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The Newport News Master Gardener Volunteer
Program (NNMGs)
 Master
Gardeners are a unique group of volunteers trained by Virginia Cooperative
Extension to provide an effective network of horticulture programs and activities
to enhance their communities.
What is a Master Gardener?
MGs serve as volunteer educators in partnership with VCE to promote, inform,
and work with communities, leaders, industry, and individuals presenting
horticulture programs to protect and enhance the environment. The
information provided draws on the horticultural research and experience of
Virginia Tech and Virginia State Universities.
What does a Newport News Master Gardener do?
A Newport News Master Gardener (NNMG) may provide one or more of the
following services to the city:
 | Educate the public about sound landscape management practices. |
| Promote the conservation of natural resources. |
| Provide answers to homeowner questions via the Hort Help Line. |
| Provide horticultural therapy to residents of a local
convalescent center. |
| Plan and deliver school age educational programs. |
| Host plant clinics and sales at various locations within Newport News. |
| More information about a volunteer master gardener and her/his duties may
be found
here. |
How do you become a Master Gardener?
Contact the Newport News Extension office 8:00 am
to 5:00 pm, Mon-Fri, at 591-4838.
A course description may be found here.
You may also
click
here to download and print an application.
You will need
Adobe Reader to view and print the application.
Training is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September through November, in
cooperation with York County, Hampton, Newport News, and Gloucester.
Topics of instruction include:
| Botany |
Soils and Fertilizers |
Basics of Entomology |
| Pesticide use and safety |
Pruning |
Landscape Design |
| Protecting Water Quality |
Lawns |
And more! |
Once you have completed your training, fifty hours of volunteering is
required within one year. Annually, thereafter, a total of 28 hours is
required to maintain your title of Certified Master Gardener.
What are the benefits of being a Newport News Master Gardener?
You:
| meet people who share a love of gardening. |
| make a contribution—and
a difference—to your city. |
| grow in your knowledge of horticulture. |
| can participate in state and national horticulture events.
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"Gardening
is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it."
