Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 4, 1993 TAG: 9311030048
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Joe Hunnings
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
How about a change this winter? How about becoming a Master Gardener?
Master Gardeners are a unique group of volunteers trained by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service on up-to-date, research-based horticultural information. They provide an effective network of horticulture programs and activities to enhance their communities.
Master Gardener Program was created by Extension to meet the enormous demand for horticultural information by home gardeners.
This increased demand derives primarily from the urban and transient nature of modern American life. Fifty years ago, an Extension agent may have dealt with the questions and concerns of a few hundred farm families. However, today, in many regions, land that once comprised a single farm now encompasses several subdivisions, increasing the number of families an Extension office must serve by the hundreds.
In addition, many of these new families are recent arrivals, and are unfamiliar with the grasses, shrubs, trees, diseases, etc., which comprise the microenvironment of their new urban or suburban home. Often, they will call their local Extension office for advice on what to plant and how to care for it.
Consequently, the Master Gardener Program was created in 1972 in the state of Washington. Since then it has spread to 48 states.
In our area, the program is known as the New River Valley Master Gardeners and has been in existence since 1987. Volunteers come from Montgomery, Giles, Floyd, Pulaski and other surrounding counties.
Master Gardeners have become a vital part of Extension's ability to provide plant lovers with up-to-date, reliable knowledge so they can enjoy and protect the value of horticulture around their homes. Master Gardening has also become a fun and useful volunteer activity which has given its participants a sense of community spirit, accomplishment, and intellectual stimulation.
Participants receive 50 hours of training. In return, they agree to volunteer 50 hours of time helping Cooperative Extension. Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Educating homeowners about yard waste management and composting
Maintaining public gardens in your community
Conducting diagnostic visits
Making horticultural presentations
Working with youth-gardening programs
Helping with Master Gardener program management
Operating plant clinics
In addition, volunteers can get involved in many other horticultural projects that promote learning and involvement in our communities.
Training begins January 18, 1994, and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on the Virginia Tech campus.
For more information and an application, call the Montgomery County Extension Office, 382-5790. There is a registration and textbook fee of $50. The deadline for applications is December 10, 1993.
If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify the Montgomery County Extension office at 382-5790, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
by CNB