BENEFITS OF PROJECTS

Project work is often one of the most rewarding parts of being a Master Gardener.  It provides a good opportunity to create friendships, learn project management, and share gardening knowledge with other Master Gardeners and/or other community members.  

NETMGA SANCTIONED PROJECTS

NETMGA has numerous sanctioned projects, including beautification, historic preservation, community gardens, demonstration gardens, community education, special needs, and community service.  Links to these projects and their descriptions can be found by following the links on the left-hand side of this page. 

Any questions about these projects may be directed to the Projects Chairperson, Don Davis. (423-854-0152) 

SANCTIONING OF PROJECTS

Before agreeing to take on a project, NETMGA will evaluate the effectiveness of the project and determine if NETMGA has enough time and resources to devote to the project.  Most projects should be a partnership between the Master Gardeners and the community.  For this reason, it is recommended that beautification projects be funded by other organizations such as city or county governments, chambers of commerce, corporations or utility companies.  The community funds the project and the Master Gardeners provide expertise, labor and management of the project.  

Sanctioned projects are those that have been approved by NETMGA through the proposal procedure.  Some Master Gardener Associations may sanction projects that others do not.   Sanctioned projects may include beautification projects, school enrichment programs, horticultural therapy programs, annual garden shows, etc.

Before submitting a project request form, contact the Projects Chairperson to discuss the feasibility of the proposed project.  

MASTER GARDENER RESPONSIBILITIES

Group participation in sanctioned projects is recommended, i.e. it is not recommended that a project includes only one master gardener.  A project chair should be appointed to organize and implement the project, including scheduling work days and recruiting Master Gardeners to staff the project.

Projects are the primary public relations tool for NETMGA and thus, the projects should always be visible, well-kept and serve the general public.  NETMGA can quickly lose a positive reputation if its projects are not well done or if commitments are not followed.

Each Master Gardener is responsible for reporting his/her hours worked on projects.  Travel time to and from projects and/or travel time to pick up project supplies can count as work hours.

A minimum of 50 percent of required work hours must be on Master Gardener sanctioned projects.