Michigan Master Gardener Program History Mission Roles Survey Results…What We’ve Learned

MichiganMaster Gardener Program

• History• Mission• Roles• Survey Results…What We’ve

Learned

1978 • First training in Michigan

2008 • Changes in statewide leadership• Develop centralized & sustainable program

model

Michigan Master Gardener Program

2011 • Budget cuts (federal, state and local)• Statewide staff reductions • (Extreme) tightening of operations


2011• Associations become independent• Liability changes • Elimination of background checks• Educators unable to provide day–to-day

oversight of MSUE volunteers• Need to provide financial stability of

program


2012 – Moving forward…. • Transition team of local association

members formed• Statewide standardization of training

curriculum & delivery• New online volunteer mgt. system (VMS)

piloted• Michigan Master Gardener Association

born!


2013 • Full launch of the Volunteer Mgt. System

(VMS)• Implementation of the re-certification

process• Sustainability model implemented for

training• New curriculum for training launched• Distance technology piloted (fall)


2014 • MMGA receives IRS determination letter

that includes Affiliate chapters• MSUE leadership changes• Grant received for strategic visioning

process (joint effort with MMGA)


So where are we now?

Extension Master Gardener Program

• National / International Program• National Mission:

Extension Master Gardener programs educate people, engaging them in learning to use unbiased, research-based horticulture and gardening practices through a network of trained volunteers directed and supported by land-grant university faculty and staff.


• Mission statement:

The mission of the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program is to further the land-grant university goal of disseminating scientifically based information via a network of trained volunteers who receive support and guidance from MSU Extension specialists and educators in providing Michigan residents with the most current and environmentally sound horticulture information.

MSU / COUNTY $-Bob Bricault -Diane Brown -Elise Carolan -Rebecca Finneran -Gretchen Voyle -Vacant

COUNTY STAFF $-Mary Gerstenberger-Carol Lenchek -Shawn Turner -Linda Whitlock

MSU $-Hal Hudson -Rebecca Krans -Mary Wilson

Consumer Horticulture

Team Members

Educator or PI – MSU / county

County employee – county

Educator – MSU Position & Funding:

CONSUMER HORTICULTURE TEAM

Extension Master Gardener Program

• National / International Program• National Mission:

Extension Master Gardener programs educate people, engaging them in learning to use unbiased, research-based horticulture and gardening practices through a network of trained volunteers directed and supported by land-grant university faculty and staff.

Michigan Master Gardener Assoc. Inc.

MI Master Gardener Association, Inc.

PurposeThis Association is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, or any corresponding section of any future federal tax code: specifically

• To instruct adults and youth in horticulture science• To educate communities about environmentally sound

practices through horticulture-based activities• To promote food security • And improve the aesthetics of the community

MI Master Gardener Association, Inc. Mission:

The Association shall carry out the following:• Coordinate, encourage, and foster opportunities for Members of

the Association to further the goal of education others through the dissemination of environmentally sound, research-based horticulture information, enhance the beautification of the communities of the Members through volunteering, and related activities;

• Provide appropriate assistance and support to local chapters and affiliates of the Association;

• Facilitate certification and recertification of members as Master Gardeners in conjunction with MSUE;

• Coordinate with MSUE in providing educational opportunities in horticulture to Members and the general public; and

• Provide topical communications with Members of the Association.

Strategic Visioning

Assessment SurveyFocus GroupsVisioning & Planning RetreatFollow up• Two-week review & comment• May 4th gathering

Clare: plug critical issues here

Assessment Survey

Demographics:• 1,345 MSUE Master Gardeners (46% return

rate)• 70 out of 83 counties represented• 77% respondent 55 + years • 84% female• 55% involved with program over 6 years

Why people enroll in the MSUE Master Gardener training course:

• 88% - to learn more about plants• 66% - for fun• 64% - to earn the MSU Extension MG

certification• 62% - to gain knowledge for a hobby• 59% - to volunteer & give back to their

community

Why people stay certified:

• 85% - to continue to learn for personal growth

• 79% - for enjoyment• 74% - to volunteer & give back to their

community• 71% - to interact with others with similar

interest

Experience with the VMS:

• 43% - It’s easy to use• 29% - It’s somewhat easy to use• 18% - I’m still getting familiar with it

Training course suggestions:

• 88% rated program excellent to very good• 48% - more hands-on• 33% - combination of face-to-face and

online, • 24% - no changes• 23% - online training options• Comments

How do people currently feel about the MI Master Gardener Program?

I love it I'm satisfied and comfortable

I'm uncertain I'm dissatisfied and unhappy

I'm confused I'm frustrated

Perception of MSUE support of the MMGP

• 36% - very supportive• 23% - moderately supportive• 18% - extremely supportive• 10% - slight supportive• 4% - not at all supportive• 9% - uncertain

What would make the MMGP more valuable to you & what would you like changed?

• Answers to both questions centered on critical issues:• Recognition, relationships• Communications / roles• Equity• Program Delivery• Funding / Program Sustainability

MMGA Survey Results:

Based on 850 self-identified MMGA members who responded:• Valued benefits of MMGA:

• 65% - Access to additional information/resources

• 63% - Networking with other Master Gardeners • 50% - Access to MMGA newsletter • 41% - Liability insurance cover • 37% - Part of collective voice for MSUE Master

Gardener Program

MMGA Survey Results

Best vehicle for contacting MMGA members:• 78% - Email • 6 % - Newsletter How members contact MMGA: • 49% - Email MMGA • 23% - website• 13% - VMS/MMGA site

MichiganMaster Gardener Program

• History• Mission• Roles• Survey Results…What We’ve

Learned

Documents

Michigan Master Gardener Program History Mission Roles Survey Results…What We’ve Learned