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
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