Colorado State University Extension

Colorado State University Extension is a joint agency between the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, (federal partner), Colorado State University (state partner), and Colorado counties(local partner).  Extension is a nation-wide system delivering knowledge-based educational programs at the county level with resources from the state land grant university system and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Our Name
To enhance public recognition, please use the full name, Colorado State University Extension.  After initial introduction, repeated referral can be shortened to Extension.
County identification may be added as Colorado State University, ____ County Extension.

County-Based Programs

In response to locally identified needs, the county is the basic program delivery unit for CSU Extension.  County level staff includes:

• Extension agents  (university staff working at a local level)
• County Extension Director, an agent leading the local team
• Program coordinators and assistants
• Support staff

The County Extension Advisory Committee provides input on current and emerging issues that need local attention.  Local citizens serving on the committee play a key role in helping staff identify and prioritize program needs at the local level.

University-based faculty also supports the local Extension program behind the scenes by providing program leadership, research, and assisting with program delivery.  By assignment, Colorado State University campus-based, departmental faculty split time between research, teaching, and Extension activities.  Campus-based faculty with extension appointments are known as Extension Specialists.CSU Extension programs also work closely with the Agriculture Experiment Station.

Program Funding Targets Issues

Issues and Work Teams

Funding at the state, federal, and county levels is provided in support of issues.  Issues are identified areas of community concerns and needs, where research and educational efforts are concentrated.  Locally identified issues are supported by research and educational programs, identified within state and federal issues. 

For administrative purposes, programs are organized into six Core Competency Areas, as follows:

• Community Resource Development
• Competitive and Sustainable Agricultural Systems
• Natural Resources and the Environment
• Nutrition, Health and Food Safety
• Strong Families, Healthy Homes
• 4-H and Youth Development

County-based and university-based staff work together in Work Teams to plan and implement educational programs on a multi-county, regional, or statewide basis.  Work teams are the primary subject matter programming unit. 

Funding

Current Colorado State University Extension funding sources include:

• 48% Colorado State University
• 16% federal funds (USDA budget)
• 32% state funds (Colorado State University budget)
• 44% County funds
• 8% other sources (sales, fees, and program grants)

Note: Colorado Master Gardener Training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Colorado Garden Show, Inc.

Outcomes

With increased accountability of government funded programs, program planning focuses on outcomes, the “so what’s” of activities.  Examples of outcomes of the Colorado Master Gardener Program include the following:  

• Empowering Colorado gardeners with knowledge-based information to foster successful gardening
• Protecting and enhancing the home landscape environment, (including water wise gardening and responsible use of pest management options)
• Gardening for nutrition and health
• Gardening to teaches life skills, developing individuals, strengthening families, and building communities

The Colorado Master Gardener Program

Mission

The Colorado State University, Colorado Master Gardenersm Program volunteer network strives to enhance Coloradans’ quality of life by:

• Extending knowledge-based education throughout Colorado communities to foster successful gardeners;
• Helping individuals make informed decisions about plants to protect neighborhood environments.

We are committed to using horticulture to empower gardeners, develop partnerships, and build stronger communities.

Vision

The Colorado State University, Colorado Master Gardenersm Program strives to lead educational efforts to nurture Colorado’s natural environment and communities by:

• Collaborating with the green industry, public agencies, and non-profits to provide current research-based information to the public;
• Developing educational programs for local needs such as water issues, alternative pest management, and ecosystem characteristics, to encourage environmentally sound horticultural practices;
• Reaching out to new audiences through a variety of technologies;
• Providing life-long learning opportunities and a variety of meaningful volunteer options for Colorado Master Gardeners, resulting in a committed, active network of horticultural educators who serve communities across the state;
• Cultivating long-term support and securing abundant resources from diverse constituencies from the Colorado Master Gardener Program by showing the differences that this program makes in Coloradans’ quality of life.

Titles

These titles may be use only in connection with the Colorado State University Extension activities.  The term “master gardener” is considered generic and is used by many organizations and individuals.  

Colorado Master Gardener

The title Colorado Master Gardener is a registered service mark of Colorado State University Extension and is used to identify volunteers as representatives of CSU Extension.  It may be used ONLY in connection with official CSU Extension activities. 

In situations where the CMG volunteer is not officially representing Colorado State University Extension, please use the generic term “master gardener” without any verbal connection to the CSU Extension System.

