FAQs on Public Knowledge Sharing Hours in VMS

What type of activity counts towards Public Knowledge Sharing (PKS) hours?

- Time spent doing research on horticulture information to be shared with the public.
- Dissemination of research-based horticulture information (speaking to the public, writing an article, leading an activity, making signs for a garden, etc.).
- Promoting, marketing, editing, or other administrative time for an activity with the primary purpose of educating the public with research-based knowledge (example: editing the Grow, Know, Go newsletter).

How do I enter my time in VMS for PKS hours?

1. Login to VMS, select the category “PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE SHARING (PKS).”
2. Verify the date.
3. Under ‘VOL Hours,’ input the # of hours you spent on PKS. Do not include travel time.
4. In the Description box, input a brief description of what you did (example: talk to neighbor about tree planting).
5. Click ‘Add.’

I talked to a customer at Lowe’s about which plants are best for pollinators. Does that count towards PKS hours?

Yes, if the information you shared is research-based and your conversation was >15 minutes, it counts.

I spent 2 hours working in our community garden with other neighbors, does that count?

No, if you were doing maintenance in the garden.
Yes, if you were teaching your neighbors about best garden practices for >15 minutes.

I spent 2 hours working in one of the DCMG project demonstration gardens with other Master Gardeners, teaching them how to plant tomatoes. Does that count towards PKS hours?

No, because the activity was not open to the public.

I organized a lesson for the public at one of our DCMG demonstration gardens, but only MGs attended. Does that count towards PKS hours?

Yes, because it was open to the public.

I was shopping at a nursery in Collin County, and a customer asked me which plants were drought tolerant. I shared my knowledge acquired through the MG program with the customer for 45 minutes. Does that count towards PKS hours?

Yes, however, please be mindful that what is accurate for Dallas County may not be accurate for all counties.

I signed up to volunteer at the Japanese maple tree sale pick-up. Does that count towards PKS hours?

Yes, if you will be interacting with the public and sharing best practices on how to plant and care for the tree.

Working at any plant sale counts towards PKS hours, if you are sharing knowledge about how to care for the plants being sold.

I taught a class of MG interns how to make compost. Does that count towards PKS hours?

No, because MG interns are considered part of the DCMG program, not the ‘public.’ However, it does count towards volunteer hours in the MG School category (mentoring).

I led a guided walk at a local park in which the public is invited. We talked about wildflowers, trees, and bugs. Does that count towards PKS hours?

Absolutely.

Does PKS include information shared with homeowners in our development via our FB page?

Yes, if the information shared is research-based.

Does PKS include formal outreach such as public speaking or volunteering at a Help Desk table at North Haven Gardens where customers ask for advice?

Yes. Any activity which shares research-based horticulture information with the public counts towards PKS hours.

I researched an article for a newsletter. Does that count?

Yes, if the article is in a publication that is distributed to the public.

No, if the article will only be available to Master Gardeners.

Hour Reporting FAQ

FAQs on Public Knowledge Sharing Hours in VMS