UC Master Gardeners create positive change in their communities by teaching gardening skills and improving food access. In this feature, we recognize several exceptional volunteers, recognized as Gardeners with Heart, who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and made a significant impact in their communities. We invite you to explore their inspiring stories and join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions!
Florence Nishida
Florence Nishida has dedicated her time to teaching vegetable gardening in South Los Angeles. Florence's work has made gardening accessible to countless new gardeners, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds across Los Angeles County. She was one of the first UC Master Gardeners to teach “Grow LA Vegetable Gardening” classes helping residents learn how to grow their food. Florence also shares her talents and expertise in growing Asian vegetables through workshops and community events.
As the co-founder of LA Green Grounds, Florence has helped convert vacant spaces into edible gardens, creating a network of community gardens throughout South Los Angeles. She also played a pivotal role in legalizing edible gardening in parkways in the City of Los Angeles, which helped increase food access for residents in food desserts. Florence's tireless efforts have built strong connections with community organizations, establishing a lasting presence for the UC Master Gardener Program across Los Angeles County.
Barbara Davidge
Barbara Davidge's unwavering commitment to public education and community engagement has made a remarkable difference in the UC Master Gardener Program in Monterey County. As the driving force behind the Portable Edible Garden project, she offers bi-lingual instruction and resources for families to cultivate culturally meaningful herbs and vegetables. The project's primary goal is to address food insecurity and foster healthy eating habits among local communities, with a focus on reaching underserved populations. The Portable Edible Garden classes deliver bi-lingual education in a classroom setting, coupled with hands-on training at the Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas and, upon completion, at the UC Teaching and Demonstration Garden in Salinas. Participants receive a portable garden to take home and grow herbs and vegetables to nourish their families. Funds raised from community partners and individual gifts help ensure that each attendee leaves with the necessary materials to grow their food gardens successfully.
Noreen Goff & Ed Morin
Noreen Goff and Ed Morin have brought the joy of tomato tasting to Amador County by organizing an annual event at their local Farmer's Market. Noreen and Ed help promote food literacy and engage with their community encouraging more people to grow unique varieties of tomatoes and other vegetables. The tomato tasting is a fun and interactive way for people to learn more about the UC Master Gardener Program of Amador County and helps to build connections and program awareness. By handling everything from communications, recruiting and training volunteers, coordinating logistics, and finding judges for the event, their dedication to outreach is truly commendable!
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, passion, and hard work that Florence Nishida, Barbara Davidge, Noreen Goff, and Ed Morin demonstrate. These exceptional UC Master Gardener volunteers have significantly impacted their communities by promoting food growing, increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and fostering connections among community members.
Each of their stories inspires all of us who care deeply about gardening, education, and improving the lives of those around us. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and tireless efforts are what make the UC Master Gardener Program a driving force for positive change in communities across California. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these Gardeners with Heart and look forward to seeing their continued impact in the years to come. Thank you, Florence, Barbara, Noreen, and Ed, for all that you do!
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.