG hours & submit Membership Comm for recognition▫ Prepare annual report & submit to Program Advisor

Master Gardener Association President – Bob Gessner

President Elect – Betty LoosSecretary – Faun Vogel

Treasurer - Bev Turnbull

Camp Verde Office Coordinator

Janet Mansoldo

Prescott Office Coordinator

Mary Barnes

Master GardenerPhone Volunteers

Master Gardener Phone Volunteers

Master Gardener Association CommitteesBy-Laws – Pam BowmanHistorian – Christi Armer

Membership Committee – Cathy Michener Program/Education Chair – Suzette Russi

Public Relations – Steve McIntyreSocial – Dede Erceg

Speakers Bureau – Angie MazellaVolunteer Projects – Mary Barnes

Mentor CoordinatorsBetty Loos

Tom Konzem

MentorsCertified Master Gardeners

MenteesAssociate Master Gardeners

1/1/2013

Mentor Coordinators

Betty LoosTom Konzem

Overwhelmed?

A Certified MG will mentor you through your certification year by: Helping you get acquainted with the MGA

structure Helping you connect with other MGs Answering questions….or helping you find the answers Helping you select volunteer opportunities

Mentee Commitment

Attend the Certification Plan Workshop

Communicate with mentor during certification year

Mentor ProgramMentors are matched with Associate MGs upon

request (submit Volunteer Information Sheet today)

Mentoring Partners are matched by 3 criteria1. Area of horticulture interest2. Area of volunteer interest3. Location

Mentors and Associate MGs attend the Certification Plan workshop to learn more about each other’s styles and preferences and to determine what volunteer opportunities you will be most likely to enjoy

Important DateMay 15, 2013

9am – 12:30pmCertification Plan WorkshopPublic Outreach Information Session

6:30pmMaster Gardener Association Class Welcome

Too Much Information????

Now that you see how it all fits together, enjoy the rest of your training. More information will be provided later.

Website

• http://extension.arizona.edu/yavapai click on Master Gardener Program click on Yavapai County Master Gardener

Volunteer Documents

• Assignment - before May 8th Review Program Policy Review Terms of Agreement