Applications for the 2023 Search for Excellence award are due by 5:00 pm CDT March 17, 2023.
Search for Excellence (SFE) is the recognition program of the Iowa Master Gardener program. SFE has six categories:
- Youth Programs
- Demonstration Gardens
- Innovative Projects
- Workshops/Presentations
- Special Needs Audience
- Community Service Projects
Recommended Resource: Internal Evaluation Tools
Through the Search for Excellence recognition program, Master Gardeners can demonstrate their outstanding contributions to their communities, providing significant learning and impact in the local area. All SFE applications must show that significant learning took place, with the focus on educating the general public rather than individual Master Gardeners. All SFE awards recognize outstanding group projects and not individuals completing outstanding work.
Search for Excellence Guidelines
Search for Excellence Application Form
ISU Extension and Outreach Photo Release Form
2022 Search for Excellence Winner:
Dickinson County: Camp Foster YMCA Learning & Donation Garden
2021 Search for Excellence Winner:
Woodbury County: Youth Garden Club
2020 Search for Excellence Winners:
Linn County: Community Outreach Gardens
Marshall County: Youth Education Gardens
2019 Search for Excellence Winner:
Buchanan County: Prairie Pioneer Schoolhouse
2018 Search for Excellence Winners:
Pocahontas County: Garden Extravaganza
Webster County: Frontier Garden
2017 Search for Excellence Winner:
Linn County: Planting for Pollinators
2015 Search for Excellence Winners:
Buchanan County: Wapsipinicon Mill Prairie
Johnson County: Butterfly House at the County Fair
Johnson County: Downtown City Gardens
Marshall County: Youth Teaching Garden
Polk County: Discovery Garden Plant Signage
2013 and 2014 Winners Include: Cass County, Boone County, Warren County, Linn County (2), Mills County, and West Pottawattamie County.