2008 Master Gardener
Classes Announced

We are currently seeking volunteers for our Master Gardener Program in Clinton and Essex Counties. There is a considerable time commitment to the program but the rewards are many. You can feel good about teaching and helping others and learn a lot about your favorite subject, gardening, in the process. A practical, hands-on style of presentation will be used, with emphasis on trouble shooting, prevention, using environmentally friendly methods of plant health care.

Master Gardener Volunteer Mission Statement… It is the mission of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program “to train volunteers to teach others how to protect the environment and grow plants more effectively!”

Master Gardener Volunteer Benefits

  • Master Gardener Volunteers receive 50 hours of initial training and an extensive resource notebook as part of this program.
  • Training continues periodically through local/regional workshops and seminars and monthly meetings.
  • Various resources from your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office and Cornell University become available to you.
  • Master Gardener Volunteers work with and learn from others who are actively interested in gardening.

Master Gardener Volunteer Trainee Qualifications

  • Practical experience and a solid knowledge base in gardening
  • Good communications skills and an interest in helping others.
  • A flexible time schedule and a realistic expectation of being able to contribute 50 hours of volunteer time during the calendar year.

Master Gardener Volunteer Training Specifics:

Training for the new Master Gardeners will be held on eleven consecutive Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with a 30 minute lunch break) at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building on Route 22 in Plattsburgh.

Training will run from Sept. 5 through Nov. 14 at a cost of $135

Topics covered during the 50-hour training course include, but are not limited to:

  • composting
  • ecological lawn care
  • insect pests in homes, gardens and yards, beneficial insects
  • planting and maintaining annual and perennial flower gardens
  • selecting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs
  • soil management, pH testing, fertilizer management
  • troubleshooting plant problems, common plant disease and wildlife

Trainees receive related resources in two large 3-ring notebooks to enhance and supplement their training. Upon completion of Master Gardener training, new Master Gardener Volunteers will be mentored by experienced Master Gardeners Volunteers and program coordinators.

Master Gardener
responsibilities include:

  • 50 hours of volunteer service as previously described;
  • Attendance at Master Gardener meetings during the year. These monthly meetings are informative in nature, contain in-service information, and count toward volunteer time;
  • While monthly meeting time provides various opportunities and ideas for involvement, many Master Gardener Volunteers choose areas of special interest in which to work;
  • Active participation in training sessions;
  • Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension in providing reliable, unbiased information to the public.

Examples of Master Gardener projects:

  • Answering gardening questions in the office;
  • Working with seniors or nursing home residents;
  • Creating educational exhibits;
  • Setting up exhibits at local events, farmers’ market, Home Show;
  • Assisting 4-H clubs or schools with gardening projects;
  • Working with community beautification groups;
  • Testing soil pH;
  • Writing articles for our newsletter;
  • Teaching and/or helping with horticultural workshops;
  • Specific projects of interest by individual Master Gardeners.

The Application Process

If you are interested in learning more, please contact your county Cornell Cooperative Extension office - Plattsburgh in Clinton County or Westport in Essex County

You will receive a letter with all the details, a job description and an application. Class size is limited and applications are due in the Cooperative Extension office June 20, 2008.

A personal interview for each candidate will be scheduled in July, with notifications of acceptance mailed shortly after all interviews have been completed.