The Master Gardener Volunteer Conference returns to a live format for 2022
Every two years, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) are invited to attend a statewide conference and advanced training. Prior to the pandemic, the conference was usually attended by 400 Master Gardener Volunteers wanting to network and learn about the latest horticulture advances. For the first MGV state conference since the pandemic, organizers knew they would need to add an online learning option for the volunteers who would prefer not to be in large crowds or not travel. During the pandemic the Florida Master Gardener Volunteers adapted very quickly to learning through Zoom and streaming presentations, so many were expected to opt for the online option. What no one expected was for 50-percent of conference attendees to choose the online option, but organizers were thrilled that the Master Gardener Volunteers did.
Over 400 volunteers attended the 38th Advanced Training Conference held in Kissimmee, Florida on October 17-20. The hybrid format of the conference allowed attendees to learn in person or online via the live streaming option for the sessions. All the Master Gardener Volunteers responding to the exit survey reported gaining a high level of new knowledge.
The opening session featured Mississippi State University horticulture specialist Gary Bachman. His presentation on backyard food production wowed the crowd with how productive a backyard vegetable garden using containers could be. Bachman was available to sign his new book "Southern Gardening All Year Long," following his inspirational talk. The closing session featured stars of the PBS television show called "Garden Fit." The hosts Madeline Hooper and Jeff Hughes taught the group how to take care of their bodies while taking care of their gardens.
The Dean of Extension, Dr. Andra Johnson, presented at his first Florida Master Gardener Volunteer conference to address and inspire the volunteers. Johnson also presented the 11 Awards of Excellence and the Master Gardener Volunteer Legacy Award. The conference committee was made up of UF/IFAS Extension agents David Austin, Anne Yasalonis, David Outerbridge, Sally Scalera, Eva Pabon, Lisa Sanderson, Kaydie McCormick, Jeremy Rhoden. They planned three concurrent tracks focusing on food systems, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, and advanced diagnostic topics.
One of the highlights of the conference was the hands-on workshops. Participants made a shiitake mushroom log or a kokedama planter or learned garden yoga. They also drank tea and learned about its production from the Yaupon Brothers tea company. The silent auction hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County helped to raise funds for the Master Gardener Volunteer awards. This year the conference was sponsored by Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, the UF/IFAS Center for Land Use and Efficiency, Black Kow, Scotts Miracle Grow, Mister Landscaper, and the UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore. The next Master Gardener Volunteer conference is planned for fall of 2024.
This story appears in the UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency's annual report (pdf). Visit the CLUE website to learn more about the Master Gardener Volunteer program's home department.