ISHS Acta Horticulturae 639: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Expanding Roles for Horticulture in Improving Human Well-Being and Life Quality
EXPANDING VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION'S 4-H HORTICULTURE PROGRAMMING |
| Authors: | E.J. Phibbs, D. Relf, J.R. Hunnings, K.A. Jamison |
| Keywords: | youth gardening, needs assessment, evaluation, horticulture curriculum, Master Gardeners |
| Abstract:
Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) 4-H has a long history of horticulture programming; for example, the first Extension programs for youth were corn clubs for boys and tomato growing and canning clubs for girls (http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/about.html#history). In order to ensure the long-term growth and development of VCE’s 4-H youth horticulture projects, a needs assessment was completed. 4-H agents, Agriculture and Natural Resource agents, and Master Gardener Coordinators were surveyed to determine the current status of horticulture programs and projects, target areas for new programming, and identify available resources and resource needs. Interviews were conducted with VCE specialists and staff of the arboreta and botanic gardens in Virginia to establish new directions for partnerships in programming. The response to the needs assessment showed that at least 67 percent of counties recently did youth horticulture programming. The results identified specific areas for new growth and the need for improved methods of communication and resource sharing. The results were shared with the 4-H Plant, Soils, and Entomology Curriculum Committee to assist in developing new support resources and curriculum. In the phone interviews, all of the 4-H camp centers expressed an interest in having curriculum modified to fit their time constraints. Little collaboration was found to exist between 4-H groups and arboreta and botanical gardens but great opportunities could be provided to 4-Hers through these gardens. A web site is under construction to provide VCE staff with quick access to the best horticulture curriculum, projects, and information available. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
