UC Master Gardeners Search for Excellence Awards Accepting Applications!

As University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners, we are all doing great things. Search for Excellence (SFE) awards is an opportunity to celebrate and share accomplishment by showcasing the tremendous talents of Master Gardeners statewide. Master Gardeners are invited to submit an educational and innovative county project for consideration April 1 – July 1, 2014.

What is the “Search for Excellence”? 

Master Gardeners have successfully developed outreach projects in their local communities and have dedicated an huge amount of time and resources to ensure the project's success. The Search for Excellence awards are a small way to recognize and thank Master Gardeners for all that they do.

Search for Excellence is a statewide competition which recognizes county UCCE Master Gardener Programs for outstanding projects that support the mission of the UC Master Gardener Program.

What are SFE Categories?
Projects must fall under one of the following categories:

• Youth programs
• Demonstration gardens
• Workshop or presentation
• Community service
• Innovative projects
• Special needs audiences (senior, disabled or horticultural therapy)
• Research (applied scientific methodology)

What Projects Count for SFE Award Considerations?
Project submissions must fit the following parameters to qualify for SFE awards:

• Projects judged on merit for work completed between 2011 – 2013
• Projects must be completed for a full year to be considered
• Entries must be group, not individual, projects
• Each county may submit multiple SFE applications, only one project per category will be considered

Search for Excellence awards are designed to highlight the statewide conferences and we hope you will consider submitting an application for a project in your county that educates the public in a special, fun and creative way.  Additional details including guidelines and an application for the 2014 SFE awards are attached below and also available on the 2014 UC Master Garden Conference website.

If you think one of the projects is a candidate for an award based on its' development, implementation and impact in the community, let your Master Gardener Program Coordinator or leader know about it! 

Questions?  Contact Kevin Marini, 530-889-7399

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