Team Coordinator
David Hillock
360 Ag Hall
405-744-5158
Team Administrator
Dale Maronek
360 Ag Hall
405-744-5415
Consumer Horticulture and Urban Forestry Team
David Hillock is the Consumer Horticulture and Urban Forestry Team Coordinator. Our Consumer Horticulture and Urban Forestry Team selected seven priorities relevant to this initiative including; a survey of Oklahoma consumers (gardeners), improving Consumer Horticulture web-based delivery, Master Gardener training, marketing of Extension with an emphasis on Consumer Horticulture, pesticide training and education, youth at risk-obesity/school vegetable gardens, and invasive plants. Of these priorities, the Consumer Horticulture and Urban Forestry Team selected the survey of Oklahoma consumers and web-based delivery as the major priority the impact team will address.
Priority 1: Water Quality and Usage in the Urban and Suburban Environment
During peak summer months a huge strain on municipal water sources occurs due to the demand for the water needed to maintain traditional lawns and landscpaes as well as other non-essential uses such as washing cars, often leadingto water rationing. Educational programs and materials such as those offered through the Xeriscape program are needed to educate the public of alternatives to the traditional landscape. The Xeriscape program is based on seven sound horticultural principles that when practiced results in beautiful, quality landscapes that conserve water and protect the envrionment.
Priority 2: Survey Oklahoma consumers (gardeners)
There hasn’t been a Consumer Horticulture survey in Oklahoma since 1991. When the 1991 survey was completed it provided valuable insight into the needs of Oklahoma’s home gardeners. A current survey would again prove valuable in determining what our future priorities might include. Major changes in the methods home gardeners employ to obtain horticultural information are sure to be reflected in a current survey due to the added resource of the internet since the last survey. Results of the survey would also help focus subject matter for the Oklahoma Gardening television program. Oklahoma Gardening reaches some 175,000 viewers weekly throughout the state on OETA stations.
Priority 3: Web-Based Delivery
The Consumer Horticulture and Urban Forestry Team agree unanimously that our Consumer Horticulture web pages need improvement. Currently the web pages are not very user friendly. Much more information than what is currently available on our web site exists and could be made available to the public. A tremendous improvement would be to enable visitors to search in current information as well as the opportunity to access previously aired Oklahoma Gardening episodes and show notes. At this time no Oklahoma Gardening video clips are available on line. A complete reorganizing of the departmental website may be necessary. It may be a possibility for eXtension to be included in this priority.
Priority 4: Master Gardener Training
On-line modules for Master Gardener training would be invaluable for the State Coordinator and County Educators. Train-the-trainer workshops (intense training of a few Master Gardeners in core curriculum topics) would help in delivery of the Master Gardener curriculum. A more informed and empowered body of Master Gardeners statewide would benefit consumers and market a positive face for Extension.
Priority 5: Marketing of Extension
The Consumer Horticulture and Urban Forestry Team believe Extension as a whole needs to be better marketed. An emphasis on the Consumer Horticulture portion of Extension is in need of improved marketing as well. The importance of Horticulture to the state is terribly understated or understood. The People-Plant connection approach would be a good starting point. An awareness of the fact that plants are represented in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the homes we build, and the air we breathe would help Oklahomans recognize how plants enhance the quality of their lives.
Priority 6: Pesticide Training and Education
Questions pertaining to pesticide use, safety and labeling are some of the most frequently encountered in county offices. Information in this area is difficult to disseminate because it is constantly changing. Education programs addressing intelligent use of pesticides, pesticide container recycling and organic certification would be valuable offerings.
Priority 7: Youth at Risk – Obesity/School Gardens
The Consumer Horticulture and Urban Forestry Team is of the mindset that more needs to be done to curb childhood obesity. Models for school vegetable gardens would be valuable additions if available. Programs to demonstrate the amount of exercise people get while gardening and that show the benefits of exercise and how it would save our state money would prove valuable. Also helpful, would be available information on the health related benefits of the consumption of fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Priority 8: Invasive Plants
Education of homeowners is needed on the subject of invasive plants. Information as to plants that are native vs. naturalized and those that can become detrimental to Oklahoma’s bio-diversity could be better explained if made available. The area of aquatic plants is especially of concern.