Master Gardener volunteers help extend gardening knowledge into the community.
Master Gardener Exhibit at the 2017 Columbia County Fair
Master Gardener Volunteers
Master Gardener Volunteers visiting Olana
Master Gardener Volunteers
The Master Gardener Program is a national program of trained volunteers
who work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office
to expand educational outreach throughout the community by providing
home gardeners with research-based information. Master Gardeners assist
with gardening projects in the community, teach classes and workshops,
provide information
and soil pH testing at events, and answer gardening questions from callers.
In Columbia and Greene Counties, Master Gardener volunteers are an
integral component of the counties' outreach program in educating:
- Home gardeners
- 4-H Clubs
- Youth in after-school programs
- Community gardeners
- Gardening clubs and other groups
Projects and functions carried out by Master Gardeners are based
on educational priorities. Some of the ways in which Master Gardeners
have been involved include:
- Answering horticultural inquiries on the telephone
- Researching and answering letters
- Writing articles about gardening
- Setting up demonstration projects in public places
- School gardens
- Community improvement projects
- Horticultural therapy
- Organizing plant sales and public events
- County fair informational booths
- Increasing awareness and education of integrated pest management, invasive species, water quality conservation and other environmental issues
Last updated May 10, 2021