MILLBROOK – It may not feel like it just yet, but Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) is preparing for a strong Spring season with the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, now in its 49th year of serving the communities throughout Dutchess County. Dutchess was the first county in New York State to offer this volunteer opportunity.
The mission of this national educational program is, “to prepare volunteers to be peer educators who build relationships with community audiences to integrate local experience and research-based knowledge in planning for and initiating steps to manage gardens, lawns, and landscapes with an emphasis on food security and environmental stewardship.”
“There are few reasons that this program is important,” said Heather Brenner, Community Horticulture Program Coordinator. “Just our hotline and lecture series alone provide easy community access when neighbors and residents have horticulture questions. We provide information on a variety of diverse issues happening in their garden; pests, techniques, diagnosis and cost-effective ideas. The Master Gardeners are volunteers helping neighbors.”
Within Dutchess County, and throughout New York State, active Master Gardener volunteers go through comprehensive training and contribute over 100 hours throughout the 21 months before earning the title “Master Gardener.” They do this by volunteering on the free “Horticulture Hotline” which provides direct access to Master Gardeners regarding gardening questions. Last year, they fielded more than 650 calls! A robust “Speakers Bureau” provides scheduled workshops, demonstrations and lectures on current horticultural issues. Volunteers table at community events and farmers markets as “Ask a Master Gardener” booths for walk-up inquiries and also maintain the demonstration gardens surrounding the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook. In 2023, over 2100 residents were provided with assistance and information!
“More than ten years later, I am still learning about plants, Integrated Pest Management and other gardening techniques,” said Cathy Lane, Master Gardener Class of 1997. “Being involved has done a great deal for me; not only for the wonderful classes, meetings and projects, but for the opportunity to meet and work with an amazing group of volunteers and staff. Like many volunteer opportunities, I have gotten back so much more than I have given.”
The Master Gardener Program of Dutchess County contributes to the statewide educational efforts, produce the countywide “Dutchess Dirt Newsletter,” (which just published its 200th issue) and are a main attraction at the Dutchess County Fair every year. (In 2023, Master Gardeners were able to assist over 760 people with information provided via QR code to eliminate paper waste.)
“Being a Master Gardener Volunteer has provided me the opportunity to pursue my passion for gardening while affording me the additional benefit of being in a dynamic learning environment,” said Judy Killmer, Master Gardener Class of 1993. “Our association with Cornell University puts me in a position I love as it provides me with up to date, cutting edge, scientific based horticulture information.”
The program is very busy this year with the NYS Seed to Supper (S2S) initiative that will provide local gardeners the tools they need to connect with other people, build confidence, and successfully grow a portion of their own food on a limited budget. In addition to workshops and resources like a Seed Library, this effort is partnering with local Snap-Ed NY to provide delicious ways to prepare what is grown!
“One of the reasons I joined CCEDC 6 months ago was to have the opportunity to promote high quality, science and evidence based, educational programming for the community,” said Mary Lou Carolan, Executive Director. “Master Gardeners is one of cooperative extension’s unique programs that teaches skill and technique and certifies volunteers to share that information with the community. We have an exciting year ahead as we branch out into more innovative areas while maintaining the professionalism and distinction our programs are known for.”
Mark your calendars! The Annual Plant Sale will be happening May 17th and 18th at the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook. Stay tuned for more information on this popular event and fund raiser that brings home gardeners from all over the region.
This fall, applications will be taken for intern training to join the growing collaborative group of Master Gardeners who contribute to the communities of Dutchess County. Complete information about the offered services or to book support, please visit the website: ccedutchess.org/gardening.
CCEDC provides diverse programming throughout Dutchess County; administering the Mid-Hudson Clean Energy Hub, Dutchess County 4-H, Taste NY at Todd Hill, Dutchess County Master Gardeners, Dutchess County Agriculture Navigator, Green Teen, No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Dutchess and Relatives and Parents Program (RAPP) in addition to diverse programming focusing on agriculture, horticulture, youth and families, environment and energy, financial literacy, and nutrition.
