1. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Updated 1/11/2013 How to Become a Certified Master Gardener

2. What We Will Cover  Primary role of Master Gardeners  Master Gardener certification  How the Master Gardener program fits with Extension  Mentor Program

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Native and Naturalized Plant Database Take photos Research plant information Database input More Examples Assist teachers with lessons in habitat gardens VA Hospital Greenhouse and Gardens School Habitats Provide guidance to patients

7. Additional Examples  Write unpaid horticulture articles for newsletters  Work with Community Gardens  Create your own projects  Participate in MGA committee work  Research, prep, and travel time counts too

8. Reaching Certification How to achieve certification:  Finish the MG training course  Perform 50 volunteer hours within 13 months of completing the MG class  Attend public outreach information session

11. Mentor Coordinators Betty Loos Tom Konzem

12. 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

13. Mentee Commitment  Attend the Certification Plan Workshop  Communicate with mentor during certification year

14. Mentor Program  Mentors are matched with Associate MGs upon request (submit Volunteer Information Sheet today)  Mentoring Partners are matched by 3 criteria 1. Area of horticulture interest 2. Area of volunteer interest 3. 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

15. Important Date May 15, 2013  9am – 12:30pm Certification Plan Workshop Public Outreach Information Session  6:30pm Master Gardener Association Class Welcome

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

17. 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