The Las Vegas Valley receives most of its water from the Colorado River due to a static federal water allocation the remainder from pumping groundwater. The increased water demand due to the population rise in the Las Vegas Valley is expected to overtake its current water allocation in the next few years. Over 60% of the potable water used in the Las Vegas valley is used to irrigate urban landscapes. Poorly designed desert landscapes can ultimately use more water than traditional landscapes and increase residential energy costs. Most of the desert landscaping currently installed by homeowners either ignores principles that conserve water or conserve energy. The program was designed to be used with homeowner associations and commercial landscapers. The residential homeowner proved to be the most responsive to this type of program. The overall goal of this program is to teach residents how to convert a high water use landscape to lower water use and reduce dependence on potable water for irrigation and still maintain high quality landscapes. In 1995, a 7-week, hands-on, landscape design curriculum was developed and used to teach homeowners how to create desert landscape designs that conserve water and energy and compared its water use to traditional, turfgrass landscapes. Participants leave the course with a finished design of their making with information on how to install the landscape themselves or how to hire a professional to do the installation. In 1996-97 a Master Gardener was taught and mentored how to teach the class in Las Vegas using the existing curriculum. Since 1995, over 500 residents have been trained and water use savings documented by the existing water purveyors. This program is self-funded through class fees.
environmental experience-based learning programs that were offered by public gardens for exhibition, conservation, and education were believed to be the perfect laboratories for children to nurture a sense of scientific curiosity and understand the value of life
Garden 19 28 29 Dirks, A.E. Orvis, K. 2005 An evaluation of the junior master gardener program in third grade classrooms HortTechnology 15 433 447 Eberbach, C. Crowley, K. 2004 Learning research in public gardens Public Garden 19 14 16 Greenstein, S
Master Gardeners and other consumer horticulture programs ( Meyer, 2007 ). Despite the size of the lawn and garden market, and the availability of information, little is known about consumer preferences and needs for garden information. Additionally
An educational attempt to assist Gila River Indian Community members to return to a sustainable small-farm heritage has shown initial success after 1 year. The project uses horticultural technology to help tribal members overcome severe social concerns. The first phase addressed the needs of youth at risk through a 10-acre farm at the Gila River Indian Community Juvenile Rehabilitation and Detention Center in Sacaton, Ariz. During 1993, the farm operation leveled 10 acres of squash, corn, and watermelons; planted and cared for 200 deciduous fruit and citrus trees; and planted and cared for 150 commercial Christmas trees. Produce was either sold to community members or donated to community food centers at the schools or at homes for the elderly. The youth were led by 14 volunteers who completed an intensive training program and were certified as Master Gardeners by the Univ. of Arizona. They have donated -300 hours of time to the project. The project gave youth at risk an opportunity to learn new concepts and skills, gain exercise, and work off detention time. As tribal leadership observed the initial successes, they gave permission to address health and nutrition as well as other youth-at-risk targets within the community beginning in 1994.
pilot FtS initiative was launched in 2012. The first program goal was to establish gardens in Title I schools in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties to demonstrate efficacy, and then expand throughout the state. In the pilot GBL program
Extension specialists are charged with developing programs and publications based on audience needs. In consumer horticulture it can be difficult to gauge the needs that are client driven rather than extension driven. This study was an attempt to gather herb gardening information directly from gardeners. In total, 188 Master Gardeners completed a questionnaire that included questions ranging from the use of OTC herbal supplements to preservation methods. Analysis of data indicated that, based on sex, age or household income, participants were not different in most of their responses. When asked to check all the reasons they grew herbs, the top two were culinary and ornamental. Thirty-seven percent took OTC herbal supplements and 35% of those did so without their doctor's knowledge. Twelve percent indicated they treated themselves or family members for a medical condition using homegrown herbs. There was a significant difference between male and female when answering this question. Thirty-two percent of the male sample compared to just 9% of the females provided this home treatment. Primary propagation method was transplants. Pesticide use was minimal with only 2% using these. Easiest herbs to grow were rosemary, mint and basil in that order. Most popular herbs for cooking were basil, rosemary and chives. Top preservation method was drying, but freezing, vinegars and even herbal liquors were popular methods. Study results indicate that information dealing with cooking or ornamental uses of herbs would be popular. New ideas for old favorites as well as including new herbal cultivars would be useful. Nutritive and health issues, in particular involving herbal supplements, would be an opportunity for collaborative work with health and nutrition specialists.
selected a consumer segment represented by Master Gardeners. Members of the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, which is offered in the United States, receive extensive training in the field of horticulture provided by cooperative extension
://drum.lib.umd.edu/handle/1903/9320 > Meyer, M. 2007 The Master Gardener program 1972–2005 Hort. Rev. 33 393 420 Meyer, M. Haynes, C. Ellsworth, D. 2011 What’s wrong with my plant? An online plant diagnostics module for Master Gardeners HortScience 46 S86 (abstr.) 10
science scores and heightened environmental stewardship. Robinson and Zajicek (2005) assessed changes in life skill development of elementary school students who participated in garden programming. Program participants increased life skill scores by 1