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Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Collaborative Intern Training

Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture

Natalie Bumgarner
State Specialist
UT Extension
Knoxville

Team Members: Bumgarner, N*1, Duncan, A*2, Scott, C*3, Richards, E4, Treadway, H*5, James, E*6, Reeder, T*7, Upchurch, G8, Dunlap, A*9
  1. Assoc Prof and Ext Specialist, UT Extension, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996
  2. Extension Specialist , UT Extension , Manchester, Tennessee,
  3. Extension Specialist, UT Extension, Jackson, Tennessee,
  4. Extension Agent, UT Extension , Gallatin, Tennessee,
  5. Extension Agent, UT Extension, Chattanooga, Tennessee,
  6. Extension Agent, UT Extension, Cleveland, Tennessee,
  7. Extension Agent, TSU Extension, Franklin, Tennessee,
  8. Extension Agent, UT Extension, Crossville, Tennessee,
  9. Extension Agent, UT Extension, Nashville , Tennessee,

Abstract

In Tennessee, population growth and urbanization are increasing the demand for research-based outreach that supports both success and sustainability in residential and community horticulture. Our Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program equips volunteers to support the Extension mission and extend our educational outreach across all areas of non-commercial horticulture. Over 3,000 active Tennessee Extension Master Gardener volunteers are trained in research-based information and work closely with Extension personnel to address local needs through a range of dynamic outreach including teaching, community events, help desks and much more. Each year the demand for high-quality horticultural information increases from rural to urban areas. So, it is crucial for local and state leadership in the EMG program to balance the needs of current volunteers and the wide range of stakeholders with the necessity to maintain a high-quality, cohesive, and consistent intern training for the 500-700 new EMG volunteers trained each year. In the past, this intern training had been accomplished solely through individual county trainings that were inconsistent as well as very time and resource demanding for specialists and agent coordinators. This unsustainable training model was replaced by a collaborative training model that integrates high-quality teaching with local expertise to deliver a consistent, flexible training that links local programs together while highlighting local expertise and impact. Our collaborative model was first implemented in 2021 with this application highlighting the format, activities, successes, and impact of the 2022, 2023, and 2024 intern trainings. Across these three years, 1,504 interns have been trained successful and sustainably. Highlights of our training model include the integration of technology such as dedicated training websites, self-paced learning activities, and live and recorded teaching from our best content experts as well as utilization of hands-on and interactive teaching and local training. Our goal is to draw from the best of current technology while remaining focused on the important role of local teaching, interactive learning and relationship building locally and across the state.     

Entry