When working as an Extension representative, introduce yourself as a “Colorado Master Gardener Volunteer with Colorado State University e Extension”.

In print materials, the first use of the title Colorado Master Gardenersm needs to be followed with a small “sm” after Gardener.  This is easy to make in typing with a superscript. 

To receive the title “Colorado Master Gardener”, the volunteer must complete the following requirements:

1. Be accepted into a county/area CSU Extension, Colorado Master Gardener Program.
2. Complete the Colorado Master Gardener/ Gardener Certificate Training. 
• Attend a minimum of 80% of the training classes. 
• Participants are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for content in all sessions.  When a situation arises that prevents attendance (e.g., illness or weather related travel issues), participants should coordinate with staff to make up quizzes and subject matter content (to the extent possible).
• Passing grade on quizzes and exams.
3. Complete 50 hours minimum Colorado Master Gardener volunteer service (considered part the training process).
4. Turn in reports

After the first year, to continue as a Colorado Master Gardener, volunteers must participate in the following activities:

1. Volunteer service: 24 hours minimum per year
2. Turn in reports
3. Continuing education: 12 hours minimum per year. 

1. A minimum of 6 hours must be in Extension sponsored CMG events.  For example:
• County, regional and state Colorado Master Gardener updates
• Clinic training
• Re-attend basic training sessions
• Volunteer development training
• Writer’s workshop


2. Other educational activities may count as 1) it relates to horticulture and to the CMG role, AND 2) with prior approval of the designated staff.  For example:

• Green industry trainings (e.g., ProGreen Expo, Turfgrass, CALCP, and ISA Conferences, etc.)
• Public garden classes
• Academic classes
• Garden club speakers
• Job–related inservice
• Special research projects
• Independent projects

Volunteer hours or continuing education hours?  Volunteer hours are counted when the CMG serves to provide educational programs to clients.  Continuing education hours are counted when the CMG is in the student role, receiving the training. 

Time includes reasonable travel time to and from CMG events and preparation time for CMG outreach activities.  It does not include personal study time.

Apprentice Master Gardener

New volunteers, who have not completed basic training and their first 50 hours of volunteer service, are identified by the title “Apprentice Master Gardener”. 

Failure to complete the pay back agreement

• Apprentice CMG volunteers receive the training at a reduced fee in partial exchange for their volunteer service (i.e., non-paid work).  The volunteer service is considered part of the training received by Colorado Master Gardeners. 
• Those who fail to complete the minimum pay back hours by September 30th of the training year will be billed for the class tuition.  Billing rate is $10.00 per uncompleted hour, up to $300 maximum.  Individuals with special situations may be given an extension (up to 12 months) at the discretion of the agent.

Colorado Gardener Certificate, CGC

Colorado Master Gardener/Colorado Gardener Certificate Training is also open to individuals who desire the classroom training only, without a volunteer commitment.  These students pay state and county program fees (the same as CMG volunteers) PLUS $300 tuition (in-lieu-of the return service).  They receive the Colorado Gardener Certificate upon completion of the class work. 

In the Colorado Master Gardener Program, volunteer service is considered a vital part of the training program.  Colorado Gardener Certificate students do not become “Colorado Master Gardeners”.

Since the Colorado Gardener Certificate implies training only, it may be used by individuals to establish their training credentials and market their expertise. 

Any CMG volunteer who has completed the basic training and 50 hours minimum volunteer service may also request a Colorado Gardener Certificate, and may use the Colorado Gardener Certificate title for marketing purposes.

“Temporary Inactive” Status

It is recognized that CMG volunteers may need to be temporarily inactive in the program due to personal needs (illness, marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moves, job changes, travel, etc.).  Upon consultation with the designated agent, a CMG volunteer may be given Temporary Inactive status for up to 12 months.
Temporary Inactive status should be arranged when the life conflict comes up (that is prior to the inactive period).  It cannot be used at the end of the CMG year as a means to carry on less committed volunteers.

During the temporary inactive period, CMG volunteers:

• Will continue to receive mailings and fact sheets,
• Will pay CMG fees,
• May attend meetings and participate in outreach activities,
• However, no volunteer outreach, continuing education, or reports are required.

Released
“Released” individuals are no longer active or affiliated with the Colorado State University Extension CMG program.  They must avoid identifying themselves as affiliated with Colorado State University or the Colorado Master Gardener Program. 

