Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners (VCE MGs) are members of the local community the pledge to volunteer to educate the public within Planning District 16 about horticultural- and environmental-related information. The volunteers act on behalf of the VCE to provide unbiased, research-based information and serve as a link between the land grant universities and the community. The program has become increasingly important as the rapidly growing population puts more demands on the local extension offices.
The volunteers undergo 50 hours of education from VCE. Afterwards, the Master Gardener interns are each required to provide 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year. Once completed, the volunteers are recognized as Master Gardeners (MGs). They must volunteer 20 hours and receive 8 hours of advanced, continuing education annually in order to maintain the MG status.
The VCE Stafford County Extension Office manages the MG program in PD16, which includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.. The extension agent offers annual Master Gardener classes, normally in the fall. If you are interested in information on the program or to be placed on the information list for next year’s classes, contact the extension office at 540-658-8000 ext. 1056.
2011 Classes
The Fall 2011 Master Gardener Class will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Sept. 13th and run for 11 weeks. Classes will meet 9 a.m. to noon at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office in Stafford at the Rowser Building, 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway.
The class is open to the public, and applications will be accepted until Sept. 9th or the class is full. Class size is limited.
The class will provide intensive instruction in proper horticulture practices and provide the 50-hour requisite training for Volunteer Master Gardener designation.
Cost is $175, which includes the manual. Those completing the class will be required to commit 50 hours to volunteer service the first year, and 20 annual hours after.
For information, call the extension office at 540/658-8000.
