ASHS 2025 Conference

Open to all attendees.

A citizen-science gardening project was conducted in 2024 with 205 participants from Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Participants grew two cultivars of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa): ‘Elan’, a vigorous white-flowered plant, and ‘Tristan’, a pink-flowered plant with ornamental appeal. The study used a 15-question pre- and posttest format to assess changes in participant confidence related to pest management, personal nutrition, and mental health care. Participants also reported cultivar and plant-type preferences in the post-test. Monthly virtual educational sessions on the assessed topics were delivered by Extension faculty. Only 110 participants completed both the pre- and posttests, enabling evaluation of knowledge gain. An increase in mean scores was measured for 13 questions, suggesting that participants benefited from the educational Extension programming. The greatest improvements were measured in pest management knowledge, with gains ranging from 10% to 19%, whereas questions about methods to reduce stress increased only by 6% to 8%. In the posttest, 76% of participants preferred ‘Tristan’, citing its more attractive appearance, earlier harvest, and better yield compared to ‘Elan’. On average, ‘Tristan’ plants produced their first harvest 49 d after planting, compared to 58 d for ‘Elan’. Notably, willingness-to-pay data indicated that participants valued both cultivars similarly. Our findings demonstrate the positive impact of Extension programming on gardening-related knowledge and highlight the value of collaboration between university researchers, Extension faculty, and stakeholders as citizen scientists.

East Texas Master Gardener volunteers were asked to participate in an exploratory Qualtrics survey during the fall of 2023. This study examined the demographic characteristics, volunteer engagement choices, and challenges of Master Gardener volunteers in Texas A

The Utah Commission on Aging defines food insecurity as lack of reliable access to sufficient amounts of affordable and nutritious foods. Seniors experiencing food insecurity are disproportionately low-income and often suffer from chronic health conditions (Hartline-Grafton, 2019) and food insecure older adults with chronic conditions have higher health care costs than their non-food insecure counterparts (Garcia et al., 2018). Food insecurity among low-income seniors is a complex issue because impacted individuals may experience limited mobility and not reside near food stores. Additionally, many low-income seniors must choose between feeding themselves, paying medical bills, and affording household expenses (Utah Food Bank, 2019). The Utah Food Bank reports that about 12% of Utah seniors struggle with hunger (up 45% since 2001) and the number is expected to climb to 8 million by 2050 as the aging population doubles. Salt Lake County (SLCo) Adult and Aging Services published a 2023 Community Needs Assessment which identified the top three of needs of local seniors were healthcare, transportation, and nutrition. The study highlighted government providers must “achieve greater impact through partnerships and innovation”. The free farmers’ markets at senior centers program demonstrates an innovative partnership that couples County government providers with Utah State University Extension (USU Extension) to address food insecurity experienced by low-income seniors. USU Extension utilizes public volunteers to grow and disseminate locally grown produce to urban dwelling seniors through the farmers’ market program. USU Extension Master Gardener (MG) volunteers provide service hours in exchange for horticulture training. In Salt Lake County, MGs are encouraged to grow and donate homegrown produce for distribution at markets. Since 2017, 20 tons of produce has been distributed with an approximate market value of $80,000. 7,500 seniors were served during 135 markets. Benefitting seniors reported that: 97% saved money, 100% increased access to fresh produce, and 100% increased consumption of fresh produce.

With an increasing dependence on technology for delivering volunteer training and client programs within Extension, it is essential to assess the tech savviness of both volunteers and paid personnel. Paid personnel often express frustration over volunteers’ lack of technological skill, while volunteer skills can also far surpass that of the personnel’s skill level. These situations can lead to mistrust and missed opportunities for both personnel and volunteers alike. To assess technology skills (tech savviness) among personnel and volunteers, a random sample (n=572) of Extension personnel (agents, staff, AmeriCorps members, and county coordinators) and volunteers (Extension Master Gardeners and 4-H volunteers) were asked to provide subjective assessment of their technology skills as well as that of their counterparts (i.e., volunteers self-assessed their program coordinators, while paid personnel assessed that of their volunteers). Respondents then completed a 10-question technology skills quiz for an objective measure of skills. Questions included keyboard shortcuts, trouble-shooting scenarios, use of computer and social media applications, as well as hardware and basic equipment set-up. Results confirmed that there is a significant difference between actual and perceived volunteer and personnel technology skills, though overall scores reflect a need for continued technology skill-development for both volunteers and personnel.

