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RECRUITING, RETAINING AND INCORPORATING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY BOTANICAL CENTER

Extension Education

Jerry Goodspeed
Director, Utah State University Botanical Center
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
Kaysville

Abstract

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\r\n The Utah State University Botanical Center (USUBC) is located on 100 acres in Kaysville, approximately 16 miles north of Salt Lake City.  The mission of the USUBC is to guide the conservation and wise use of plant, water, and energy resources.   Establishing a large Botanical Center on a limited budget requires an innovative approach to volunteer recruitment, utilization and retention.  Since 2001, community volunteers have assisted with plant propagation, staffing the farmers’ market, tree planting, garden establishment and maintenance, hardscape construction, and vegetable production for local food banks.  Different sources for recruiting volunteers include Master Gardeners, scout groups, church congregations, service organizations, local businesses and schools, and other community groups.  Once recruited, a volunteer must have buy-in to the USUBC and its mission.  This is accomplished through education, giving back to the community, and feeling their efforts are making a positive impact in society. For example, in the past three years 2,135 volunteers helped grow over 50,500 pounds of fresh vegetables for local food banks.  The vegetable gardens are also used as an educational demonstration garden to teach both volunteers and visitors correct practices.  Other meaningful projects include propagating 48,700 water-wise plants, 80 Eagle Scout service projects, Rotary club tree plantings, church youth groups harvesting vegetable, and Master Gardeners planting an ornamental iris and grass garden.  Over the past three years, we have seen an increase in volunteer numbers as we incorporate meaningful projects into our programs.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: L. Goodspeed Jerry, Gunnell JayDee, Hunter Britney
  1. Jerry, L. Director, Utah State University Botanical Center, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84037
  2. JayDee, G. Horticulture Agent/ Salt Lake County Extension Director, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84037
  3. Britney, H. Horticulture Agent, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84037