Gardeners with Heart: Celebrating Our Communication and Tech Pioneers

As we celebrate our exceptional volunteers in the UC Master Gardener Program, it is essential to highlight the incredible work and dedication of Sharon Radish, Marion Cantor, Ann Wright, Joanne Crawford, and Chrissy Freeman. These individuals have made significant contributions to the program through their communication excellence and commitment to our mission!

Sharon Radish

Sharon Radish, known as the tech guru among UC Master Gardener volunteers in Fresno County, is an invaluable asset to the program. Always working quietly behind the scenes, she ensures the smooth functioning of the program's technological aspects. Sharon has developed local registration systems for public education classes, board election nominations, and online self-correcting tests for new training classes. Thanks to her tireless efforts, public education classes have seen increased registration numbers in Fresno County, and UC Master Gardeners can easily access crucial documents. We are grateful for Sharon's vision and dedication in using technology to uplift and streamline the program!

Marion Cantor

Marion Cantor is a passionate volunteer who excels in promoting the UC Master Gardener name across various platforms, from social media to traditional newspapers. As the lead of the publicity committee for Yolo County, Marion skillfully directs her team to disseminate information about the program, its events, and volunteer efforts. With her guidance, the committee has reached more than 3,000 residents via email blasts, social media sites, and newspapers in Yolo County. All public-facing projects have benefited from Marion's publicity expertise, resulting in increased public participation and recognition for the UC Master Gardener Program!

Ann Wright

Ann Wright's writing prowess and warm personality have made her an essential contributor to the UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County. Her bi-monthly gardening articles for The Union newspaper offer valuable insights into local gardening challenges and promote workshops and educational events. Ann played a pivotal role in revising and updating the county's Western Sierra Foothills Garden Guide in 2020, which sold more than 700 copies despite the COVID-19 shutdown.

Additionally, Ann produces the local monthly Trowel & Error and Curious Gardener newsletters and frequently hosts the popular UC Master Gardener and Friends radio show on KNCO. As the webmaster for ncmg.ucanr.edu, she ensures the site remains updated with the latest information, making it easier for UC Master Gardeners to access relevant resources. Ann's exceptional writing and communication skills have significantly contributed to the program's positive reputation in the Nevada County community.

Joanne Crawford

A UC Master Gardener since 2019, Joanne Crawford has made significant contributions to the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County Speaker's Bureau with her outstanding communication skills. Joanne has meticulously reviewed, updated, and standardized more than 35 PowerPoint presentations, ensuring content accuracy and consistent branding. Joanne's attention to detail has greatly benefited the 1,400 in-person contacts and many more Zoom participants reached by the Speaker's Bureau. In addition, Joanne has taken a leadership role in the design project, instructing and guiding a group of UC Master Gardener volunteers in developing landscape designs for specific projects. Her dedication and versatility make her an invaluable asset to the UC Master Gardener Program.

Chrissy Freeman

Chrissy Freeman is the creative force behind the interpretive signage for the UC Master Gardener of Nevada County Demonstration Garden. The garden signage makes the garden it an educational destination for the community. Chrissy's work has not only increased visitor engagement but also raised awareness of sustainable gardening practices by covering essential topics such as plant selection, soil quality, efficient irrigation, insect pests, beneficial insects, and more. In addition to her work on signage, Chrissy has strengthened partnerships with local organizations like the California Native Plant Society, Redbud Chapter, and co-produced public speaking events to promote sustainable gardening practices. Through her commitment to communications excellence and collaboration, Chrissy has made a lasting impact on the Nevada County gardening community.

The UC Master Gardener Program is immensely grateful for the dedication, passion, and expertise of these remarkable volunteers. Sharon Radish, Marion Cantor, Ann Wright, Joanne Crawford, and Chrissy Freeman embody the spirit of Gardeners with Heart, using their skills to elevate the program and make a meaningful impact on their communities.

About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart

During National Volunteer Month (April 1 - 30), the UC Master Gardener Program celebrates its 6,300 incredible UC Master Gardener volunteers and their contributions to California communities. Throughout the National Volunteer Week, will feature stories of special volunteers or Gardeners with Heart from across the state who use their skills to improve program delivery. Gardener's with Heart volunteers were nominated by their local county leadership for the impact they make every day in their communities

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