Kristen R. WagnerProgram Coordinator, Sr.Urban Horticulture UA Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County

How to be a Successful Master Gardener VolunteerMaster Gardener Training

Yearly calendarVolunteer and education requirements

Approved volunteer and education activities

Be familiar with the program policy

In order for activities to count toward approved volunteer service, the Master Gardener must be identified by wearing a Master Gardener Badge.

If you are writing an article or answering an email, you must include: “University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.”

Identify yourself as a Master Gardener

You must be wearing your badge that identifies you an University of Arizona Master Gardener volunteer.

You must be working on an identified program under the direction of the agent.

Your event must be recorded before the fact on the Master Gardener calendar.

You must sign-in to the event (as proof of attendance), if applicable.

Per the University of Arizona

Involvement in the MG program◦Roots and Shoots articles & photography◦MG Committees ◦Helping with MG public events & classes◦Working as a MG Ambassador ◦Design charette◦Satellite offices◦Demonstration garden at MCCE◦Speakers Bureau

Activities supporting the UA◦ Boyce Thompson Arboretum◦ Arizona Cooperative Extension (4-H, SNAPEd)

Possible Volunteer Activities

Outside organizations◦AMWUA classes (www.amwua.org)◦Approved demonstration garden(s):

Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden Glendale Xeriscape Garden Mesa Community College Rose Garden

◦Desert Botanical Garden (some areas)Preapproved activities not listed

◦ If received through MG listserv, they are okay.

Possible Volunteer Activities

Manual labor, except at approved demo gardens or you are teaching someone how to do something.

More than 10% of required time consulting with family and friends.

Activities you advise us about “after the fact.”

Some things that don’t count

You cannot do volunteer work for a private, for-profit organization.

If you work for a public sector employer, you cannot volunteer in the same department. Check with your HR department.

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/docs/volunteers.asp

Per federal law…

We teach people to select, place and care for plants in an environmentally responsible manner based on research specific to the low desert.

We use researched, relevant, and referenced information.

What do Master Gardeners do?

Provide on-site consultationsProvide volunteer work for an activity someone would normally get paid to do.

Volunteer when a business relationship exists.

Get paid - except for reimbursement for travel costs or photocopying.

What don’t Master Gardeners do?

Keep on track with your volunteer hours and commitments.

Keep a hard-copy record of your hours.

Find something you enjoy doing.Find a friend and volunteer together.

Have fun!

Remember: