UDC seeking input on revamping its Master Gardener program

A garden grows at UDC (2015 photo)

We’ve seen more than a few neighbors complete the Master Gardener certificate program, which has been one of the research and extension services of UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences since 2002. This spring we’ll see the efforts of one Master Gardener bloom along Connecticut Avenue.

This program is open to all residents of the District, and the new program coordinator, Patricia Bon, wants to ensure that would-be Master Gardeners in every ward have a chance to blossom.

Bon is an experienced urban planner with a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois. Much of her work has focused on sustainable food systems and building healthy communities. She wants to hear from residents from all over the District about what they want from such a program. UDC is using the feedback it collects via this survey and small group listening sessions to restructure the Master Gardener program “according to community needs and interests across all eight wards.”

Here’s the notice from UDC:

UDC CAUSES Revamps DC Master Gardener Program for 2021!

UDC is restructuring its Master Gardener Program, and it is all about YOU! As we rebuild the Master Gardener Program, UDC’s intention is to make this process as collaborative and inclusive as possible. We welcome Master Gardeners’ (MGs) ideas and perspectives as guiding forces as we think through every part of the program, from basic training to volunteer opportunities, and organizational structure to team dynamics. Our targeted intention is to structure the program according to community needs and interests across all eight wards. Please take a moment to share your views by completing this survey.

Note: If surveys aren’t your thing, you can also converse with us directly by signing up for a small group listening session in February, where we will be brainstorming the future of the program.

The next training session is scheduled for the fall. To apply for the program or obtain additional information, please email [email protected].