UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MASTER GARDENERS
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
UC Master Gardeners are volunteer staff of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), the public service branch of the University of California. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who share a common interest, the growth and care of plants. Whether it is grasses, herbs, indoor or outdoor ornamenta
ls, shrubs, vines, trees or vegetables, it falls within the scope of the “Master Gardener Program”. The Master Gardener Program began in the Seattle-Tacoma, Washington area in 1973 in response to the public’s need for information regarding the planting, growth, and care of plants. Those who join the program complete 60 hours of classroom training in horticulture to become a "certified UC Master Gardener". In return they commit to 50 hours of volunteer time within the next year. The volunteer hour requirement is met by working at the help desk (our "hotline") in the Lake County UCCE office in the Agricultural Center in Lakeport, staffing educational booths at Farmers Markets and other public events, teaching classes and workshops, giving public talks, working on special projects, or participating in other horticulture-related activities. At the help desk, we make every attempt to answer our clients' questions and resolve their problem(s). We have access to many resources not generally available to the public, including the on-site professional staff, outside consultants, and laboratory personnel at the University of California’s Berkeley, Davis and Riverside campuses. For research purposes, we have access to on-site libraries that cover every aspect of horticultural science. Many of our members have developed extensive skills and have acquired knowledge in specific areas of gardening; we educate ourselves at the same time that we provide service to the public. What do we gain from our volunteer service? Aside from a great deal of knowledge, we enjoy the association of others who share a common interest, participate in interesting field trips, attend informative classes and presentations on horticulture, and best of all, we learn how to grow and care for plants successfully. What does it cost us? Other than the initial training class fee and a yearly insurance fee, there are no mandatory dues, fines, fees, or fundraisers. Members are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting and participate as officers or serve on subcommittees for specific events or functions. A typical monthly meeting consists of a 45 minute educational session and a 30 to 60 minute business meeting. Potluck refreshments are served. Our meetings are open to the public and are generally held on the 2nd wednesday of each month. Contact the UCCE Office for location, if you would like to attend! If you would like further information, or would like to talk to a Master Gardener, please visit the UCCE office at 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport, or call 263-6838, Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. A Master Gardener is generally on duty and if not, you can leave a message and one will contact you.
