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Posts Tagged: Gardeners with Heart
Gardeners With Heart: Bridging Communities Through Connection
Watch the video on YouTube here.
As we enter the second week of National Volunteer Month, we are honored to recognize a remarkable group of UC Master Gardener volunteers nominated for their exceptional work as Community Connection Leaders. These UC Master Gardeners have demonstrated outstanding leadership and passion in fostering connections within their communities and helped strengthen relationships with audiences and community partners.
Join us as we celebrate these inspiring "Gardeners with Heart" for their contributions to building stronger, more connected communities. Leave a comment of gratitude below!
Kathy Sheesley, a UC Master Gardener from Sutter-Yuba Counties, developed and implemented an impactful partnership with Habitat for Humanity's Harmony Village helping bring gardening knowledge to a community of previously unhoused individuals. Kathy has developed and delivered 10 educational workshops on gardening basics and pest management. Through the assistance of grant funding, Kathy spearheaded the purchase and implementation of a community garden on the grounds complete with 15 raised garden beds and various tools needed to work in the gardens. The impact on the Harmony Village community has been immeasurable. Through thoughtful educational workshops and one-on-one mentoring, Kathy has brought hope and happiness to an otherwise forgotten population.
Kim Stempien, a dedicated UC Master Gardener of Shasta County, has been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of gardeners. Through her efforts in school gardens, she has empowered students to cultivate healthy, vibrant spaces for learning and exploration. Kim has taken the lead in organizing a group of UC Master Gardeners to be school garden champions. These volunteers adopt a school garden and mentor them. The program is currently active at 13 school sites thanks to Kim's vision and passion!
Edith Lin, a UC Master Gardener from Santa Clara County, has demonstrated the transformative power of gardening in unexpected places. Through her work with incarcerated women, she has provided healing and purpose. Edith is in her third year leading the Gardens Inside - at Elmwood Correctional in Milpitas, Calif. The program, designed for minimum security, women inmates, is evolving and growing thanks to Edith's leadership. In two years, the Gardens Inside program has reached over 110 incarcerated women and produced approximately 250 pounds of fresh produce. Many of the women plan to start their own garden when released, all thanks to Edith's training and support.
Cynda Vyas, a UC Master Gardener from Marin County, exemplifies the spirit of community connection through her partnerships with local organizations and her commitment to sustainable gardening outreach. In her leadership role, Cynda has made a huge impact. More than 3,000 youth have benefited from projects like Farm Day, Exploring Habitats, and school gardens, and close to 10,000 adults have participated in events, classes, or hands-on workshops. Cynda helps support project leaders and frequently attends activities and events to lend a helping hand.
Jeanne Anne Pine, has shown exceptional leadership in her efforts to cultivate community gardens. Through her many projects, she has brought together diverse groups, fostering unity and resilience in Mariposa County. She advocates for the UC Master Gardener Program at Board of Supervisor meetings and on local radio stations. She connects us with local organizations, including the local history museum, the food insecurity network, and the Chamber of Commerce. Jeanne Anne reaches out and connects even the most unlikely of partners and then steps in to ensure the partnerships are successful.
Marilyn Carne-Smith, has been a powerhouse for the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County. Marilyn has helped create many connections throughout her community including reviving a relationship that lay dormant during Covid-19. Marilyn is the driving force behind the relationship between the Sherman Library and Gardens in Newport Beach. She started running an informational booth, providing gardening-related coloring books for children, and bringing in garden experts to speak on a monthly theme. Through this work, she is able to share gardening knowledge with community visitors and tourists, while also helping to educate other UC Master Gardeners. Orange County is fortunate to have someone working so hard to keep their community connected to gardening.
Martha Carpenter, a UC Master Gardener from Santa Clara County, helped rebuild the UC Master Gardener Library Talks program. Once the local libraries were ready to reopen and offer public events Martha rallied to bring a variety of UC Master Gardener volunteers in to speak and be Library Liaisons. She is an organized and strategic leader who used those skills to relaunch a dormant program at dozens of libraries throughout Santa Clara. The UC Master Gardener Program of Santa Clara County is lucky to have Martha!
Julian Hoyle, has been an instrumental UC Master Gardener on the education committee in Ventura County. Julian's commitment to excellence in training can been seen in his dedication to teaching several of the more challenging courses like Introduction to Science-Based Gardening, Basics of Botany, and the Use of Pesticides and Herbicides. He trains volunteers for the county's Help Desk, and is an active member of the Speakers Bureau. Over 700 UC Master Gardeners have been trained by Julian! Having someone like Julian who is so deeply respected in the community is inspiring.
Clio Tarazi, is a driving force in the UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County. She has shown exceptional leadership in developing educational gardens. Her vision and dedication have created spaces for learning and growth, enriching the lives of community members for generations to come. As project leader of the Los Guilicos demonstration garden, Clio oversaw fellow UC Master Gardeners who rehabilitated a large and challenging site that had been impacted by wildfire. Clio was able to connect with local companies to acquire needed supplies such as irrigation materials and wood mulch. She also created a new relationship with the local Rotary International who provided more labor making this project a true community effort. Clio's skills and talents in making community connections and building partnerships have been key to Los Guilicos demonstration garden's success and strengthening the UC Master Gardener community in Sonoma County.