Volunteers may be released:

• At the request of the CMG volunteer,
• Due to failure to complete volunteer hours, educational hours, or turn in reports,
• Due to problems associated with volunteer performance, including people skills and their ability to represent CSU Extension in a professional and positive manner.
• Due to failure to honor volunteer commitments,
• To accommodate the training of additional people as community gardening resources, or
• At the discretion of the agent. 

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that volunteering with an organization is a privilege, not a right.  Organizations may release volunteers at the discretion of the organization.  Reasons for a release are generally NOT disclosed to the released volunteer.

Return to Colorado Master Gardener service

• If a CMG volunteer left the program at their own request, they may APPLY for readmission with in 3 years of activity participation.  Acceptance is at the discretion of the local agent based on pervious volunteer experience and the need for additional volunteers in the local program.  Readmission is not guaranteed. 
  
  In most situations, it will only be feasible to accept returning CMG volunteers near the beginning of the CMG activity year (October 1st to September 30th) when volunteer opportunities are readily open.
  
  If a CMG volunteer has been released for more than 3 year, readmission is not an option.  They may start the process over, i.e., go through the application/selection process, attend training, and return minimum volunteer hours.  Reacceptance is not guaranteed.

• If a CMG volunteerwas released at the discretion of the Extension Agent, readmission is generally not reasonable.  When released at the discretion of the CE Agent, individuals may not apply for the CMG program in another county.

Affiliate Colorado Master Gardener

The title “Affiliate Colorado Master Gardener” identifies CMG Volunteers whose role has evolved from the traditional CMG activities (including 24 hours minimum volunteer work and 12 hours minimum continuing education) but CONTINUE to serve valuable roles in the program as community contact or collaborator.  Examples of Affiliate Colorado Master Gardeners include the following:

• A CMG who speaks for the CMG program interests on an advisory board.
• A CMG in a green industry role who continues to support the program as a consultant, collaborator, or instructor for a specific project.
• A CMG whose primary role served as program contact for another organization in collaboration with the CMG program

The intent of this status is to keep these individuals in their supportive roles in the CMG loop.  This status is not intended as recognition for past work, or as a way for individuals to continue to receive program benefits without a program commitment. 

Affiliate CMG status is assigned by the county agent.  Affiliate Colorado Master Gardeners must have completed basic Colorado Master Gardener requirements (i.e., training and 50 hours minimum volunteer service).

Affiliate Colorado Master Gardeners continue to receive the same privileges as other CMG volunteers (i.e., newsletters and fact sheet updates, training opportunities, outreach opportunities, etc.). 

Colorado Master Gardener Emeritus

The title Colorado Master Gardener serves as a transition from full activity (i.e., 24 hours minimum volunteer service and 12 hours minimum continuing education) to continued limited activity.

It is intended to support individuals who:

1. Have made a substantial contribution to the CMG program, and
2. Desire to continue in full activity,
3. But must now limit full participation due to circumstances beyond their control (such as personal health or family health care needs).

It is not intended for individuals who elect to pursue other interests or activities (such as job/career needs, raising a family, serving in other organizations, etc.).  It is not intended for individuals who elect to be less active in the CMG program. 

Criteria for Emeritus Master Gardener

This title is award by the Colorado State University Extension, State Master Gardener office, after nomination by the county agent. 

1. The individual must have a desire to continue his/her affiliation with the program; however, due to limitations beyond their control (such as health issues or family care issues) he/she must now limit participation in the CMG program.
2. The individual will have completed a minimum of five years and 500 hours CMG volunteer work.
3. The individual will have made a substantial contribution to the program, giving some long-term leadership and definition to the program.
4. The local agent submits a letter of recommendation (outlining the individual’s contributions and situation) to the state CMG office for consideration. 
5. The title will be awarded judiciously based on the CMG’s contribution and individual situation.

Emeritus CMGs continue to receive full program benefits (such as newsletters and updated fact sheets, training opportunities, outreach opportunities, etc.).  They continue to serve the program as limitations allow.  Reporting of activities is encouraged but not required. 

The local agent should periodically visit with the Emeritus CMG to inquire about his/her interest to continue in the CMG program.

Transfer to Another County within Colorado

Colorado Master Gardeners may request a transfer to another county’s program.  Consideration will be based on recommendations of previous county staff and need for additional volunteers in the local program. 

