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.
• Site visits to a client’s home are not a sanctioned activity and are not
• No recommendations or endorsements of specific products or businesses should be made. Volunteers are acting as representatives of the University of Connecticut and as unbiased
• No oral recommendations for pesticides are made. If recommendations are requested, UConn factsheets or other approved research-driven factsheets may be provided with appropriate recommendations. Clients make their own decision on
• Questions on chemical properties are referred to the National Pesticide
• Master Gardeners should not identify ticks or spiders, or answer medical or legal questions.
• Master Gardeners should not identify mushrooms or try to determine if a plant or mushroom is
• Possible poisoning cases should be immediately referred to the Poison Control Center at the UConn Health Center in Farmington or the National Poison Control
• 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!