Membership in MGACRA
The Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area (MGACRA) supports and serves the Master Gardener program with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) program in Planning District 16. The association seeks to promote volunteer and education opportunities for Master Gardeners and to further the mission of educating the community with research-based gardening and environmental-related information.
Yearly dues are $20. Members receive discounts at a number of retailers in the area — see the details below. Funds collected from dues make it possible for MGACRA to offer free educational programs, such as “plant clinics” at the farmers markets and libraries and speakers at the general meetings. The general meetings are generally held monthly at 7pm at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. (Click here for details on the upcoming meeting.)
MGACRA hosts an annual gala that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of Master Gardeners in our region. In addition, each summer MGACRA hosts a picnic for Master Gardeners and their families as a way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone for their ongoing support of the organization’s mission.
Membership in MGACRA is currently open to all Master Gardeners and interns. Active Master Gardener members have full rights and may serve on the MGACRA board and vote in meetings. In addition, Interns who are in the process of meeting the initial requirements to become Master Gardeners, and Associate Master Gardener members, who do not meet the yearly requirements to maintain Master Gardener status, may be members but may not serve on the board.
You can join or renew your membership to MGACRA by mailing a check to MGACRA C/O Gwen Pote, P O Box 339 Stafford VA 22555 or by bringing it in-person either to the VCE Office at the Rowser Building on Rt 1 in Stafford (click here for directions) or t0 a MGACRA meeting.
For additional information on becoming a member of MGACRA, contact Gwen Pote at gpote@vt.edu or (540)658-8000.
Membership Benefits
Members of MGACRA can get discounts at local businesses.
- Stone and Mulch Center is offering a contractor’s 10% percent on mulch and stone related products. It is located at 78 Shelton Shop Road just south of the Bloom shopping market off Garrisonville Road.
- Manual Therapy Solutions (2300 Fall Hill Avenue, Suite 211, Fredericksburg, VA 22401) specializes in helping restore flexibility, balance, and ease of movement when chiropractic or massage isn’t helping. Carol Orrell, the owner and fellow Master Gardener, is offering MGACRA members a 15% discount. Visit Carol’s web site at www.manualtherapysolutions.com.
- Riverby Books (805 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401) offers a wide variety of gently used books, including gardening books. Owners Paul & Steve Cymrot will give MGACRA members a 20% discount.
- Grounds Keepers of Old Towne Fredericksburg (11515 Old William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401) is located just on your left as you are going into downtown on William Street going East from Routes 3 and 1. They are offering 20% discount on all plants and garden items, save for the statuary, which is being offered at 10%.
- Miss Ladybug’s Trinkets and Treasures (10824 Courthouse Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22408; next to the Bug Box) offers 10% off store items and 20% off gardening items.
