2014 Conference Bids

Fresno, Madera & Mariposa Master Gardener Programs, Collaborative Conference Bid

Fresno, Madera and Mariposa Master Gardeners, some 300+ strong, are excited to be working together to host the Statewide Conference at the stunning Tenaya Lodge and Conference Center located just two miles from the southern gate of Yosemite National Park. The state-of-the-art, award-winning Conference Center offers every amenity to enhance a learning environment. The Lodge welcomes guests with breathtaking beauty and warmth, is centrally located between southern and northern California and is situated on 35 acres bordering the Sierra National Forest. There are 297 guest rooms, including cottages and suites, 5 restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, Wi-Fi in every room, a full service spa, hiking and biking trails on the property and outdoor fire pits to keep you warm while star-gazing or making S’mores after a long day. There are other hotels, restaurants, shops, art galleries and an RV park and campground a 20 minute drive away in Oakhurst, CA. Additional destination campgrounds are located approximately a 10 minute drive from the Lodge.

Tenaya Lodge

Our three counties have diverse growing climates, from Mediterranean to foothill to high Sierra, which offer several unique and beautiful sites that will be used for Pre and Post-Conference tours. Examples are tours to the Central Valley highlighting gardens using sustainable landscaping practices including a special tour to the fascinating 10 acre Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno County. The gardens were built by a Sicilian immigrant trying to escape the brutal heat of the desert-like Central Valley and are an oasis where you will see exotic trees and grapevines planted beneath the surface. A Madera County Master Gardener, who is also a professional photographer and Yosemite National Park guide, will lead guided hikes and photo shoots for those who want to put on their hiking boots and really explore. Master Gardeners from Mariposa County will showcase foothill gardening at its best, 19th century historic buildings from the California Gold Rush days and finally, the jewel of Mariposa County, the magnificent Yosemite National Park, where we will offer half and full-day tours from the Lodge.

Orange County Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardeners of Orange County invite you to a new and exciting place for the State Conference: Southern California. Because of our location, we extend the invitation to families, too. Orange County is one of the top family destinations in the United States, known for its clean beaches, Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm. Master Gardener led workshops – designed for families – will additionally pique the interest of future gardeners. HOWEVER, if you come to the convention to get away, we haven’t forgotten you. There are world class shopping locations (including great nurseries – you’ll get a list and a map and suggestion, upon request, to fit your priorities!), fabulous one-of-a-kind tours, and a Master Gardener marketplace you won’t believe. The average temperature in October hovers around 70 degrees with little chance of rain. Lodgings are abundant: from the major hotels to campgrounds and RV parks. Two prospective convention resorts are near the Orange County Airport (one near a major shopping plaza), and the third is near the Disneyland Resort/ Anaheim Convention Center. All three hotels have excellent conference amenities, will seat 600 in the main conference room and have sufficient breakout rooms. Accessibility was a primary consideration for all conference choices.

Orange County Coast

And then there are tours! See the UCCE South Coast Research and Extension Center, (SCREC), located on 200 acres and established by the University of California in 1956 as a representative site for agricultural research in California's south coastal plain-temperate climatic zone. Visit the 2010 Search for Excellence award winning Farm and Food Lab in the Orange County Great Park (where there will be family activities as well) replete with 12 hands-on themed gardens, an outdoor classroom, compost and vermicomposting bins, an espaliered fruit tree orchard, a container blueberry orchard, potting benches, and seasonal exhibits. Go to Sherman Gardens to view a museum of living plants – plus a specialized research library center devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest. Don’t miss Casa Pacifica, the world-famous estate where President Richard Nixon vacationed during his time as President and lived after leaving the White House. Look for the mature Magnolia tree which Pat Nixon originally planted as a seedling from a tree that President Andrew Jackson brought to the White House. On to Mission San Juan Capistrano, a 236 year old monument with 10 acres of museum rooms, exhibits, gardens, fountains and more. For a unique artistic architectural garden experience, visit the Noguchi Gardens, where you will view California Scenario, an abstraction of the State’s diverse natural environment: Desert Land, Forest Walk, Water Source, Land Use, Energy Fountain, and Water Use. Our 300+ OC Master Gardeners will welcome you with open arms. See you there!