Impact Report

TitleMaster Gardener Answerline Provides E-Answers
Impact Summary

 Master Gardener volunteers in Marion County provided timely answers to 838 e-mail messages on gardening related questions in less than 6 months in a newly reestablished e-mail Master Gardener Answerline.
Issue



 A recent national survey (2002) reported that 79 percent of U.S. households participate in one or more types of indoor and outdoor lawn and garden activities. This means over 278,000 households in Marion County may need information on gardening. Efficient methods are needed to reach this large audience
What was done












 An electronic Purdue Extension-Marion County "Master Gardener Answerline" was created in 2001 to provide answers to gardening questions from the public via e-mail. However, the e-mail address had to be changed during 2003. A new partnership was created with a local radio station in March 2003 to promote the new e-mail Master Gardener Answerline (marionmg@purdue.edu) on their website. The Answerline was also publicized on radio, in the weekly home and garden calendar of the local newspaper (print version and website) and in other print media. Links to the e-mail Answerline were placed on several other websites. Displays at major events were also used to promote the new e-mail address of the Master Gardener Answerline. The Extension Educator trained 14 Master Gardener volunteers by e-mail to help provide a quick response to questions from the public. The Master Gardeners were given information on how to use the webmail system from their home computers as well as guidelines on answering questions via e-mail. In addition, they were given a list of website addresses where they can find recommended information online. The Educator monitored the system and supervised the operation.
Impact





















 (Marion County Master Gardener volunteers answered 838 e-mail messages on gardening related questions in less than 6 months (March-August 2003). This was more than 3 times the number of messages answered in a 12-month period the previous year. The e-mail Master Gardener Answerline allows the public to ask questions when it is convenient for them. Answers are provided on a timely basis (usually within 24 hours). Website links are supplied when possible for more thorough information on the subject. The following unsolicited comments provide evidence that the newly reestablished e-mail Master Gardener Answerline is a success. Comments from the public show how Master Gardener volunteers are meeting needs: "Thank you for the helpful information and prompt response. This is exactly the information I need." "Thanks so much! I was able to download and print the publications. Thanks again." "I greatly appreciate you sharing your knowledge; thanks again for the vast, educated information!" "Thank you, you were absolutely correct!" "Thank you so much! Such great service - I am grateful." "Thank you so much for your helpful service answering questions for me. I rely on your expert help and you have been so prompt with answers for me." "Thanks a lot. This info is a great help...and it's nice to know those resources are easily available." "THANK YOU! I am impressed with how quickly you responded." "Thank you for the quick and very informative response. We are very fortunate to have Purdue U. in Indiana." Comments from Master Gardener volunteers show they enjoy their experience and learn from it: "I am thoroughly enjoying my volunteer work with the Answerline and glad I volunteered." A manager with the radio station is also satisfied: "...it certainly seems like a great addition to our list of user services. I can't thank you enough for coordinating this program."
Cooperators WIBC radio, The Indianapolis Star