1. WHO ARE ALABAMA MASTER GARDENERS
AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
Huckabay, Smith, E.K. 1; K.P. 2
1Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Mobile, AL, 36608
2State Master Gardener Program Coordinator and Home Grounds Team Co-leader, Alabama Cooperative
Extension, Auburn University, AL, 36849
ABSTRACT
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) has utilized the skills and talents of volunteers since the inception of the Master Gardener Program to support other ACES programs and extend its reach to the residents of
Alabama. There are over 2,000 certified Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) in Alabama who contribute over 190,000 volunteer hours to the state. These volunteers support and promote ACES by performing a variety of
volunteer activities in their communities. In 2011, a survey was conducted to assess the demographics of MGVs and gain a better understanding of who they are. Thus, we now know not only what MGVs are doing, but also
have a better understanding of who they are. For state and federal reporting purposes, the volunteer hours are recorded and grouped into categories based on the type of volunteer activity performed. This activity and
demographical information is useful for identifying and designing future programming and training opportunities for MGVs.
Objectives
• Collect and analyze MGV demographical information from a
survey in order to better utilize volunteers’ skills and talents.
• Analyze data from an online database of MGV activity hours
to document MGV impacts in their communities.
Procedure
In 2011, a survey seeking to identify MGV’s demographics was
conducted. A group of Extension agents and administrators
developed the 14 question survey. Surveys were administered via
survey monkey; and the link to the survey site was distributed
through e-mail. Paper surveys were sent to those MGV’s who
wished to participate in the survey but who did not use e-mail.
An online database (www.aces.edu/mgmanager) was used to
record MGV’s volunteer hours and group the hours into categories
based on the type of volunteer activity performed. While there are
potentially hundreds of activities in which MGV’s could participate, Demonstration and other gardens
23 categories were created to manage the numerous activities ACES support & similar outreach
more efficiently. To further simplify the reporting process, six
broad categories were used to capture volunteer activity impacts.
Special community projects
Results and Impacts Community Landscape Projects
Profile of an Alabama MGV:
63-years-old
Retired State & Local Master Gardener Associations
Fundraisers and Public Relations
Active in MG for 6.2 years
Volunteer in relation to
employment status
Self-motivated and socially-
motivated
Philanthropic
