Become a Chesapeake Master Gardener

Chesapeake City Office

Agriculture Department

310 Shea Drive

Chesapeake, Virginia 23322-5571

757/382-6348  FAX: 757/382-6665

E-mail:  mikeand@vt.edu

Dear Master Gardener Applicant,



Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer educator for the Virginia Master Gardener program in the City of Chesapeake. The Master Gardener program is a volunteer educational partnership between Virginia Cooperative Extension and the citizens of the Commonwealth by providing research-based information from both Virginia Tech and Virginia State Universities. The Chesapeake Master Gardener Volunteer program is one of the ways Virginia Cooperative Extension teaches citizens how to beautify their communities, learn the art and science of horticulture, protect air and water quality, and maintain our environment for future generations. We are proud of the Master Gardener Volunteers who, in exchange for a university supported education in Environmental Horticulture, volunteer their time to share that information with others in their community. 

The Chesapeake Master Gardener volunteer program is open to all residents of the city of Chesapeake. Potential applicants are required to attend one of two orientation sessions or schedule a meeting with the Horticulture Agent.  The orientations will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2008 at Russell Memorial Library from 10:00 to 11:00 am and again on Thursday, October 22, 2008  at the Agricultural Extension Trailer from 2:00 to 3:00 pm (click here for directions).  At the session you will learn about the program, meet current Master Gardeners and be given an application for the program. Upon completion of the application we will answer your questions and make sure you understand the nature of this volunteer organization.

The training program is extensive. You will attend 50 hours+ of training covering major horticultural topics. The Master Gardener Handbook serves as the text for this training and will be a resource for your use as a Master Gardener volunteer educator. The cost for this class, including the Master Gardener Handbook, is approximately $100. The classes begin in January. Sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm concluding in April with graduation. Attendance for all of the classes is important; no more than three (3) classes can be missed. 

As a Master Gardener Intern you must contribute a minimum of 50 volunteer hours sharing sound horticulture information with the citizens of Chesapeake within 1 year of the completion of the training. To remain an active Master Gardener, you must contribute at least 20 volunteer hours teaching in the community and receive at least 8 hours of approved re-certification training yearly. 

Enrollment is limited and the class is filled on a first come/first served basis, so if you are interested please respond promptly. If you have any questions concerning the Master Gardener program, please contact me at the Chesapeake Extension Office (382-6348). 



Sincerely, 

 Mike
    
Michael Andruczyk                                                                        

Extension Agent, Horticulture

                                                                          

The Chesapeake Office is a part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, an educational outreach program of Virginia Tech and Virginia State Universities. We provide research based information through a system of campus and locally based educators.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.

Last update: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 , P.Fisher. © 2007-2008 VCE Master Gardeners of Chesapeake