Eddie,

This is probably a pretty good idea. It should help to lend a bit more continuity to the programs across the country. It would be my hope that it would help to inspire "raising the bar" a bit. There are some superb groups and individuals out there that can provide excellent examples of leadership to help fledgling organizations/individuals achieve a sense of direction. It might also help to refocus some groups/individuals that are wavering from the mission statement.

Already I have seen improvements in the postings on this very forum. While some may harbor apprehensions about the title of "Master Gardener" and offer less pretentious monikers, I am not one of them. I suggest that if you feel embarrassed by the name, improve your knowledge base to the level that you feel adequately satisfies those deficiencies. Instead, become a horticultural, community leader who humbly masters green knowledge.

I am pleased that on a number of discussions on this forum, research-based education is clearly the goal; as opposed to a social garden club with a convenient pool of slave labor just a phone call away through the local extension office.

IronBelly