Author: Kara Back-Campbell
Planning Unit: Taylor County CES
Major Program: Master Gardener
Plan of Work: Commercial and Homeowner Horticulture Education
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
In January 2022 the Taylor County Horticulture agent taught her second group of Master Gardeners. Within the previous 2 years it was difficult to obtain participants for classes due to concerns of COVID-19. Zoom options for webinars had not done well in Taylor County. An in-person Master Gardener class began on January 13th and met for 18 weeks. This program met at night because there were several requests for it to occur after 5:00p.m. This was taught solely by the Horticulture agent (a major change from the first Master Gardener class which had many guest speakers) except for two field trips. Hands on activities were the focus for this program (another change from the first class that primarily focused on PowerPoints). Surveys received upon completion of the course showed 100% of the participants increased their knowledge within horticulture.
The total number of Master Gardeners in Taylor County is thirteen. While that is nowhere near the number of Master Gardeners in other counties, they are twelve very dedicated individuals. Just this year the Taylor County Master Gardeners have assisted with the pollinator plot at Campbellsville University, planted flowers on Main Street as part of their beautification project, assisted / taught classes for children at the local Farmers' Market Spring Festival, and other market event days, assisted with the 4-H horticulture fair workshops, renovated the library raised beds, built a new demonstration raised bed at the extension office, and cared for the Homemakers' flower mound at a local park. In July the Master Gardeners are planning on placing tree ID tags at one of the local walking trails. The Master Gardeners from the previous class have become strong leaders, and the Master Gardeners from the second are showcasing that they are as well. The Horticulture agent will have another Master Gardener class next year during the day. Alternating years so everyone can have a chance to attend. She will continue to make improvements to the program structure to better serve the horticulture education needs in Taylor County.
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