In most situations, a transfer may be feasible only at the beginning of the CMG calendar year (October 1st to September 30th) when volunteer opportunities are readily open. 

Transfers will be denied for volunteers who have failed to complete volunteer commitments (50 hours volunteer service the first year and 24 hours additional years, plus continuing education requirements).

Under ruling of the US Supreme Court, volunteering is a privilege not a right.  A transfer is not guaranteed.

If a transfer is approved, the CMG volunteer should participate in some type of local orientation with the agent/staff.  Volunteers need to understand that county programs may be vastly different in outreach focus and operational procedures.  Procedure will be different than in the previous county and the volunteer needs shift his/her mind-set to the new county’s procedures.

Transfer From Another State to Colorado

Individuals who completed Master Gardener training in another state, may APPLY to the Colorado program as follows:

1.   If they were active within the past three years, they may APPLY to become a CMG volunteer.  Acceptance is based on:
• Recommendations from agent in previous state
• Interest and availability for volunteer work
• Gardening background

CMG volunteers should understand that they may request a transfer, but that there is nothing automatic or guaranteed in the process.  Volunteering is a privilege not a right.

In most situations, a transfer may be only feasible near the beginning of the CMG year (October 1st to September 30th) when volunteer opportunities are readily available.

Nationally, MG training is not coordinated between states.  States do not automatically accept training offered in other states.  Each state varies in the amount of training and subject matter covered. 

In Colorado, important skills for CMG work include being familiar with local soils, insects and diseases.  Our training content is very Colorado based.  Content even varies to some degree within different areas of the state in order to focus on local needs.

Based on the area of the nation the volunteer is moving from, the agent will require that the CMG volunteer participate in basic training sessions where content would be different in Colorado.

2.   May apply as an Apprentice CMG, going through the application and acceptance process, basic training, and volunteer service.

Volunteer Commitment

The term “volunteer” is used to help the public understand that Colorado Master Gardener Volunteers are donating their time to assist them, and are not paid staff of CSU Extension or the county.  This is important in setting the public’s level of expectations.  Coloradans are very appreciative of CMG efforts donated to assist them.  It is important since a few can become rather demanding of “paid staff”. 

However, being a “volunteer” NEVER implies a lack of responsibility in fulfilling commitments.  When a CMG volunteer fails to honor a commitment by not showing up, it may create serious problems for the program.  In the county orientation session (near the end of the training course) volunteers will hear more about the local sign-up procedures for various projects. 
A CMG volunteer who makes a habit of not showing up will be released from the program.

Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities can be divided into two types of educational products. 

Technology transfer – Our role is to empower Coloradans to make yard care and garden management decisions using knowledge-based information.  Our educational product is the exchange of knowledge.  Most CMG outreach falls into this type of activity.

Horticultural therapy – The purposeful use of plants to develop individuals, strengthen families, and build communities.  Our educational product is life skills. 

Volunteers are motivated by a variety of factors.  Some individuals will find more fulfillment sharing their knowledge with technology transfer type activities.  Others prefer the people association in horticultural therapy activities, like mentoring a community garden or children’s garden.  Some will find leadership roles in the program most rewarding.

CMG Outreach

In Colorado, 1,600 Master Gardeners annually donate $1.3 million in volunteer service.

Primary outreach avenues

42% One-to-one contacts including telephones
15% Informational booths including farmers’ markets and fairs
15% Program administrative support
11%Community greening and gardening projects
9% Classes and group presentations
3% Print media
3% Youth programs
2% Electronic media

Central to the vision of the Colorado Master GardenerProgram is the expansion of meaningful CMG volunteer opportunities.  Expectations of local programs to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities include:

• All county/area CMG programs are expected to accept participation in a wide variety of CMG volunteer avenues, and to encourage entrepreneurial efforts of CMG volunteers.  Actual CMG opportunities will vary from county to county, reflecting local needs, priorities, and resources.
• Extension expects county/area programs to credit CMG volunteers for hours spent where volunteer assistance was requested.  Acceptance of CMG participation in regional events (e.g., ProGreen, Colorado Garden Show, writing for regional newspapers, working on state CMG activities) is expected of all county/area programs.
• In response to local priorities, local programs may require that a percentage of CMG time (i.e., a minimum number of hours) be served in high priority activities.
• All county/area CMG programs will provide a minimum of five types of volunteer opportunities from two or more of the categories listed below.

