ASHS 2025 Conference

Rutgers Master Gardeners (RMG), a 45-year-old program with over 2,000 active volunteers, assist the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in the implementation of its goals. The Extension’s goals include the provision of accurate, research-based, practical information regarding horticulture best practices to extended community of New Jersey. The program evolved organically since its inception and there has been no statewide research that examined the program’s operation and impact. In July of 2024, an extensive survey was sent to 2250 volunteers categorized “active” in the master database. This survey, Volunteer (1), solicited information regarding the volunteers’ motivation for serving, their understanding of the program’s operation, training and funding and tested some future program ideas. A second survey, Volunteer (2), followed. This survey clarified or further explored items from Volunteer (1) and added an impact assessment. A third survey, Rutgers Staff/Faculty, aimed to determine alignment of staff/faculty perception with those of the volunteers as well as to examine the staff/faculty perception of the program’s operation, training and funding. A fourth survey, National, was distributed through the Extension Master Gardener list serve to staff and faculty administering each state’s Master Gardener Program. It examined the alignment of Rutgers program with the national program to obtain a deeper understanding of Rutgers work. All data collected should be considered perception and opinion data. There was both alignment and misalignment were found within and between all surveys. Some unexpected data reveal potential anti-volunteer bias and lack of program leadership clarity. On-going focus group sessions and further surveys and workshops continue to clarify trends. Trends identified, include suggest restructuring of program staffing, enhancing strategic planning and focusing on professional development and support of volunteer coordinators. Data informs the initiation of a strategic planning initiative for the statewide program.