Retention strategies that empower Master Gardener Volunteers
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Cynthia Nazario-Leary
Environmental Horticulture Agent
UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County
Newberry
Abstract
Large Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) programs require strong retention strategies because long-term volunteers significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce training demands, and enhance overall program effectiveness. Sustained volunteer engagement builds a cohesive community where seasoned members mentor newcomers and reinforces the program’s culture. High retention further contributes to program sustainability, as committed volunteers are more likely to assume leadership roles, promote Extension’s mission, and support organizational goals. The experience of two Florida county MGV programs with approximately 150 volunteers provides insight into retention systems that support stability, efficiency, and community impact in large programs. Volunteer retention approaches for two county programs were compared, focusing?on strategies to increase volunteer retention and reduce attrition. These include integrating new volunteers, designing organizational structures, and implementing effective communication. Additionally, effects of management were explored, such as delegation practices to?maintain?volunteer engagement despite limited?coordinator?time. New volunteers are integrated via project fairs, mentorship, field trips, and?project group?meetings. Delegation is supported by project leaders who act as liaisons between the coordinator and volunteer teams, managing tasks, reporting, and supply needs. Layered communication which included weekly updates, newsletters, in person meetings, advanced training, and digital reporting tools, maintain transparency, reinforce expectations, support diverse learning preferences, and increase volunteer ownership while reducing staff workload. Program impacts demonstrate strong performance from training through continued service. Training completion remained high, with Alachua at 87–90% and Duval at 92–100% for the 2022–2025 classes. First-year service completion of 75 hours for the 2022-2024 classes was 73–85% for Alachua and 60–71% for Duval volunteers. Retention into 2025 closely mirrored these outcomes with 69–85% of Alachua’s and 60–71% of Duval’s volunteers from the 2022–2024 classes remaining active, indicating sustained engagement beyond the initial service year. From 2022 through 2025, both counties averaged 100 hours per volunteer per year, underscoring the effectiveness of standardized onboarding, mentorship, delegation, and strengthened communication. The strategies employed in this management system are adaptable to counties of varying sizes and offer a scalable model for improving volunteer retention and enhancing Extension’s community impact.
Authors: Cynthia Nazario-Leary, Tonya Ashworth
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Cynthia Nazario-Leary Environmental Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Florida, 32669
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Tonya Ashworth Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Duval County, Florida, 32254