Review of Key UConn Master Gardener Policies

In order to protect Active Certified Master Gardeners from liability issues in the course of their duties, the following policies must be followed:

• Volunteers will perform duties without financial compensation or workers compensation coverage. Payment should not be requested for speaking engagements. In lieu of fees, donations to the Master Gardener Program may be accepted. Any monies collected during fundraising activities shall be turned over to the UConn Master Gardener Program.

Master Gardeners are responsible for exercising “duty of care” when assisting clients. In general, “duty of care” is what an ordinary, reasonable, prudent person would say or do in a similar situation. If this principle is violated a lawsuit may follow. Read the following carefully. There are certain situations which call for extra caution:​

Communication Guidelines for Master Gardeners to Clients

• Pesticides, Fungicides, Herbicides​

  Master Gardeners are expected to provide clients with objective information on both synthetic and natural pest control products. While we encourage environmentally-friendly products and practices, we do not exclude or condemn the responsible use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Master Gardeners do not give verbal pesticide recommendations – only written information on these products may be given to clients. This includes horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) which are pesticides and therefore registered with the US EPA. This eliminates the risk of misinterpretation on the part of the client. Master Gardeners can send written factsheets or provide web links on these materials to the clients, who can make their own informed decision.​  If there are questions, inquiries can be directed to Dr. Srikanth Kodati, Assistant Extension Educator – Pesticide Safety Education and IPM, Tolland County Extension Center, 24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT 06066-4599 srikanth.kodati@uconn.edu 860-870-6935

  Biological and Organic Controls​

  There are factsheets from UConn and other educational institutions on organic and biological controls. If research-based information cannot be found, then no information can be given. Do not give “home remedies.” Callers should be advised that scientific trials have not been performed on these products and methods.  Many gardening books contain information that is not supported by scientific research; choose your research sources carefully and check several sources. If using information from other universities, be aware that climate and soil conditions in other parts of the county may limit the applicability of the advice.​

  Site Visits are NOT Allowed​

  If you go to a client’s site, you are acting on your own initiative, not a sanctioned function or activity sponsored by UConn. You are personally liable for your actions.​

  Specific Name Brands or Products​

  Master Gardeners are NOT allowed to endorse any specific product or business. Do not comment on or criticize the work of professional services, i.e., nurseries, pest control or lawn services.​

  Carpenter Ants and Termites​

  Master Gardeners are trained to identify ants and termites, but great care must be taken as these insects can do serious damage costing a homeowner a great deal of money. Always have your coordinator confirm your identification and contact the client with the results.​

  Master Gardeners do NOT give advice on the following:​

  Spiders, snakes, ticks

  There is risk of poisonous varieties. Master Gardeners must not identify these specimens. If a client’s request to identify a specimen is caused by a bite from or consumption of a specimen, refer them immediately to their physician or local health center. There is a possibility of Lyme disease or other diseases connected with ticks. We cannot diagnose whether a specimen is a carrier of these diseases. DO NOT make any health statements. We can provide the client with fact sheets from UConn and from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment station.​​

  Bedbugs

  ​Bedbugs can be confused with similar species. An error could cost a client many hundreds of dollars in unneeded exterminator fees. Refer any suspected specimens to Dr. Gale Ridge, an expert on bedbugs, at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, 06504. Phone (203) 974-8500. Paperwork and submission requirements are available in the offices.​

  Poisonous vs. Edible Plants​

  Identification of a plant from a sample is possible. Remember even edible plants can be poisonous under some circumstances (i.e. rhubarb leaves). After the plant has been identified, the client decides whether it is safe to eat. If someone has ingested a plant with poisonous properties, give the client the number for Poison Control at the UConn Health Center in Farmington, (800) 343-2722 or the National Poison Control Hotline (800)-222-1222.​

  Mushroom Identification​

  Master Gardeners do not identify mushrooms. You may refer the client to the Connecticut Valley Mycological Association. A local Arboretum may also be able to assist the client with identification. As with other health threats, a client concerned about ingestion of a potentially poisonous mushroom should be referred, with the specimen if possible, to a physician.​

  Food Safety and Food Preservation​

  Please refer to Indu Upadhyaya, Associate Extension Professor, Poultry Science and Food Safety, UConn Extension, 24 Hyde Ave, Vernon, CT-06066, 860-871-0776 indu.upadhyaya@uconn.edu

  Residential Water Quality​

  In Connecticut, approximately 15% of residents receive their drinking water from private wells. In rural areas of the state, that percentage increases to greater than 90%. The water quality and home landscape website provides information and resources for homeowners https://ctiwr.uconn.edu/well-testing/

  Commercial Industry Questions​

  We generally take only homeowner calls. Calls and inquiries from professionals and people employed in the green industry should be referred to the appropriate Extension personnel. Questions from a professional may require information not applicable to the average homeowner client (i.e. restricted-use pesticide applications). A list of the appropriate Extension personnel is in the offices.​

• News articles, newsletters, etc., prepared by a volunteer shall be reviewed and approved by a local Master Gardener program coordinator before publication. Articles submitted for print or publication must follow the UConn Master Gardener Coordinators shall be notified of any planned speaking engagements, including audience and topic.
• Requests for information by newspaper reporters or other media should be referred to a local Master Gardener program
• Volunteers do not have the authority to sign contracts on behalf of the University of Connecticut or the UConn Extension Master Gardener

For a more complete discussion of policies concerning Master Gardeners and their roles in extension, contact your local or state program coordinator for clarification.

We are proud of our program and its positive impact on the citizens of Connecticut. Thank you for your continued commitment to its excellence and your generous volunteerism!