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Rutgers Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in its mission to deliver horticulture programs and information to the general public. Anyone with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Rutgers Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required.
Students who enroll in the program will receive in-depth training in gardening and horticulture from Rutgers University faculty and professional staff.
The program includes a series of weekly lectures in the classroom and a requirement of at least 60 hours of volunteer activities for Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) and the Morris County Park Commission.
Successful graduates will become Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners after completing a final exam and the required hours of service. Thereafter there are also annual recertification requirements.
Classes usually run from the fall through spring and there is a fee to cover materials and program costs.
Sample of classes offered: Plant Pathology, Soil Management & Soil Fertility, Plant Identification, Basic Botany, Weed Identification and Control, Entomology, Household and Structural Pests, Wildlife Management, Lawn Care, Pruning, Vegetable Gardening and Pest Management.
Volunteer opportunity locations include Snyder Research Farm, Morris Parks’ Frelinghuysen, Willowwood and Bamboo Brook Arboretums, community events, Morris County Community Garden, the Morris County Extension Office, and various locations across the county.
Becoming a Rutgers Master Gardener is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in plants and gardening to share research-based best practices with the community.
For more information, call Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County at 973-285-8307 or email: phaedra.singelis@njaes.rutgers.edu
