By Julie McConnell, UF/IFAS ExtensionThe title “Florida Master Gardener” is not just a catchy name for someone who knows a lot about gardening; this designation is a hard-earned certification with annual investment of time by each dedicated volunteer. To become a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer each person must apply for the program when recruitment is open in their home county. The application process includes a background check, competitive selection process, and an interview. If accepted as a trainee, the recruit will attend over 50 hours of volunteer training, then volunteer 75 hours in the first year to certify as a Master Gardener Volunteer. To maintain this certification the volunteer must meet minimum volunteer and continuing education requirements every year. Involvement in this program takes a great deal of commitment on behalf of the volunteers, faculty and staff.
UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers have dedicated thousands of hours to learning about Florida Friendly Landscaping Practices and sharing that knowledge with Florida residents and visitors. These specially trained volunteers help the Horticulture Agent tremendously by providing one-on-one consultations, teaching to groups, and participating in youth development activities on behalf of the University of Florida.
On September 27, Master Gardener Volunteers from the Florida Panhandle attended the Northwest District Regional Master Gardener Volunteer continuing education conference in Panama City. During this event, we were honored to welcome the State Master Gardener Coordinator Wendy Wilber who recognized the following volunteers for 25 years or more years of service!
- Steve Bates, Bay County, 25 years
- Janet Psikogios, Bay County, 25 years
- Vickie Parker, Escambia County, 25 years
- Lockey Buhrow, Okaloosa County, 25 years
- Shari Farrell, Okaloosa County, 25 years
- Sandy Licht, Okaloosa County, 25 years
- Daisy Pfoertner, Okaloosa County, 25 years
- Roxy Shelgren, Okaloosa County, 25 years
- Sally Menk, Santa Rosa County, 35 years!!
In 2022, there were 3,230 active Master Gardener Volunteer in Florida that donated 305,940 hours of service valued at $8,468, 240. UF/IFAS Extension is fortunate to have this dedicated group of volunteers committed to sharing research-based gardening information with the public.
If you would like to learn more about the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program, please visit https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.