Examples of volunteer activities

• Diagnostic activities
• Phones and office walk-ins
• Diagnostic clinics at county offices
• Diagnostic clinics out in the community
• Media activities
• Newspaper articles
• TV and radio
• Electronic media (web site development and e-mail inquires)
• Teaching activities
• Speakers’ bureau
• Assisting agents with horticultural workshops for Colorado Master Gardeners, green industry, or the public
• Community greening and gardening programs
• Collaboration with other agencies and partners in horticultural related outreach programs (e.g., school gardens, arbor day celebrations, jail gardens, and 4-H gardens)
• Mentoring role with community gardens
• Mentoring role with community greening projects (e.g., demonstration gardens, earth gardens, garden tours, school gardens)
• Informational booths
• Fairs and shows (e.g., county fairs, state fair, community fairs, garden and home shows)
• Farmers’ markets
• Administrative activities
• Office assistance to horticultural staff (mailings, filing)
• Volunteer middle management
• Program related grant writing
• Extension advisory and steering committees
• Other examples
• Horticulture therapy programs
• Research plots
• Special projects (as approved by agent)

What Counts for CMG Volunteer Activities?

CMG volunteer activities must meet the following criteria:

1. Activity must be educational in nature.  What are the knowledge and skills developed by the client?
2. Activity must be supportive of CSU Extension issues.
3. Volunteers must be identified as Colorado State University Extension, Colorado Master Gardeners.
4. Activity must be done with advanced approval of designated county staff.  The County Agent makes final decision on what is acceptable.

Education Versus Service

As mentioned above,CMG activities must be educational in nature.  Volunteers are encouraged to participate in service activities (like maintaining a local park or church garden) but not as Colorado Master Gardeners.

Below are some examples of how an activity could be either educational or service oriented.

Education	Service
Share information about plant species adapted to local growing conditions.	Develop a landscape design. Call around to find which nurseries carry a certain plant or product for an individual.
Mentor a community garden group, working with them. group or organization.	Maintain a garden for a group or organization.
Implement a demonstration garden that empowers the viewer to adapt concepts demonstrated.	Maintain a garden to beautify an area.

As Colorado Master Gardeners, volunteers may not work as a free labor crew to plant and/or maintain city and county parks, plant trees for community groups, grow produce for community gardens, or otherwise maintain private or public properties.  These activities are not educational in nature.  However, Master Gardeners are welcome to participate as private citizens in these activities around their community.

CMG volunteers are encouraged to serve as mentors to other groups (like 4-H clubs, and school or church youth groups) who are planting and/or maintaining parks, community gardens, and other green spaces projects.  Here the CMG serves in an educational role as he/she works with clients.

CMG assistance in demonstration gardens can be an effective educational tool.  To be acceptable for CMG hours, the “demonstration” garden must truly empower the viewer to make knowledgeable decisions.  This requires signage and print materials about the garden’s educational objectives.  For example, an attractive xeric garden in and of itself does not give viewers the knowledge to adapt xeric principles at their home gardens.  Signs need to identify xeric plants the viewer may want to purchase and print materials should give additional information about techniques for reducing water usage.

Interested CMG volunteers are encouraged to become actively involved in University research efforts, working with state and county staff.  In these projects, it is expected that research staff work WITH Master Gardeners, to create a two-way flow of information and a learning environment for all.

Home visits – Experience has indicated that only the more experienced Master Gardeners with seasoned diagnostic skills would find success in this outreach effort.  On-site visits are not a suitable role for apprentice or less experienced Master Gardeners.  Since on-site visits are extremely time consuming, this may not be a prudent use of limited Master Gardener “time” in many counties.  Careful consideration of overall program needs should be made before counties offer on-side garden calls as a local service.  For most counties, on-site home visits are not a viable option.

