About the Program

    Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) mission is to enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work.

    Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide the public with gardening programs and activities that draw on the horticulture research and experience of Cornell University . Each master gardener has received an initial 120 hours of research-based instruction from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, and continues to be exposed to the latest developments in horticulture through a variety educational training methods.

     Master Gardener volunteers are a key link in helping CCE accomplish its mission in counties throughout the state. Ulster County ’s Master Gardener program, along with similar programs in other counties in New York State , is linked directly to Cornell University as part of its national Land-Grant College charter. It is this tie to Cornell that provides Master Gardeners with state of the art gardening knowledge.

    The Program was started in Washington State , as a means to assist the Agriculture Agent in serving the Home Gardener, so that the Agent could focus on Commercial Farmers.

    The Master Gardener Program is more than a horticulture class or a garden club  It is a volunteer program that enables participants to serve their communities through horticultural education. If you would like to help improve your community and enjoy gardening, landscaping and related activities, please consider becoming a Master Gardener volunteer.

    Learn more at the New York State Master Gardener Program web site.

What does a Master Gardener do?

    Master Gardeners are expected to share their horticultural training with the community in the form of 100 hours of volunteer work with Cooperative Extension over a two year period. Volunteer activities are somewhat flexible. After your initial 100 hours over a two year period you may continue as a Master Gardener by signing a statement that you will give a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer time over the coming year back to Cornell Cooperative Extension.

  

Some activities could include: