First Master Gardener Volunteer Program comes to CCE Madison

Even if you’ve only dipped a toe in the gardening world, chances are you’ve heard of the Master Gardener program. This program, associated with land grant universities across the nation, began as a way to increase the knowledge of the common gardening crowd and increase the spread of the science-based knowledge provided by these universities. A few years ago, Cornell added an additional word onto the program’s name: Volunteer. What a very important word.

Volunteers, as any non-profit can tell you, are the life and breath of getting things done. Without the volunteers at several of my previous jobs, many of whom I still remember well, not nearly as many meaningful projects would have been accomplished. People volunteer for many different reasons, especially wanting to help others. So why not become a Master Gardener Volunteer with CCE Madison?

If you become a MGV, you will be required to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours during your first year. Volunteering must be educational in nature and may include:

Helping people learn to grow vegetables with the Seed to Supper program

Writing articles for CCE Madison,

Giving presentations/programs at CCE Madison and in your community

Answering gardening questions via a Master Gardener hotline

And many more

Don’t delay, sign up today with CCE Madison to become one of our first Master Gardener Volunteers!

The very first MGV program in Madison County will begin with a training coordinated through our CCE Madison offices in Morrisville. This 22week, intensive training starts January 15th and will give you in-depth, science-based knowledge on a variety of gardening topics including plant biology, plant pathology, taxonomy and more. If you ever wanted to get a degree in Horticulture, this is the closest to it without going back to college!

Prior to the training, applicants must submit an application, be interviewed by the MGV coordinator, pass a background check and submit their registration fee for the training on a sliding scale of $50 to $150 to cover programming costs including training materials, speaker fees etc. Most of the training will take place online, except for monthly in-person workshops. These workshops are designed to support the topics covered each month and give participants the opportunity to discuss issues, ask questions and build comradery.

For more information, contact Patty Catalano, MGV Coordinator at 315-684-3001 ext. 123. If you’re ready to apply, go to http://madisoncountycce.org/ gardening/master-gardener-volunteers scroll down and click on the ‘Master Gardener Volunteer Application’. Completed applications are due December 1st and can be emailed to: patriciamae@cornell.edu or mailed to CCE Madison, c/o Patty Catalano, P.O. Box 1209, Morrisville, NY 13408, or dropped off at 100 Eaton Street, Morrisville, NY 13408.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/ EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting our office. For further assistance or information please call (315) 684-3001.

First Master Gardener Volunteer Program comes to CCE Madison.