What to Expect

• Make a difference in the lives of individuals and build a stronger community.  (As you see the successes, please let the staff know.)
• Have fun.
• Share your passion for gardening with clients and friends.
• Volunteer opportunities
• Variety of meaningful volunteer opportunities to select from.
• Entrepreneurial efforts of CMG volunteers are encouraged, (within limitations of local budgets, and staff and volunteer time resources).
• Opportunities for “middle management” leadership roles in the local program.
• To staff high priority commitments, some counties require that a portion of your time be directed to specific activities.
• Opportunities for continual learning through continuing education classes, and print and web-based materials.
• Sometimes, the newness of a situation (like the first time at a clinic or on the phones) may be somewhat intimidating.  These fears quickly fade with experience.
• The program will challenge you, expanding your knowledge and abilities. 
• There is an agent with responsibility and accountability for the program in your county/area.  His/her accomplishment is measured by your success.

Legal Issues

Conflict-of-Interest

Any situation that has the potential to imply that Colorado State University promotes or endorses a private business or product could be a conflict-of-interest.  In some situations, it may be in the best interest of both parties to formally establish a cooperative business agreement.  This is done by University officials closely following federal regulations. 

Most conflict-of-interest problems arise from implied endorsement, i.e., implying that the service is provided by or in collaboration with Colorado State University, or implying that Colorado State University is recommending a business or product. 

CMG volunteers with green industry connections must exercise caution to avoid any potential conflict-of-interest situations. 

• CMG volunteers may be identified as Colorado Master Gardeners (or otherwise affiliated with Colorado State University) ONLY while serving in authorized CMG activities. 
• Volunteers with green industry connections may NOT use CMG activities as a source of business contacts.
• CMG volunteers may not wear CMG name badges or CMG clothing items while working as employees or owners of a nursery, garden center, or other business.
• “Colorado Master Gardener” (or other indicators suggesting affiliation with Colorado State University) may NOT be used on any marketing materials for private business. 
• It is acceptable to list CMG training and volunteer experience on a resume or job application going to a few selected individuals, but not on marketing materials going to the general public.

“Master Gardener” – The term “master gardener” (without any reference to the Colorado State University Extension System at the state or county level) is considered generic and is used by many organizations and businesses.  It may be used in situations not affiliated with the Colorado State University Extension System.  Use however, use is discouraged.

Colorado Gardener Certificate The Colorado Gardener Certificate implies participation in training only.  Since it does not imply that the holder is representing the Colorado State University Extension System as a volunteer, it MAY be used for marketing purposes.  For example, the holder may state in marketing materials that they have completed the Colorado State University Extension Colorado Gardener Certificate training.  They may post the certificate in a place of business. CMG volunteers (who have completed basic training and their first 50 hours of volunteer service) may also use the title Colorado Gardener Certificate to establish credential in a non-CMG situation.  If they desire the certificate for personal or business purpose, they should notify their local agent.

Copyright Law

CMG volunteers must not violate copyright laws in performance of volunteer service.

CSU Extension gives permission to CMG volunteers to make copies of our CMG fact sheets and CMG GardenNotes as part of their CMG work.  (However, they are generally available free from the county office or from the web site.)  Copies must be of acceptable quality, of the current version, and made without changes.  Permission to copy Colorado State University materials does not extend to charge bulletins, or other print materials.

Copyright law prohibits making multiple copies of any material for group distribution without permission of the copyright holder. 

For additional information on copyright, refer to the CMG GardenNotes #018, Using Copyrighted Materials: Are You Legal?

Equal Opportunity

CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.  Colorado State University has zero tolerance for discrimination based on:

• race
• color
• national origin
• gender
• religion
• age
• disability
• political beliefs
• sexual orientation
• marital or family status

Liability
While working in an official CMG capacity (as volunteer, non-paid University staff) CMG volunteers are covered by University liability insurance for mis-information provided they are using research/knowledge based information and applying good judgment.  (This means that the University may assist with a defense if it is in the best interests of the University.)  CMG volunteers will not be covered if they go out-on-a-limb with personal information or information from special interest groups.

A CMG volunteer would not be covered for information shared outside of official (approved) CMG activities.

Colorado Master Gardeners are not authorized to give legal or medical advice, for example: 

• CMG volunteers do NOT address hazard tree issues (concerns about the potential for a tree to fall on a house or other structure resulting in injury or property damage.)  Rather, they should refer the client to a certified arborist.  [legal issue]
• CMG volunteers do NOT address poisonous plant questions.  Rather, they should refer the client to poison control.  [medical issue]
• CMG volunteers do NOT advise on medical-related issues including human health insects and the medical use of herbs.  [medical issue]
• All reference to the use of pesticides (both organic and manufactured) must come directly from CSU Extension print materials or pesticide industry label materials.  Other reference sources on pesticide usage are not acceptable.  For more in-depth information, the client must be referred to the county agent.  For information on “how toxic” a pesticide is, refer the client to the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.  [legal issue]
• CMG volunteers do not advise on the mis-use of pesticides.  Rather, they should refer the client to the Colorado Department of Agriculture.  [legal issue]

As non-paid staff, CMG volunteers are NOT covered by worker’s compensation or other medical insurance.

