Gardening

Extension Volunteers Recognized by Commissioners Court

by Dr. William M. Johnson
Galveston County Extension Agent - Horticulture

Submitted for June 22, 2005

Our volunteers play a dynamic and integral role in planning and delivering Extension programs. Our volunteers truly extend our program impact by providing assistance in planning and conducting a very diverse array of educational programs and activities that benefit community residents throughout Galveston County.

Regardless of whether a particular volunteer effort is a group or an individual undertaking, each effort has had a positive impact thanks to the support and efforts of our talented and enthusiastic volunteers. My Extension Office co-workers and I extend our sincere appreciation to all our volunteers who help to make this great community collaboration succeed.

Two of our volunteer groups were recognized for their contributions by members of the Commissionersí Court of Galveston County during their meeting on Monday, June 13, 2005. Over the last year, Master Gardeners contributed 23, 456 hours of volunteer service and Master Naturalists volunteers contributed 20,597 hours of volunteer service.

Who are the Master Gardener and Master Naturalists volunteers? They are community volunteers who are trained by Texas A&M University Extension faculty and who serve as educators with the Galveston County Extension Office. Volunteers complete an intensive eight to eleven week training course; in return, they assist the County Extension Office with conducting a variety of educational programs.

Julie Massey is my co-worker and has responsibility for educational programs in the area of marine science. She serves as the program coordinator for the Master Naturalist program. Master Naturalist volunteers are involved natural resource restorations and education activities throughout the county.

I have the privilege of serving as the program coordinator for the Master Gardener program. A primary activity of Master Gardeners has been to answer gardening questions at the County Extension Office or community gardening events. Our Master Gardener Program is very diversified in its outreach, reflecting the skills and individuality of the volunteers. The information provided about planning and maintaining urban, suburban, and rural landscapes always emphasizes environmental stewardship.

Many Master Gardeners teach gardening classes, others write horticultural articles, and some assist with updating our website which contains a treasure of information on horticulture. Master Gardeners also address important social and environmental issues in their communities. They educate the public about the threat that fertilizers and pesticides can pose to water quality if used improperly.

Master Gardeners they help reduce the solid waste problem by teaching people to compost. Master Gardeners teach children's gardening classes that emphasize environmental stewardship and human nutrition. Master Gardeners also constructed the Horticulture Display Gardens located at the County Extension Office to serve as a resource for area residents. We have developed a well-recognized horticulture therapy training program. The possibilities are unlimited.

The ultimate end to all these activities is to protect and sustain natural resources and environmental systems, enhance the development of human resources, and improve the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible.

As you can see, the Master Gardener program is more than a horticulture class or a garden club. It is a volunteer program that enables participants to serve their communities through horticultural education. It also promotes personal growth. Not only do Master Gardeners increase their knowledge of horticulture, but they can develop communication, management, and leadership skills that can be used in all aspects of their lives.

The Galveston County Master Gardener Program is celebrating its 23-year anniversary this month. The Galveston County Master Gardener program was started in 1982 and we are the second oldest county Master Gardener Program in the State of Texas. There are now 115 Texas counties with Master Gardener Programs.

Master Gardener and Master Naturalists volunteers have served Galveston County residents and communities well. The next time you meet one of these volunteers or speak with them by telephone or e-mail at the County Extension Office, let them know of your appreciation for their many volunteer efforts!

For more information on either volunteer program, contact the Galveston County Extension Office at 281-534-3413, ext. 6.

Posted on July 13, 2005

Dr. Johnson is a horticulturist with the Galveston County
Extension Office of Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M University. Visit his web site at http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.htm

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