Mobile Extension Office Networks with Local Master Gardener Coordinators

About the Program

Category: Volunteers (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Master Gardener programs through land grant university cooperative extension agreements with counties through the country have traditionally provided highly trained volunteers to work in extension offices, at county fairs, and at other agricultural and horticultural events. As Broward County faces water restrictions, as well as threats to the landscape from pests, diseases, and hurricanes, the need to disseminate research-based information on sustainable, Florida-friendly landscaping and integrated pest management principles is urgent. Troubled national, state, and local economies have resulted in fewer staff resources and heightened burdens for those individuals who serve as volunteers. A new approach to Master Gardener training—including significant technological components; local Master Gardener Coordinators operating 31 “Mobile Extension Offices” in 26 cities via web pages, emails, and an online Yahoo Group; availability of web-mail for Master Gardeners to answer public inquiries sent to mastergardener@broward.org and to schedule their service at the Extension Office—has resulted in 400 percent increase in public service by the UF-IFAS Broward County Urban Horticulture Extension Program from June 2007 to the present. This novel technological approach has been recognized as the state’s leader by the UF-IFAS administration, the Extension Professionals Association of Florida, and the state Florida Master Gardener Program.