Susan Angell and Sheila Mutter, champions in Sonoma County, have created magical spaces for children to connect with nature. Their dedication to the Children's Garden has inspired countless young minds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The UC Master Gardener Children's Garden is a 6 ½-acre farm on the east side of Sonoma managed by Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC). Hundreds of their young gardening visitors have benefited from this special place where families can come to play, taste, and learn about gardens.
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, passion, and hard work of Cynda Vyas, Jeanne Anne Pine, Marilyn Carne-Smith, Martha Carpenter, Julian Hoyle, Kathy Sheesley, Clio Tarazi, Kim Stempien, Edit Lin, Susan Angell, Sheila Mutter, and their fellow UC Master Gardener volunteers, who have demonstrated in bridging communities and fostering connections through gardening and education. Their collective efforts have enriched the lives of individuals and families, creating stronger, more resilient communities for all. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to these "Gardeners with Heart" for their invaluable service and commitment to building a brighter future for all.
About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart
During National Volunteer Month (April 1 - 30), the UC Master Gardener Program celebrates its incredible volunteers and their contributions to California communities. Gardeners with Heart volunteers were nominated for their outstanding work in fostering community connections and promoting gardening and education, highlighting their commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. Join us in honoring their dedication and passion for making a difference in the lives of others. If you would like to get involved and learn more about gardening in your community, you can find your local program here.
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Gardeners With Heart: Growing Food and Communities
Watch the video on YouTube here.
In celebration of National Volunteer Month, we are thrilled to spotlight a remarkable group of UC Master Gardener volunteers nominated for their outstanding contributions to food gardening and food access initiatives in their communities. These UC Master Gardeners have gone above and beyond to promote sustainable gardening practices, address food insecurity, and empower their communities to embrace healthier and more resilient food systems. Join us as we recognize and express our gratitude to these inspiring “Gardeners with Heart” for their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Grace Mahannah, a passionate advocate for composting and local food access in Butte County, has been pivotal in promoting sustainable gardening practices and food literacy within her community. Her efforts to connect people with fresh, locally grown produce have helped improve access to nutritious food and strengthen community ties, fostering a more resilient and equitable food system for all. The communities of Gridley and Butte County have benefited from Grace's contributions and efforts, with her successful implementation of projects that expand reach to the far corners of rural communities.
Ferol Conklin, a UC Master Gardener in Mariposa County, works tirelessly as the co-chair of the Plant-a-Row committee to provide excess produce to those in need. Her commitment to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable food systems has made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food. With Plant-a-Row collecting more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce from multiple home growers and local farms, Ferol's heart for the food insecure of Mariposa County knows no bounds.
Sharon Erickson, a UC Master Gardener in Palo Alto, has been a driving force behind various food gardening initiatives, including the Palo Alto Demonstration Garden and fruit tree pruning workshops. Her dedication to teaching people to grow their own food sustainably has helped build a community centered around the garden, inspiring others to take action and make positive changes in their lives. In the past year, the Palo Alto Demonstration Garden has donated more than 700 pounds of food.
Treva Valentine, an advocate for home vegetable gardening in Yolo County, has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in continuing her outreach efforts during challenging times. Her commitment to educating and empowering individuals to grow their own food has helped improve food security and promote healthier eating habits within her community. Treva's proactive approach extends beyond Yolo County, has reached approximately 200 people over the past few years with valuable home food gardening advice.
Ann Liu, a dedicated volunteer in Yolo County, transferred to the county a few years ago with a wealth of knowledge and energy. Ann keeps everyone connected and helps feed and educate the community at large. Her involvement in promoting environmental education and community empowerment through her work with SEEDS and the Grace Garden has helped create a more inclusive and resilient community. The Grace Garden's harvest of 657 lbs. of vegetables and 317 lbs. of fruit in 2023, along with 1009 volunteers contributing over 280 hours of service, underscores Ann's impactful efforts.
John Wimer, a passionate advocate for sustainable gardening practices in Amador County, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to environmental stewardship through his involvement in various food gardening projects and youth field trips. His efforts to empower individuals to embrace sustainable food production methods have helped strengthen community resilience and promote healthier, more sustainable lifestyles for all. John's contributions extend to every school in Amador County through school garden mentors and local farm visits, highlighting his commitment to education and community engagement.
Patti Joki and Gail Myers, both UC Master Gardeners in Alameda County, have played instrumental roles in organizing the Incredible Edible Plant Sale. This event not only raises funds but also provides valuable resources and education to the community. Through their leadership and dedication, they have fostered a culture of environmental stewardship and community resilience, inspiring individuals to grow their own food sustainably and contribute to a healthier food system.
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, passion, and hard work that Grace Mahannah, Ferol Conklin, Sharon Erickson, Treva Valentine, Ann Liu, John Wimer, Patti Joki, and Gail Myers, have demonstrated in promoting food gardening and food access initiatives in their communities. Their collective efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families, serving as inspiring examples of how volunteers can make a positive difference in the world. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to these “Gardeners with Heart” for their invaluable service and commitment to creating a healthier, more equitable food system for all.
