The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Tree Steward Manual

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Tree Steward Manual is an open educational handbook designed to aid Extension Master Gardeners training to be tree stewards, though it is also an appropriate resource for anyone interested in learning about trees and tree care. The book contains information about selecting and planting appropriate trees for Virginia landscapes, caring for trees, and troubleshooting tree problems.

Creating a Workplace Culture of Preventive Health: Process and Outcomes of the Colon Cancer–Free Zone at Virginia Cooperative Extension

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, yet is highly preventable and detectable at an early stage through screening. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) implemented a worksite colon cancer awareness program to increase colorectal cancer screening rates and preventive lifestyle behaviors among its employees. The Colon Cancer–Free Zone program is designed using best practice principles of worksite health programs and includes information sessions covering the topics of colorectal cancer, screening guidelines, insurance coverage, and preventive lifestyle behaviors. It is conducted in a campaign format that includes a strategic communication strategy targeting relevant screening barriers and facilitators, peer champions, and incentives. The program was implemented with VCE employees statewide utilizing a web-based system for the information sessions, and resulted in broad participation, a significant increase in screening self-efficacy (4.15 ± 0.64 vs 3.81 ± 0.76, ρ = 0.006), changes in diet and physical activity (50% and 40% of participants, respectively), and a 20.6% increase in the employee colorectal cancer screening rate. A Colon Cancer–Free Zone toolkit was developed for use by Extension Agents to implement the program at worksites in their service communities.

Lessons from Virginia Cooperative Extension A glance at its structure and function

Virginia Cooperative extension is a part of US cooperative extension system operated through Virginia State University and Virginia tech with the support of federal, state and local governments. The structure and function of the Virginia extension has changed to serve the people in changing time, need and space. Unlike other countries, Virginia cooperative extension system is very unique as it provides complete package of extension services to the society guided by the Federal Government of USA. Through its multi-dimensional, multi-structured, and multi-leadership approach, it serves the society in many innovative ways. It provides almost all kinds of advisory services, training, demonstration and support with respect to crop and animal husbandry, industry, weather, safety and human health. In this manuscript, we made an attempt to bring these services before the world. It is based on a review of literature from books, papers, Virginia Cooperative Extension website, and personal discussions and observations. The paper reveals that Virginia tech is an important agent of Virginia extension system with a vast network to educate and train people of the society for sustainability of environment, agriculture and human health that have demonstrative utility for other countries of the world.

Assessing the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Manual

The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener (MG) Coordinator Manual, a 14-chapter resource book, was developed cooperatively with teams of VCE MGs, coordinators, and agents to enhance coordinators' skills. It includes chapters on risk management, volunteer management, the educational process, current policies, and the volunteer section of the VCE Master Gardener's Handbook. The VCE MG Coordinator Manual was the basis of four local VCE MG coordinator-training sessions in 1998. This evaluation showed that coordinators are using the manual and adapting the suggestions and samples to fit their local programs, despite the fact that more planning time is often required. Those using the manual increased their understanding of VCE goals and the role of the VCE MG and slightly increased their leadership skills. Reading the manual showed a need for information on training VCE MGs to work with agents to design and implement strong horticulture education programs for Virginia communities. Areas for improvement were identified before final publication.