Master Gardener true to Extension’s mission
As Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County celebrates its centennial beginning this month, it is also looking forward to what it hopes to achieve in
the next 100 years. One thing is for sure, though: The group will never forget its original mission.
“Our roots are embedded in agriculture and farming,” said Bernadine Wiesen, the local organization’s executive director.
From the beginning, food production has gone hand in hand with consumer sciences — pro- ducing food for consumption and preservation. In fact, it was the cornerstone on which Cornell Cooperative Extension was founded, to teach young boys the latest farming techniques so they, in turn, could teach their fathers.
Today, the group’s agricultural component includes high tech and evolutionary farming, assisting people like Eric Sheffer, who operates an organic transitioning dairy in northern Rensselaer County. Cooperative Extension works with producers, from farmers to specialized busi- nesses, providing consulting and research-based resources.
“We’ve been helping farmers develop crops for 100 years,” said local board President Don Maurer.
Maurer’s faming knowledge spans beyond agriculture. He and his wife completed Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener program, a horticultural resource that supports those with a love of gardening. Agriculture primarily entails crop plants and animals, while horticulture includes fruit, vegetable and ornamental agriculture.
The Master Gardener program empowers individuals to share their love of gardening throughout the community. Diane Madden joined the program, which has been around for 40 years, shortly after moving to the area from New Jersey 10 years ago, when her son enrolled at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She graduated from the program in 2012 and today works with children, helps with community projects and demonstration gardens, conducts garden tours and speaks to various organizations.
“I have said this a thousand times to people: Master Gardener is not just something that looks good in your obituary,” Madden explained.
Candidates are interviewed and selected to become part of the program. Following selection, they are expected to complete a 14-week Master Gardener training course. After passing a written exam, first- and secondyear trainees are required to volunteer 50 hours annually, with all participants required to volunteer 30 hours per year in order to maintain their active status.
Master Gardeners take turns manning a hotline available during Cooperative Extension office hours, researching and answering questions raised by the public. Anyone can call the office and get answers to questions about soil, plant selection and care.
“If you have an insect or spot on a leaf, you can bring in a sample or email a picture,” Madden said.
Master Gardeners also design and maintain the demonstration garden, which, Madden said, gives visitors a view of several different types of gardens: pollinator, grass, vegetable and herb. Master Gardeners also give presentations and write professional articles while also having the opportunity to interact with others with a common interest.
“It was like coming into a big family, Madden said.
Madden said the Master Gardener program is not only about teaching, but also about learning, expanding personal knowledge through workshops, resources, conferences and other training opportunities.
“We are always asking what is new and relevant,” Wiesen said. “We are always evolving to meet the changing needs of this community.