UGA Cooperative Extension

DeKalb County Extension Office:
Master Gardener Planning Calendar

January

New training class begins the first week of every year.
4-H Project Competition (CPA): This is where master gardeners are asked to judge youth presentations.

February

Quarterly Master Gardener (MG) Training is the first (1st) Monday in February (6:30-8:30 PM). All interested MG’s are invited.
Quarterly MG Advisory Board Meets (5:30 to 6:30 PM) prior to quarterly group meetings.
Arbor Day Activities: On third (3rd) Friday's, MG plant trees for schools & civic groups.
S.E. Flower Show: Master Gardeners manage exhibits and information booths (See Gary Peiffer or MG Coordinator about DeKalb shifts).

March

Master Gardener's Workday at the EEC (South Office) from 9 AM to Noon.
Master Gardener's Day: A state-wide recognition day in Georgia (usually held on 3rd Saturday in March) to thank volunteers for their efforts.

April

New Intern Orientation: project site leaders share information on their activities
Master Gardener Projects General Workday at EEC/South Office:( 2 workdays from 9 AM - 12 PM) all volunteers invited; new trainees required to give 6 hours per year

May

Quarterly Master Gardener Training:1st Monday (6:30-8:30 PM) Training and MG get-together
Quarterly Advisory Board Meeting: 1st Monday (5:30-6:30 PM)
Master Gardener Workday:EEC/South Office (9 AM - 12 PM)
Master Gardener Annual Awards: (6:30-8:30 PM) Location TBA; New trainees graduate and veterans with more than 25 hours of service are invited

June

Teacher Master Gardener Training: (10 days) Fernbank Science Center, chief partner
Summer Youth Gardening at EEC/South Office

July

Summer Break continue at Master Gardener project sites

August

Quarterly Master Gardener Meeting: 1st Monday (6:30 – 8:30 PM) speaker and refreshments
MG Advisory Board Meeting: (5:30-6:30 PM) prior to MG Meeting

September

(NOTE: this is the month MG Training Class Applications are available for those people interested in the next year’s class as long as they attend our open MG information sessions.)

Master Gardener Workday at EEC/South Office:(9 AM - 12 PM) open to all trainees and veterans; many active projects and garden demonstrations will receive assistance and renovation
Recycling Day at the DeKalb Farmers Market: (10 AM -2 PM) a Saturday in September or October; volunteers assist with demonstrations, give-away's and providing information about gardening and recycling

October

(NOTE: this is the month MG Training applicants are interviewed/selected)

Master Gardener Workday at EEC/South Office:(9 AM - 12 PM) learn many fun and interesting experiences

November

Quarterly Master Gardener Training: (6:30-8:30 PM)
Final MG Advisory Board Meeting for year: (5:30-6:30 PM) MG meet prior to Quarterly MG Training
Master Gardener Workday at EEC/South Office:(9 AM - 12 PM)

December

MG Annual Holiday Celebration: (10 AM - 1 PM) selected trainees for next year’s class; trainees are invited to a pre-orientation and our; covered dish lunch is provided by our veteran volunteers; location TBD (changes each year)

Other Volunteer Activities:

Monthly phone duty assistance (4 hour morning or 4 hour afternoon shifts)
Speakers Bureau for schools and civic groups (as requested)
Homeowner's Training Program assistance with registration and class management (one program per month; 1-2 hours per shift)
Community Project Assignments: as time allows and as determined by the project and site needs (Example: Stone Mountain Caboose Project- butterfly garden, compost demo, and shade garden)

NOTE: Use this calendar to plan your volunteer time and then sign-up with the county program coordinator so we know who is committed to which activities. Whenever you have a change in plans, notify us immediately or help us out by trying to find another volunteer to fill your shift.

Gary Peiffer, Horticulture Manager, 8/2011