Southeast Master Gardeners trained to tackle watershed issues using cost-effective distance teaching technology

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Date
2009-04Author
Bauske, Ellen M.
Henning, Frank
Fonseca, Marco
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Show full item recordAbstract
Teams of Master Gardener coordinators,
Extension agents and specialists from Georgia, Alabama
and South Carolina met and pooled their resources to
develop an advanced training for Master Gardener (MG)
volunteers on urban water issues. The training, “Advance
Concepts in Water Smart Landscape Design,” includes
many aspects of watershed management not generally
covered in MG training, such as non-point sources of
water pollution, the effect of impervious surfaces and
infiltration on water quality, the role of sediment as a
pollutant, and assessing stream habitat and water quality.
Each state team developed one, 2.5 hour training and
delivered it to over 250 MGs spread out in 22 locations in
four states. The trainings were presented using internetbased
“live classroom” technologies. Extension
professionals in each location developed hands-on
afternoon activities, assuring the trainings were locally
relevant and encouraging active participation in the
teaching process. MG volunteers often deal directly with
home owners and home owner activities have a significant
impact on both water quality and quantity in urban
watersheds. MG volunteers will deliver this information to
homeowners and others in their communities as they make
presentations, answer questions and attend public gardens.