Events

Master Gardeners play an important role in promoting food justice within urban environments. The presentation examines how Master Gardeners can leverage their expertise to empower under-served communities to overcome food insecurity and economic disparity through sustainable urban agriculture. Coy's passion for sustainable food systems fuels his work as co-owner of Poitier and Associates, an agricultural…
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Working with under-served audiences can present many challenges, but also opportunities IF one knows where to start. Often, modifications are made to traditional programming, usually with limited success. This session will present new perspectives and practical tips for creating effective programming for under-served audiences of all kinds. Nancy Kuhajda is a Horticulture Educator with the…
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Changes in memory function can be scary but a missed appointment or a forgotten name are not necessarily indicative of something more serious either. During this session, Mr. Crocker will explore typical and atypical memory function as people age, including dementia, and also discuss healthy habits for the brain and body. Andy Crocker joined Texas…
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Just as tending to soil yields stronger gardens, tending to appreciation yields more meaningful volunteer experiences. Join us to broaden notions of volunteer appreciation and explore creative ways to help volunteers feel seen, heard, and valued. This session draws on research to inspire formal and informal ways to honor the efforts of all volunteers. Sue…
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Today’s farmers are more than growers—they’re storytellers, healers, and connectors, re-imagining agriculture as a tool for joy, unity, and change. As an LGBTQ farmer in a traditionally conservative region, Brett experienced firsthand how focusing on shared joys—like flowers and the land—can bridge divides, create community, and inspire healing. Brett will share how farming helped him…
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In order for Extension Master Gardener programs to grow, they must recruit, embrace, and work side-by-side with Gen Z volunteers. However, generational gaps create a sense of disconnect, as each generation grew up with different ways of thinking, communicating, and understanding the world. In this interactive and bucket filling presentation, Emily will identify Gen Z…
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A new initiative at Texas A&M University is entitled Plant, Nature and Health. This session describes the research and outreach programs that are currently underway that highlight the benefits of plants and green spaces. Dr. Charlie Hall grew up in the industry on a nursery in Western North Carolina. Although an economist by training, he…
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Discover the secrets to successfully growing pecans and the many reasons to enjoy them in your diet. This session will cover essential tips for cultivating healthy pecan trees, from site selection to maintenance and harvesting. Learn about the nutritional benefits of pecans, their role in a healthy lifestyle, and delicious ways to incorporate them into…
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Have you ever eaten a pluot, aprium, or nectaplum and wondered where it came from, or whether such a genetic concoction is possible in the first place? Come explore the diverse world of stone fruit and learn about the many exciting varieties of hybrids among them! This session will cover the history of inter-specific hybridization…
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Across the world, chefs, farmers, plant scientists and everyday growers are doing something extraordinary: creating new generations of fruit, vegetables and cereals that will flourish locally, taste delicious, increase diversity and contribute to a sustainable and robust food future. In this illustrated talk, Mr. Alexander will don his seed-detective homburg to meet 21st century seed…
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