Virtual Learning and Fun at the UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference

Oct 5, 2020

Virtual Learning and Fun at the UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference

Oct 5, 2020

That's a wrap! The virtual 2020 UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference was a LIVE stream success. All nine sessions streamed directly to the statewide Facebook and YouTube channels, which made for lively comments and instant access to recordings. If you did not get a chance to join the conference live, or you just want to re-watch a session, they are all conveniently available on the statewide program's YouTube channel.

A special thank you to all of our amazing speakers, who were willing to try something new and speak online live! Although we would all rather be able to meet in person for a full conference, having the online format has made it possible to share gardening information more widely, and encouraged people interested in gardening or volunteering to connect with their local program. 

Online comment: This conference was absolutely wonderful. Thank you Lauren, Missy and all presenters!!!

Celebrating and recognizing volunteers

During the opening session, hosted by statewide director Missy Gable, volunteers who donated more than 5,000 volunteer hours were recognized and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the University of California, our communities and our environment. Please join us in thanking and honoring volunteers in your county who reached new hour milestones since the 2017 conference: 

15,000+ Hours

Michael K., Santa Clara County

 

10,000+ Hours

Rose P., Fresno County

 

7,500+ Hours

Bev V., Calaveras County

Ann P., Riverside County

Elizabeth W., Sacramento County

Gail C., Fresno County

Bette L., Santa Clara County

Candace S., Santa Clara County

Leta B., San Diego County

Gail P. Sacramento County

 

5,000+ Hours

Cheryl T., El Dorado County

Franc-i N., Santa Clara County

Thurman H., Riverside County

 

 

      

5,000+ Hours

Allen B., Santa Clara County

Mindy C., Sacramento County

Gael P., Marin County

Isabel B., Orange County

Rita E., Fresno County

Phyllis T., Sonoma County

Kathryn R., Marin County

Gretchen Z., Santa Clara County

Cathy C., Amador County

Emma C., Contra Costa County

Alice S., Santa Clara County

Laura C., Sacramento County

Deb T., El Dorado County

Ottillia B., Riverside County

Sue M., Placer County

Judy C., San Diego County

Merry C., El Dorado County

Mary C., Santa Clara County

Judy A., Ventura County

Bonnie B., Nevada County

 

During the virtual 2020 UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference, the program was excited to feature special Gardeners with Heart volunteers from across the state. Gardeners with Heart volunteers were nominated by their local county leadership for their creativity, strategic thinking, passion for the program's mission, and commitment to outreach. You can watch the Gardeners with Heart panel discussion and a tribute video celebrating the contributions of 52 of our exceptional UC Master Gardener Program volunteers! 

Gardeners with heart screen shot

Search for Excellence

UC Master Gardener Programs in San Diego County, Contra Costa County, and Santa Clara County won the triennial Search for Excellence competition. In honor of their achievement, winning projects receive a cash prize to support local program delivery and the opportunity to present their projects during the mini conference.  To learn more about these exceptional project watch their sessions and read about them in the statewide blog.

Continuing Education

The virtual 2020 UC Master Gardener Mini-Conference counts as continuing education (CE) hours for UC Master Gardener volunteers.  Whether you join us live or watch the recording, be sure to enter your continuing education hours into the Volunteer Management System (VMS).  Use the mini conference activity guide to determine how many continuing education hours you earned by session. 

Best CE


By Lauren Snowden
Author - Online Training Specialist