Why do people pay a significant amount of money to take 50 hours of coursework and give 50 hours of volunteer service to become a certified Extension Master Gardener (EMG)? What is the incentive to remain an EMG? Why do they volunteer for Extension instead of a local hospital or other community organizations? This study answered these questions to enhance Extension educator training on volunteer management and engagement, recruitment, and retention of EMGs. The EMG program director and program manager partnered with a family and consumer science specialist and staff to co-develop the study and collect data. Six focus group interviews with EMGs (n=26) and eight focus group interviews with Extension EMG county coordinators (n=15) were conducted and recorded via Zoom in November 2024. The comments obtained in the focus group sessions were transcribed and coded into themes in each of the combined groups interviewed. Focus group comments revealed information that needed to be and could be addressed immediately. This led to four technical reports containing recommendations for program improvement in recruitment and retention of EMGs directed to Extension administration, the EMG program director and manager, Extension EMG coordinators, and EMGs. In addition, data will be used to formulate questions for a survey to be administered to EMGs in the fall of 2025. In this session, you will learn about the research study, the focus group data collection process, results and recommendations for program improvement, and the necessary steps to continue developing this knowledge.

Residential food scraps accounts as a major landfill product that is responsible for 40% of kitchen waste. Reducing these waste products is a goal of EPA by 2030. The objective of this study is to use an accelerated home food scrap composter to encourage residents to reduce waste volume and weight and provide garden compost to produce garden produce and flowers. Two accelerated composters (Lomi and Vego) were evaluated both for their compost soil health, physical and chemical properties after processing kitchen scraps (apples, bread, chicken, coffee, milk, and Irish potatoes). Lomi processed food for 24h only and the Vego composter for 1, 5, and 10 days. Compost volume and weight increased as days of composting increased. Compost health, nutrients, pH, C/N Ratio were suitable for a horticultural growing amendment. Physical components were within normal parameters for a soil substrate. Finer particles were increased with greater days of composting as expected. Plant growth, SPAD readings showed an increase with 5- and 10-days composting. Compost incorporated at 10 % v/v increased petunia biomass. Accelerated composters reduced volume and weight of food scrapes while providing essential plant nutrients.

The NC State Extension Gardener - North Carolina Botanical Garden Online Therapeutic Horticulture course partnership has demonstrably achieved significant success in expanding access to affordable, comprehensive training in the field. Since its 2020 inception, this collaboration has successfully introduced over 600 students residing in 45 U.S. states and 19 countries to the practice, establishing itself as a pivotal resource for individuals seeking to integrate nature-based interventions into therapeutic practices. The program's curriculum is thoughtfully designed to guide participants along a continuum, fostering growth from initial interest in the benefits of human-plant interaction to the development of practical proficiency in therapeutic horticulture techniques and program management. A key element of the course's success lies in its robust and adaptable online format, which effectively transcends geographical barriers and accommodates diverse learning styles and schedules. The comprehensive training encompasses foundational horticultural knowledge, an in-depth exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of therapeutic horticulture, and practical strategies for designing and implementing effective plant-based activities tailored to various populations and therapeutic goals. Furthermore, the partnership leverages the combined expertise of experienced professionals, ensuring a well-rounded and evidence-based educational experience. The substantial enrollment figures and broad geographical reach underscore the growing recognition of therapeutic horticulture as a valuable intervention within healthcare, education, and community-based settings. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, this online program is actively contributing to the expansion of qualified practitioners and the wider adoption of therapeutic horticulture practices globally. The positive impact is evidenced not only by the number of students served but also by the anecdotal reports of graduates successfully applying their training to enhance well-being and facilitate positive change in their respective communities. The continued growth and influence of this partnership highlight the transformative potential of accessible and high-quality online education in this increasingly vital field.

The goal of this workshop is to bring together Master Gardener stakeholders working to create impactful programs in unique and efficient models and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas for achieving greater impact through effective program operation. The participants will leave the workshop with partnerships identified between programs of similar needs and change status. The panel for the workshop represents 4 programs that have successfully restructured their programs and serve as models for those considering making a change. Through discussion, we will identify how to build a case for change, present the case to the leadership, manage change, and measure the outcome. Those active in any role of their Master Gardener program are encouraged to attend. Creating impactful programming in this field is directly influenced by the efficiency through which we operate. To achieve greater success, more effort must be invested in advancing purposeful and effective management. However, many of the programs throughout the country have grown into their current forms organically and through grassroots process which are now less effective for larger, statewide programs. Making large-scale changes in a university system can be difficult. Participants of this workshop will leave with a better understanding of the change process and learned about different Master Gardener program models that have successfully implemented change.

Speakers:

• Missy Gable, Director, UC Master Gardener Program, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, mjgable@ucanr.edu
• Jennifer Marquis, Director, WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, Washington State University, jgmarquis@wsu.edu
• Mary Ortiz Castro, Colorado Master Gardener State Education Specialist, Interim Extension Programs Manager, Colorado State University Extension, mary.ortiz_castro@colostate.edu
•  Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horticulture, Rutgers, ruth.carll@rutgers.edu