Want to be a Master Gardener Volunteer?
Who We Are
Areas of Specialty
What �We Do
Share knowledge with the public through a variety of year-round programs
Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who teach about research-based sustainable home landscape practices.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Mission Statement
The Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners serve as an educational outreach on scientific horticultural topics to citizens of the Rockbridge area. We accomplish this through gardening hot lines, plant clinics, education in public schools, gardening programs and maintaining demonstration gardens.
We are an adjunct to the local Cooperative Extension Agent and serve under the auspices of the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
We are a community service organization committed to sharing sound horticultural practices through various projects, homesite visits, and programs and lectures.
Being committed to service as a Master Gardener Volunteer….The words enjoyment, lifelong learning, responsibility to future generations, taking care of our earth and finally a sense of accomplishment all come to mind. The enjoyment of talking with fellow MG’s and that feeling of camaraderie. Learning new ‘geeky’ facts about plants, bugs & soil and taking care of our wonderful county/ecosystem. Class of 2002, Barbara Thomas
Barbara Thomas, Class of 2002, receiving her 9000 Volunteer Hours Award at Master Gardener College 2023
Application Process
Criteria for Acceptance
�Master Gardener Volunteer Training � �
�� Study at Home with Syllabus & VCE Handbook and Web Site���
Checking for Understanding
Modules Quizzes
Class Training Schedule
Click for Current Schedule
Technology We Use
Better Impact
Online tool used to report volunteer hours and engagement
LAB TOPICS
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Lab activities allow the trainees to verify, clarify, amplify, and apply what they are learning from the training handbook.
Pruning and Woody Plants
Soils and Nutrients Lab
Plant Problem Solving
Propagation
Entomology
Labs are held afternoons, weekends, or in the evening.
Native, Nonnative & Invasive Plants
Herbaceous Plants & Tree ID
Vegetable and Fruit
Labs are held at Master Gardener homes or at Approved Projects.
Water Quality & Conservation
How to Get Your Volunteer Hours?
Plant Clinic and Help Desk
Purpose: To research and solve plant problems for the public
Plant Clinic is offered at community locations/events.
Help Desk is located in the Lexington Cooperative Extension.
School Garden Projects
Natural Bridge Elementary Waddell Elementary
Partnership Demonstration Garden Projects
Boxerwood Nature Center Buena Vista Visitor Center
Jackson House Museum
Community Outreach Projects
Community Events Booth Arbor Day Waste Reduction/Composting
Habitat for Humanity
Additional RAMGA Projects
Seed Savers / Seed Library Invasive Species Education
Programs for the Public
Newest Project- The Giving Garden
Providing food security by contributing fresh produce to the Rockbridge Area Relief Association.
Social Media & Website Community Newsletter
Behind the Scenes
Treasurer Support
“What has been the BEST part of being a Master Gardener Volunteer for you so far?”
Master Gardeners introduced me to a community of people who know way more about gardening than I do, who have shared support, knowledge, and plants with me! Class of 2020, Jen Coluzzi
I’ve enjoyed conversing with other plant nerds and continuously learning more about the native plants of our area. The occasional free plant is certainly an added bonus! Class of 2022, Bugs Utsey
The absolute highlight of being an MG is the time spent with more seasoned Master Gardeners, gleaning as much as I can from their wisdom and experience. There is also tremendous camaraderie and fellowship at our events that I wouldn’t miss for the world! (AND then there is the FOOD at MG picnics…)Class of 2022, Shana Shutler
The best thing for me has been to be part of a community where you are learning among your peers. We can be all ages, walks of life, different knowledge or expertise, and we get to call each other friend. I LOVE IT! Class of 2020 Kaila Holmes
“What has been the BEST part of being a Master Gardener Volunteer for you so far?”
Being a Master Gardener has enabled me to meet and work with some incredibly talented and delightful people in Rockbridge. Applying what I’ve learned to challenges at approved projects, has been rewarding - working with nature, getting my hands in the soil always puts a smile on my face! Class of 2023, Marybeth Sharkey
Master Gardener Training provides great opportunities to get involved with people and projects in Rockbridge - especially appealing to this recent ‘transplant’. Good content, endless resources, but most importantly, wonderful people committed to learning and working together. Class of 2023, Margaret Herman
Becoming a Master Gardener is one of the best things I have done for myself in a very long time. The learning resources are extremely well-organized and have given me a better-informed, and sustainable lens through which to view the natural world. And as a newcomer to the area, RAMGA has provided me with a ready-made network of kindred spirits and friends. Class of 2023, Laurie Bassi
Master Gardeners has given me the opportunity to grow as a person, continue my education, and to find a community that is fun and caring. I am so glad that I found that in RAMGA and I hope others can too! Class of 2023 Haley Huffman
Registration
Begins October 26 at noon, register early
Cost of course ($150)
Payment online too
Sign up at www.ramga.org/join-us
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!
V
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer, For the complete non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility