The Latest Dirt - March 2024

2024 UC Master Gardener Conference Great Success

By Dawn Kooyumjian and David George

UC Master Gardeners from around the state converged on the Lake Tahoe region last October for the triennial 2023 UC Master Gardener Program conference. The conference occurred Oct. 2 – 6 at the Granlibakken Tahoe resort in sparkling Tahoe City, California.

We met to discuss the latest horticultural research, best practices, and new techniques to improve gardening success. The conference featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that provided a wealth of information for attendees. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, this was the first in-person UC Master Gardener conference in six years!

The Granlibakken resort, located minutes outside of town, prides itself on preserving the natural environment and providing a space that feels like old Tahoe. Recreational activities (swimming, volleyball, tennis, biking and hiking) were all available on conference grounds, and a 1.5-mile quiet trail led to North Lake Tahoe. The statewide conference was an excellent opportunity to network with other gardening enthusiasts, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights for enhancing gardening knowledge. In addition to the educational sessions, the conference also included opportunities for attendees to connect with UC ANR publications and UC Integrated Pest Management, as well as a marketplace and silent auction where items could be purchased to support local county programs.

The first day was a Coordinators meeting. It was great to see so many fellow Coordinators live and in person. Many I had met only through Zoom, so it was fun to connect finally. Each Coordinator shared a success story. It’s fun, educational, and inspiring to hear about the other county programs across the state. Many of the Coordinators came up to me to say how incredibly impressed they were with the work and results of the Contra Costa program – and you know who makes that possible – YOU!

The 2023 Conference offered various session topics to keep attendees inspired and engaged. Session topics ranged from the future of the VMS (to be retired “in the near future”) to an excellent presentation on fire given by Yana Valachovic, the Forest Advisor and UCCE County Director for Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

I was thrilled to attend Abra Lee’s keynote address. A compelling storyteller, an accomplished author, and an esteemed professional in the field of horticulture, Lee offered an enlightening and engaging session. Her presentation was “The Invincible Garden Ladies.” She told inspiring stories of Black America’s pioneering women in horticulture in the 1920s. After her talk, I had the opportunity to chat with her one-on-one.

One session topic I particularly enjoyed was “Trees for Tomorrow,” presented by UCCE Advisor and environmental horticultural researcher Janet Hartin, who lives in Palm Springs. Her “Trees for Tomorrow” project focuses on tree education and giveaways for residents who live in low-shade neighborhoods. I’d love to implement a version of her project in Contra Costa. Another fascinating session I attended was “Invasive Pests: Identification, Status, and Action” by MacKenzie Patton, Community Educator for Urban and Community, UC IPM. Most examples are invading Southern California, e.g., the pink hibiscus mealybug. But is Contra Costa next? Other general sessions focused on Gardening in a Changing Climate, IPM, and other topics of Master Gardener interest.

Besides the informative sessions, the conference offered tours and treks. One was a guided tour of the Historic Tallac Estate and Gardens, including the Baldwin Estate (Tallac Museum), the historic demonstration gardens and a walk to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Also offered was an opportunity to observe the Kokanee Salmon spawning, which they were at the time!

My favorite moment was awarding the Gardener’s Choice Award for Outstanding Photography to one of our own, Alameda County UC Master Gardener and Nutrition Educator, Yolanda Silva. Her “Dirty Hands” photograph is at once inspirational and poignant. I hope you consider attending the next state UC Master Gardener Conference in 2026.