Apply now to be in the next Master Gardener Volunteer training program!

Master Gardener Volunteers providing advice to a visitor at the 2016 Suburban Home Show booth

Master Gardener Volunteer taking part in Take Root a Training in Nature Awareness Education

MGV's at the 2015 Stone Barns Training.

Master Gardener Volunteers Tending the demonstration garden at Rockland CCE

Master Gardener Volunteers Tending the demonstration garden at Rockland CCE

Master Gardener Volunteers Tending the demonstration garden at Rockland CCE

Image by Samantha Wood, Production and Marketing Assistant CCE-RC

Vegetables grown in the IPM Demonstration Gardens by CCE-RC Master Gardener Volunteers

IPM Demonstration Gardens at CCE-RC

Master Gardeners at the First Citizens Walk at Rockland Lake

Master Gardeners at the First Citizens Walk at Rockland Lake

Master Gardener Volunteer Donna teaching attendees of our Veg Out Day program on 3/13/16

Master Gardener volunteer Chrissy, participating in Veg Out Day Activities on 3/13/16

Master Gardener Volunteers

Fall 2024 Master Garden Volunteer Program

If you would like to help improve the environment and natural beauty of your community and you enjoy sharing your knowledge/expertise with others gardening, then consider becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer!

What is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program?

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a nationwide educational program, and in New York State, consists of a corps of volunteers who are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening.

Master Gardener Volunteers are volunteers from the community who enjoy gardening , and use their horticultural skills and expertise to educate others. In return for their training, Master Gardener Volunteers donate their time teaching the community about their gardening and the environment. Each volunteer agrees to give back 100 hours of service over a two-year period, and then continue in the program as a certified Master Gardener Volunteer.

Master Gardener Volunteer activities include:

• Teaching gardening to children, adults, educators and community groups in the demonstration gardens,schools, libraries and other public venues.
• Working with schools in after-school programs and school gardens
• Offering lectures and workshops at libraries, schools and in the community
• Answering horticultural inquiries and assisting in the Horticultural Diagnostic Lab
• Writing articles about gardening
• Creating and staffing horticultural booths at shows and fairs
• Providing advice to the public at farmer’s markets, garden centers and other venues
• Community improvement and beautification projects
• Horticultural therapy at local health care facilities
• Increasing awareness of integrated pest management, water quality and conservation and other environmental issues

Neighbors teaching neighbors about:

• Container Gardening
• Gardening with Children
• Landscape & Garden Design
• Lawn Care
• Native Plants
• Vegetables & Fruits
• Herbs
• Houseplants
• Plant Diseases
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Wildlife Management
• Attracting Birds, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
• Composting
• Organic Gardening
• Water Conservation
• And much, much more

What are the qualifications to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

• A basic interest and knowledge about landscape and gardening
• Enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing horticultural knowledge and skills
• Interest in teaching others
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Understanding of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s educational mission
• Flexible time schedule to allow participation in the program
• Willingness to volunteer time on horticultural projects and to help meet the goals of the county’s Cornell Cooperative Extension Program.

Being a Master Gardener Volunteer is both a rewarding and gratifying experience. Master Gardeners add beauty and knowledge to the many lives they touch.

Last updated July 31, 2024