Master Gardener pollinator Memory Garden dedication.
Master Gardener class of 2023!
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Are you interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer? Our next class will start on Tuesday, March 5, 2024!
Please complete the Master Gardener application online: HERE , print and mail, or stop by the office for a paper application.
Classes will take place in-person at 28 Parkside Drive Ellicottville, NY. Zoom option is available. Classes will take place every-other Tuesday evening 6:00pm-8:00pm starting Tuesday March 5, 2024- Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Graduation will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024 8:30am-noon.
You must reside in Cattaraugus or Chautauqua County.
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 individuals 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 gardening and the environment. Each volunteer agrees to give back 50 hours of service over a one-year period, and then continue in the program as a certified Master Gardener Volunteer.
Subjects included in the training program:
Garden Botany
Culture and Maintenance of Herbaceous and Woody Plants
Garden Design
Integrated Pest Management
Lawn Care
Nuisance Wildlife Management
Native Plants
Soils, Fertilizers and Composting
Pruning
Vegetable Gardening
Invasive Plants and Pests
Any much more!
What Does A Master Gardener Do?
Teach gardening to children, adults, educators and community groups
Staff horticultural booths at shows and fairs
Provide horticultural advice to the public at farmer’s markets, garden centers and other venues
Give lectures to garden clubs and community
identify pests and answer horticulture inquiries
Write gardening articles for CCE- Newsletter
Design and maintain demonstration gardens for the benefit of the public
Work with schools to provide garden based learning programming
Act as a mentors and give technical guidance to school and community gardening projects
What are the qualifications to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
A basic interest and knowledge about gardening
Enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing horticultural knowledge and skills
Interest in teaching others
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Understanding of CCE- 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 CCE Program.
Is there a cost for the Master Gardener training class?
- Yes, the class for 2024 is $125 and includes all training materials. There is an additional text book cost, optional.
Last updated November 30, 2023