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CSU Extension reports rebound in volunteer engagement; 4‑H and Master Gardener programs highlight county work
Summary
Boulder County's CSU Extension presented volunteer program numbers and trends May 22: staff reported roughly 250 volunteers and about 12,400 volunteer hours last year (with 4‑H hours underreported), discussed program offerings and outreach, and invited POSAC to the county fair and other events.
Eric Hammond, director of the Boulder County Extension office, told the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee on May 22 that Extension’s volunteer programs — led by university curricula and delivered locally — have rebounded since COVID and now include roughly 250 registered volunteers who together reported about 12,400 hours last year.
Hammond said two of the best‑known programs are Colorado Master Gardener and 4‑H. He noted the 4‑H total of roughly 9,000 hours in the staff slides reflects underreporting: only 27 of about 150 4‑H volunteers reported hours, so actual 4‑H volunteer effort is higher. Extension also runs a Master Wildlife volunteer program, native‑plant training (currently on hiatus while staffing stabilizes), a community garden program, and other locally tailored efforts.
Long‑time volunteers described program impacts. Melanie Boren, a 17‑year 4‑H volunteer, explained 4‑H is a year‑round, project‑based youth development program that culminates in exhibits at the Boulder County Fair; she told POSAC leaders gain and pass on skills and that the program includes community service and public‑speaking requirements for youth. Kelly Thomas, a volunteer and club leader, described leadership continuity in the county’s 4‑H clubs and invited POSAC to the county fair; Extension staff said horse shows begin July 27 and the public portion of the fair begins around Aug. 1.
Pat Butler, a long‑time Master Gardener volunteer, reviewed Master Gardener services: plant diagnostic clinics, farmers‑market and garden‑center tables, community talks, and maintenance of demonstration and trial gardens. Butler said Boulder’s Master Gardener program expanded training and outreach over decades and now includes about 80 active Master Gardeners.
Committee members asked about trends and access. Derek Turner asked whether youth enrollment was rising; Extension staff said membership fell by about one‑third during COVID but is climbing back, with livestock project counts increasing from roughly 500 animals identified last year to over 700 this year. POSAC and Extension staff also discussed program accessibility and outreach: Hammond and others said Extension is working to make programs attractive to urban residents and to offer shorter, episodic volunteer opportunities alongside year‑long commitments.
Hammond reminded POSAC that Extension is the county‑nested outreach arm of Colorado State University, operating under a memorandum of understanding that provides office space, IT and administrative support from Boulder County Parks and Open Space. Carol Byerly referenced the federal Smith‑Lever Act (1914) in discussion, which established cooperative extension services; Extension volunteers and staff noted the program’s long history and community contributions.
Why this matters: Extension volunteer programs deliver services that support county gardening education, youth development and outreach on natural‑resource issues; volunteers amplify county capacity for programming, diagnostics and community events such as the county fair.
Next steps: Extension staff will supply requested details on volunteer hours and budgets on follow‑up, and POSAC members were invited to Extension events and to the county fair this summer.
