Re-engaging Master Gardener Volunteers in a Rural and Urban Interface
Extension Education
Trevor Corboy
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources & Community Development
Ohio State University Extension
Georgetown
Abstract
Re-engaging Master Gardener Volunteers in a Rural and Urban Interface
Corboy, T.*1; Hupman, K.*2;
1 Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources & Community Development, Ohio State University Extension, Georgetown, OH, 45121
2 Horticulture Program Assistant, Ohio State University Extension, Xenia, OH, 45385
Many grand challenges have been a long-time concern for the Master Gardener Volunteer program in Greene County, Ohio. The county is situated near a metropolitan area; yet maintains a strong balance between urban and rural interests. This poster will discuss ways that Master Gardener Volunteers were re-engaged in rural and urban interface of Greene County, Ohio. Five years ago, the large group was dis-engaged and did not feel part of the Extension mission. Extension staff found that relationships are built on trust, commitment, and communication. Today, they are rejuvenated and engaged in teaching home horticulture in the community, managing demonstration gardens, teaching others to grow their own food and more. Meanwhile, the group has grown in numbers. Volunteer recruitment and engagement takes time. By re-engaging existing volunteers, we can magnify these efforts. Even the simplest efforts can be effective in volunteer retention. For example, Master Gardener Volunteers aided in a horticulture display at the county fair to also promote themselves. Additionally, Master Gardener Volunteers helped to develop online curriculum and taught weekly in class educational sessions for a school garden program. All these things can be accomplished through volunteer activities, public educational programs, community partnerships, and volunteer appreciation. This is not to mention the countless success stories of the thus far more than seventy-five Master Gardener Volunteers in the county program. The results of this re-engagement have been two-fold for OSU Extension by opening doors to collaborations such as with others interested in joining the program and with other agencies across the county.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Trevor Corboy, Kim Hupman
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Corboy, T. Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45385
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Hupman, K. Horticulture Program Assistant, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45385