Partnering for a Green Colorado

In the U.S., consumers spent $40.7 billion on garden products in 2002, after significant growth during the 1990s. 

Primary horticultural commodities in Colorado include:

• Commercial vegetable production valued at $255 Million.  Primary crops include onions, potatoes, melons, peppers, and tomatoes. 
• Commercial fruit and grape production valued at $23 Million
• Green Industries of Colorado valued at $2 Billion. – Colorado’s Green Industry accounts for 25% of the state’s agricultural production, ranking second behind the cattle industry.

Green Industries of Colorado

The Green Industry is that segment of agriculture dealing with the landscape environment rather than commercial food production.  An easy way to describe the Green Industries of Colorado is to look at the associations affiliated with GreenCo.  GreenCo is the collective parent association of the Green Industries of Colorado.

GreenCo Associations

• Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, ALCC
• Colorado Association of Lawn Care Professionals CALCP
• Colorado Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects, CCASLA
• Colorado Greenhouse and Nursery Association, CGNA
• Colorado Retail Florists Association, CRFA
• Garden Centers of Colorado, GCC
• International Society of Arboriculture, Rocky Mtn. Chapter,
  ISA-RMC  (tree care professionals)
• Rocky Mountain Sod Growers Association, RMSG
• Wholesale Florists of Colorado, WFC

Annual Economic Impact of the Colorado Green Industries Colorado’s Green Industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy.  In 2002 (during the drought), the industry:

• Contributed over $1.7 billion in sales to Colorado’s economy.  This increases to:

• Over $2 billion when factoring in increased income to Colorado firms who also multiply impacts when they spend at local businesses, for examples, seed suppliers and wholesale growers.
• Over $3.3 billion if similar spending multipliers from increased household income is considered.
• Over $5 billion if the industry’s influence on tax revenues, profit income for owners/operators, and impact on Colorado’s trade balance is also factored in.

• Provided almost 34,000 part-time and full-time jobs
• Supported a payroll of about $825 million
• Created an additional 11,000 jobs, increasing wages by $9,000 per worker since 1994
• Weathered the drought with sustained consumer demand and economic resiliency

For each $1 million increase in Colorado’s green industry output, the Industry generates 24 new industry-related jobs.  Of these, eight develop from increased demand for general goods and services and 11 from broader economic activity.

Colorado Master Gardener Program Partnership with Green Industries of Colorado

The Colorado Master Gardener Program is a significant educational resource fostering successful gardening.  Our niche includes 1) knowledge-based information, 2) non-commercial advocacy, and 3) home garden audience.

Benefits of successful gardening include:

• Human development benefits (develops individuals, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities)
• Food and enhanced nutrition
• Protection and enhancement of the environment around us
• Enhanced property values
• Expanded gardening activities
• Support for this major segment of Colorado’s economy

Working as a Team

Colorado Master Gardener activities may not duplicate fee-for-services provided by the green industry, for example, landscape design.

Some differences of opinion do exist between Extension recommendations and green industry practices.

• Where differences of opinion occur, we need to help the client understand the various perspectives in a positive manner.
• Extension recommendations often deal with what is ideal for plant health.  However, in the real world, what is ideal may not be economically practical in many situations.  For example, from the perspective of plant health and growth, we routinely recommend 4-5% organic content in the soil.  In many situations, this may not be practical, economically feasible, or even possible.
• Colorado State University staff, CMG volunteers, and green industry staff occasionally mis-diagnose problems due to inadequate information about the situation.  It is a challenge to all of us to work together as a team to provide the best information possible.
• Each of us sometimes forgets that general recommendations do not always fit site-specific needs.  Again, we must strive to work as a team to provide the best information possible.

For our mutual success, Colorado State University staff and Colorado Master Gardeners, and green industry workers must support each other in a team effort.  Comments that belittle or discredit the green industry are unacceptable.

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