Master Gardeners

California:

Since 1914, the University of California Cooperative Extension has provided the citizens of California with information and educational programs on agriculture, natural and human resource development. The Master Gardener program was initiated in California in Sacramento and Riverside counties in 1979, and has now expanded to 40 counties throughout the state, training and certifying thousands of Master Gardener volunteers.

Contra Costa County:

The first Contra Costa Master Gardeners were trained in 1983 by farm advisor Dr. Kontaxis. The class is currently offered yearly, with the training location varying from East, West and Central Contra Costa. The class runs for 17 weeks, Thursdays from 10-3pm, and covers the field of horticulture from basic botany to plant pathology. Instructors include UCCE advisors and specialists and local experts in their fields. A passing grade of 70% is necessary to graduate. Newly certified Master Gardener graduates volunteer 75 hours on approved projects within their communities over 12 months. Projects range from staffing the free advice helpline to teaching the community about less toxic approaches to garden and home pest control. Master Gardeners recertify yearly by volunteering 25 hours and maintaining their expertise with 12 hours of continuing education.

 

Note: The Master Gardener class for Contra Costa County is on hold until the county determines whether or not to fund the Extension department which houses the program.

Do you want to be a Master Gardener? Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I interested in learning about plant anatomy, physiology and care?
• Do I have the time to participate in an intense training program?
• Do I believe in volunteering within my community?
• Do I have enough time to complete the volunteer service?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you. Application can be made on-line.

The mission of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Contra Costa Master Gardener Program is to serve California through the creation, development and application of knowledge in agriculture, natural and human resources. The Contra Costa Master Gardener program functions as a volunteer outreach arm of Cooperative Extension, bringing research-based information and knowledge to improve residential horticulture, urban pest management and resource conservation.