VMS
When are volunteer hours due for the year?
January 1st
Your tabling an fair, and a guest wants to know which tree removal company Master Gardeners recommend. How do you respond?
Do not endorse brand-name products or recommend a particular company.
Im doing a presentation for the library, do I need anything in my presentation?
Yes! We have required slides with specific Justice for all and assurance language that the University expects us to use. We are also required to collect demographic data from all in attendance, which we do through a card. We cannot assume this data, but people can report it themselves if they please.
What is the Mission of Maryland State Master Gardeners
To support the UME mission by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities.
What are the two Harford County Master Gardener Meetings we host a month? And can you get volunteer hours for going to them?
We have a General Meeting (1st Thursday) and a Steering Committee Meeting (Last Thursday).
Yes, you can get hours for them!
How many continuing education hours will you need once you're a Master Gardener?
10 Hours
You are manning an MG table at a community event when a person asks you a question for which you don’t know the answer. You are about to text Isabel, but remember this is not her workday, so instead you begin looking for Isabel's boss’s contact information.
How do you proceed?
Acknowledge that it was a great question; however, because you don’t want to give incorrect information, if in proximity, ask another MG to assist.
Give them the Extension Office’s contact info---phone number or Isabel's email
Do not contact Isabel's boss!
The Master Gardeners (MGs) want to gather for a wine and cheese tasting event either after a meeting or after working at a demonstration site. Because MGs represent the University of MD, should the MGs proceed?
MGs should close the meeting and remove MG signage and name badges so that it is clear that this alcohol engaging event is not related to the University of MD/MG Program.
How does an MG intern graduate to Full Master Gardener
Completed the initial 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of taking the final exam.
How can you attend the Steering Committee and General meetings? And are the required?
No, they are not required! But they are a great way to stay in the know.
Both meetings are offered in person in the room and on Zoom!
Can I include my drive time when commuting to a volunteer site?
Yes! When recording your hours, add drive time and miles!
Your church asks if the Master Gardeners (MGs) can have an information table at an upcoming Community Fair where attendees can ask questions and obtain gardening information. Can you enter your volunteer hours at this event into the VMS?
After obtaining approval from Isabel/the Steering Committee and having at least one other MG with you at the table, you may enter this as volunteer hours.
You are working in a Master Gardener (MG) Demonstration Garden that is overrun by stilt grass. A fellow MG says to you, “I have a bottle of herbicide at home that will take care of that forever. I’ll bring it when we meet next time.”
How might you respond and why?
Tell the person who is in charge of the project or tell the individual yourself not to bother b/c MGs are not permitted to apply pesticides on any public land.
What percentage grade do you need to pass your intern exam?
75%
Name two ways to find out about Harford County Master Gardener Events? Get an extra point if you get all three!
1. Our shared Google Calendar
2. Email notifications from Isabel or Diane Payne
3. Attend meetings!
Your church is having an outdoor cleanup day, and you volunteer to weed flower beds and spread mulch. How do you enter these volunteer hours into the MG Volunteer Management System (VMS).
You don’t. While this is a volunteer activity, it lacks the educational component of sharing scientifically-based garden practices and is not an approved MG activity.
A fellow master gardener passes out from the heat at the county fair. What should you do!?
1. Contact emergency services (if necessary)
2. Contact Isabel! (Even if she is not working) Possibly also contact MG President
3. Fill out an incident report and give it to Isabel
You heard “through the grapevine” that a Master Gardener (MG) from another county was involuntarily separated from the program. While you recognize that you don’t know all of the details of such an unfortunate situation, you don’t want to jeopardize your participation in the MG program. Name 3 policy violations or negative behaviors that could lead to separation?
Abusive, disrespectful and disruptive behavior, working on unapproved projects/activities, sharing information that is not scientifically based, publishing non-approved materials, omitting the University affiliation with the MG Program, signing/entering into agreements/contracts/partnerships on behalf of UME, engaging in overtly political activity while representing UME, using MG status for financial gain.
As an MG intern/certified MG you represent the University of MD.
Daily Double
Besides Isabel, who sends out emails to keep the Harford County Master Gardeners up to date?
Where can you go to find continuing education resources?
On the UMD Extension Master Gardeners Continuing Education Page.
In Harford County, you can also attend our Master Gardener Library classes, our quarterly book club, or our monthly study group for more continuing continuning education.
DAILY DOUBLE
How many intern classes can you skip?
You are volunteering at a farmers' market table, and a guest is asking you about her herbal supplements for an ache or pain she has been having. How do you help get anwsers?
Do not attempt to answer questions outside of the home/community horticulture area (e.g. food preservation, nutrition, health and wellness, or commercial production). We are expected to provide scientifically based information to the public. If you are unsure how to anwser refer them to Isabel!
I recently just got knee surgery will not be able to participate in Master Gardener responsibilities. How can I maintain my status so I won't have to separate from the program?
We offer a 3-year hiatus where you will not be expected to meet volunteer hours. If you are not able to rejoin us after the 3 years, we will discuss separation.
What are the steps to start a new MG garden/project?
1. Talk with Isabel about your idea (remember our main focus is to educate)
2. Complete the project proposal form
3. Present details of the project at a Steering Committee Meeting
4. If you are a new Master Gardener (> 1year) We advise you work with an older, wiser MG
Who is the current Master Gardener president?
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to either Joann or me!