About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart
Gardeners with Heart: Celebrating Community and Connection Leaders (Part 2 of 2)
The beauty of gardening lies not only in the blossoming flowers and thriving plants, but also in the nurturing hands and compassionate hearts of those who dedicate their time and expertise to cultivating community connections. Today, we celebrate the tireless work of three UC Master Gardener volunteers recognized as Gardeners with Heart for their outstanding contributions as community connection leaders: Donna Halker, Lesley Harvell, and Pat Decker.
Donna Halker
Donna Halker has been a driving force behind the development and growth of the youth garden program in the Los Alamitos Unified School District located in Orange County. Donna has been a mentor to fellow UC Master Gardeners interested in working in schools and has significantly impacted the lives of students in the area. "For me the most rewarding part of volunteering at a school garden is hearing students start cheering when they come to the garden. My favorite activity is watching kindergartners throw kisses to their freshly planted seeds to let them know we love them and want them to grow. We are button-popping proud of our young gardeners … and I believe they are proud of their garden too," says Donna. Her enthusiasm and expertise have led to successful school and youth gardens at Lee Elementary, Rossmoor Elementary, and Shipley Nature Center, where she is also an active volunteer and public speaker.
Lesley Harvell
Pat Decker
Pat Decker's passion for youth educational outreach in Sonoma County is truly inspirational. Her commitment to shaping consistent youth educational outreach guidelines and her involvement in the rehabilitation of a Children's Home garden that burned in wildfires in 2019 are a testament to her dedication. Pat's ability to build strong relationships with community members and organizations has created a program that benefits both the Children's Home staff and clientele, as well as serves as a hub for youth educational outreach in the county.
Each of these remarkable individuals demonstrates the power of passion, dedication, and community connections in creating lasting, positive change. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Donna, Lesley, and Pat for their incredible service and the impact they have made on the lives of countless individuals. Thank you for your invaluable contributions as UC Master Gardeners!
About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart
Gardeners with Heart: UC Master Gardeners Making an Impact as Community Connection Leaders (Part 1 of 2)
UC Master Gardeners are known for their passion for gardening and their commitment to sharing knowledge with their communities. Today, we want to shine a light on some extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles as community connection leaders. These "Gardeners with Heart" have not only made a significant impact in their respective communities, but they have also inspired others to join them in making a difference. In this blog post, we will feature the incredible work of John Duran, Barry Hoffman, Hector Vera-Uribe, and Joyce Hill.
John Duran
John Duran has been actively partnering with the UC CalFresh Healthy Living Program in Madera County for three years, working closely with low-income families. Fluent in both English and Spanish, John organizes events for parents and children to attend and brings in support and expertise from other special statewide programs such as the UC Master Food Preserver Program. He encourages youth to garden at home and follows up with site visits to schools for gardening support. John has a collaborative partnership with the Madera Unified School District that helps the community learn and engage with many of UC ANR's community-supporting programs.
Barry Hoffman
Barry Hoffman has been a UC Master Gardener in Santa Clara County since 2017. Barry is a co-lead for the program's 4-acre flagship demonstration garden at Martial Park in San Jose. His dedication to the UC Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens and Educational Center at Martial Cottle Park is inspiring. Apart from his hands-on work in the garden, Barry writes a weekly newsletter, coordinates the teaching pavilion, and manages administrative duties for educational programs. His efforts have greatly enhanced the connection between the UC Master Gardeners in Santa Clara County and the community.
Hector Vera-Uribe
Hector Vera-Uribe, a UC Master Gardener volunteer in Stanislaus County, is known for his personable demeanor and generosity. ”Before I even knew he was helping others, I heard from these organizations that he had dropped by or even taught a class,” says Anne Schellman, Stanislaus Program Coordinator. Hector has played a key role in helping community gardens get started, providing the needed support to ensure success. Hector has been working with at least four sites across the county to improve food access by teaching communities how to grow vegetables. In addition to his work with community gardens, Hector has helped the UC Master Gardener Program expand its outreach by teaching vegetable gardening classes in Spanish, enabling a wider audience to benefit from his expertise.
Joyce Hill
Joyce Hill is a UC Master Gardener who meets the diverse needs of her community. After the tragic Camp Fire, Joyce Hill led a team of UC Master Gardeners to research and educate the public on wildfire preparedness and firewise landscaping. Since then, she has shifted her focus to educating school-age children and their teachers, developing the “Living Lab” project, and participating in the planning and development of a unique educational community garden at the Dorothy Johnson Center. Joyce's garden journaling workshops have reached hundreds of people and helped spread valuable gardening information throughout the region.
These four UC Master Gardeners, John Duran, Barry Hoffman, Hector Vera-Uribe, and Joyce Hill, exemplify the dedication and impact that passionate individuals can have on their communities. Through their tireless efforts, they have connected with and inspired countless people, enriching lives and creating lasting change. We applaud their outstanding contributions and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the UC Master Gardener Program as a result of their work and work like it.
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.
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
