2017 Annual Report 2017 Annual Report-Joomag | Page 2

Total Contacts: 189,887 The Urban Wildlife Series informed 21 patrons using a 5-session series about local resources and tools for wildlife identification, ways to attract wildlife, predator/prey impact on the ecosystem, how to distinguish between venomous and nonvenomous snakes, and songbird habitat needs and migration trends. 100% of patrons adopted or are likely to adopt strategies utilizing more native plants in designing a landscape that supports diverse native wildlife after attending the event. 382 Master Naturalist Volunteers reached 5,850 adults through 1,800 educational programs this year. Master Naturalist Volunteers contributed 25,495 volunteer hours, valued at $600,662, supporting their mission to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. The Horticulture Program conducted 38 presentations on various horticultural topics, such as fruit production and residential landscaping, which educated 2,010 Bexar County residents, answered 996 telephone calls and questions related to lawn, garden, and fruit production, 14,570 emails, and presented 52 radio programs on WOAI 1200 AM Live Radio, where 1,158 gardening questions were answered. 278 Master Gardener Volunteers extended outreach to 2,251 adults through 58 gardening and water conservation presentations and contributed 20,377 volunteer hours valued at $480,082. The Master Gardener Hotline answered 804 telephone calls, 338 e-mails, and assisted 29 office visitors. 30 Master Gardener Volunteer interns where trained this year to support the overall Horticulture Program in Bexar County. The Texas Superstar Plant Program introduced 3 new plants this year which included ‘Victoria’ Grape, ‘Balsamic’ Basil, and the 2018 Rodeo Tomato ‘HM 1823’ and conducted 4 variety trials for tomato, watermelon and various ornamental plant selections at 5 different locations. The Youth Gardens Program trained 179 teachers to provide 15,220 students from 86 schools hands-on horticulture, agricultural literacy, nature, environment, and community involvement, an +85% increase from 2016 . Teachers contributed 4,992 volunteer hours valued at $117,612. Fall and Spring Children’s Vegetable Gardens were planted and harvested this year at the San Antonio Botanical Garden and Phil Hardberger Park. 162 children cultivated the land and 68 volunteers contributed 3,757 volunteer hours valued at $88,515. The Children’s Vegetable Garden blog also had 4,124 views. Bexar County Support: $809,262 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Page 2