Volunteers in Dirt: Ventura County Master Gardener Program

By Sheryl Hamlin

As part of the UCCE (University of California Cooperative Education), which is a division of the UCANR (University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources Division), the Master Gardener Program of Ventura County is steeped with academia. Because Agriculture is an important sector in the economy of the state of California, UCANR has a unique position bringing scientists to work hand-in-hand with researchers on current issues.

The University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the bridge between local issues and the power of UC Research.  ANR’s advisors, specialists and faculty bring practical, science-based answers to Californians.

The Master Gardener Program started in 1972 at Washington State University and has since grown to all fifty states, as part of land-grant universities with cooperative education programs. Millions of volunteer hours across the country emanate from this program giving advice, managing gardens, creating exhibits, lecturing and educating students and citizens who need help with their own garden issues.

The Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter started in 1989, but in 2004 Ventura separated from Santa Barbara into a new unit. Joanne Abing, Master Gardener since 1999, presented an overview of the program at the Agricultural Museum of Ventura County on June 12, 2015.

Joanne Abing

Each year a new class of Master Gardeners takes extensive training but only after completing an application, paying a fee, attending an orientation and passing an interview. The new recruits must attend a weekly class from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm and have a specific number of weekly volunteer hours. There is a test at the completion of the program. Each class is limited in size to around 30 and there are already 62 who have expressed interest in the 2015/2016 program. Each gardener must recertify annually by taking Continuing Education credits and logging 20-25 actual work. Joanne Abing stressed that the goal of the Master Gardener Program (MGP) is volunteering. The MGP is not a career step for a resume.

There are pre-approved sites where Master Gardeners work around the county, for those with “hands-on” preference. For a list of the official sites, click here. The Master Gardeners also staff the tip hotline, which can be reached by phone at 805-645-1455 or by email at [email protected]. A gardener is on site Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm to answer questions. A good idea is to email a picture of the issue with a description, so that the gardener can research the answer.  Other services include the Speakers Bureau. Just click here to schedule a speaker for your organization or school.

Ms. Abing also reminded the audience about the Citurs Pest and Disease Prevention Program and in particular the Asian Citrus psyllid, saying there are more citrus trees in homes than commercially farmed in Ventura county, so all residents must inspect their trees. For information, please click here.

Kay Clark, the Agriculture Education Coordinator of the Museum of Ventura County gave a tour of the Agriculture museum’s hands-on garden, where 3000 students visit annually to learn about agriculture. Ms. Clark and her student visitors maintain the garden, which was originally started with volunteers and grants. The candid pictures below show many native plants in drought tolerant situations.

 *Photo Credits: Sheryl Hamlin

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