PROMOTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BY TRAINING ADVANCED MASTER GARDENERS IN ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Larry Sagers
Horticulture Specialist
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
Lehi
Abstract
Many smaller Utah communities lack the resources to effectively plant trees, plan and develop parks and beautify neighborhoods. The Advanced Master Gardener Program on Woody Plants had always taught classes and labs on the horticultural practices for growing trees. This class added the specific administrative training and workshops to help participants work with community officials to implement tree care programs in their localities. To help class members improve their communities, the author brought together many contributors to extend limited community expertise and resources. Participants included the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the Utah Community Forestry Council, the Utah Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, Utah State University Extension Service, the University of Utah and Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Individuals from these groups trained Master Gardeners to get involved in public political processes to promote tree planting, tree care and park development. They then approached several communities to set up tree boards and beautification committees. Two Advanced Master Gardener’s published a tree book. Other Advanced Master Gardeners helped several communities publish tree guides for local citizens and helped their communities achieved the honor of TreeCity, USA. As a result of this training and the efforts of class members, many mayors and/or city councils increased tree care budgets and promoted community tree care workshops. Political leaders in their communities honored several class participants. Others received special recognition from the Utah Community Forestry Council for their accomplishments and tree planting efforts.
Authors: Sagers, L. A,
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Sagers, L. A, Horticulture Specialist, Utah State University Extension at Thanksgiving Point, Utah, 84043