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Master Gardener Program
St. Francis County
The Master Gardener Program and You
It is often said that the University of Arkansas Master Gardener
Program is more than "just a horticulture class" - and it is. Master
Gardeners are afforded many of the resources of the University of
Arkansas; in turn Master Gardeners become a resource of the
University of Arkansas through the Cooperative Extension Service.
Your commitment to the program serves your community in a variety of
ways.
Certain policies and guidelines have been established on a
statewide basis to provide uniformity to the program and credibility
to the designation, University of Arkansas Master Gardener. More
specific rules may apply on a local basis and are addressed in the
individual county's by-laws or policies.
The Name
The official name is "University of Arkansas Cooperative
Extension Service Master Gardener - St. Francis County." This title
applies to a member who has successfully completed the 40-hour
training class and is actively pursuing working hours (40) and
learning hours (20 hours in addition to the training class) as part
of the payback commitment the first year. To maintain the
designation in subsequent years, an individual must provide 20
working hours and accrue 20 learning hours per year.
The Master Gardener title is used only while participating in
Master Gardener programs and is not to be used in relation to any
commercial venture. When an individual ceases active participation,
his/her designation as Master Gardener is void.
Leaves of absence may be granted at the discretion of the County
Agent or Master Gardener Executive Committee.
Members transferring from other state Master Gardener programs
may begin participation immediately but must take the training
classes as soon as they are available.
Recordkeeping
The recording, maintenance, and determination of working and
learning hours are a small but important part of a Master Gardener's
commitment. The recording of hours is not just proof of one's
payback obligation. These figures are crucial to justify programs
and procure funding on many levels. According to 1999 statistics
(Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service), trained volunteer labor is
valued at $14.20 per hour which, given the number of Master Gardener
projects, provides significant financial benefit to the taxpayer.
Each county has its own timesheet for record keeping. The
following general guidelines apply:
- The commitment the first year is: 40 working hours and 20
learning hours (over and above the training class).
- The commitment for subsequent years in order to maintain the
MG designation is: 20 working hours and 20 learning hours.
- At least one half (50%) of all required working hours must
be earned while participating in a county-sanctioned project in
the county where you are a Master Gardener.
What is a county-sanctioned project? It is a project that
has gone through a specific proposal procedure, been accepted by the
Master Gardener membership as one of the group's official projects,
and has been approved by the County Agent. Your local county will
provide you with a list of sanctioned projects.
What constitutes "other" working hours? All services other
than the sanctioned projects that a Master Gardener performs as an
arm of the Extension Office count as "other working hours." Some
examples include answering questions and providing horticultural
advice, committee work, public workshops, lectures, newsletter
contributions, etc. In addition, some Master Gardeners take on
individual community service projects such as landscaping a church
or a public area in their community. Executive officers count
meetings as working hours.
- Learning hours are those activities which contribute to the
individual's knowledge base. They include monthly business
meetings, workshops, seminars, public garden tours, some
educational TV shows, etc.
- Since all working hours are, in essence, a learning
experience, a Master Gardener may choose to count some of the
working hours as learning hours if credit is needed in that
category. However, learning hours cannot also be counted as
working hours.
- Travel time is not counted for either learning or working
hours except when picking up project supplies.
Opportunities and Awards
Each county organization makes the effort to ensure adequate
opportunities are provided for the volunteer to fulfill his
commitment.
At the annual Master Gardener State Meeting, volunteers are
recognized individually for their commitment to the program. Five-
and ten-year pins are awarded to qualifying individuals. In
addition, recognition is made for county projects, newsletters,
Master Gardener of the Year and other special awards.
St. Francis County Master Gardeners
- Date of inception: July 28, 2004
- Number of members to date: 20
- Day, date and location of meetings: 2nd Thursday of each
month, 11:30 a.m., St. Francis County Museum
- Short summary of sanctioned projects: Landscape Forrest City
Post Office, Forrest City Airport, Forrest City Welcome Signs,
Forrest City Chamber of Commerce, Forrest City Museum, Forrest
City Library
- List of current officers and committee chairs: Martha
Wilson, President; Nancy Jarratt, Secretary; Constance McDaniel,
Corresponding Secretary; and Tippe McCollum, Treasurer
St. Francis County Cooperative Extension Office
St. Francis County Extension Office is located in the Courthouse
at 313 S. Izard, Suite 14, Forrest City, AR 72335.
Hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Key personnel are Mitch Crow, County Extension Agent - Staff
Chair and Virginia Cottrell, Administrative Office Supervisor
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