Describe the Issue or Situation: The Master Gardener (MG) program aims to develop knowledgeable, confident, and skilled volunteers. However, feedback from the last two volunteer training cohorts indicated concerns about the program’s structure. Participants expressed that certain classes lacked both relevant content and effective delivery, leading to gaps in their readiness to apply the knowledge in real-world settings.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable): In response, I redesigned and restructured four of the training sessions, combining content from multiple topics into three enhanced classes. This new approach focused not only on delivering scientific information but also emphasized practical, hands-on applications to ensure that volunteers could effectively apply their learning. Additionally, based on lessons learned from this restructuring, I developed fresh, application-focused materials for three additional sessions, adding substantial depth to the curriculum. In total, these efforts resulted in the creation of over 14 hours of hands-on, application-based training tailored to Calloway County’s needs.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience: The primary audience included the 2023/2024 & 2024/2025 Master Gardener cohorts, as well as existing Master Gardener volunteers who returned to benefit from the newly designed training. A total of over 28 individuals attended the sessions, comprising both new trainees and seasoned volunteers eager to refresh their skills and learn from the updated curriculum.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact: Evaluations following the updated training sessions indicated a marked improvement in participants’ engagement and confidence. 100% of attendees reported feeling more prepared to apply their training in community projects, citing the new hands-on focus as key to their enhanced understanding. Additionally, veteran Master Gardeners expressed renewed enthusiasm and a stronger commitment to volunteering, noting that the revised classes enriched their knowledge base and practical skills. These results underscore the program’s positive impact on building a robust, skilled volunteer base equipped to make meaningful contributions to Calloway County’s community gardening efforts.