CANTON – Starting in October, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County will begin training a new cohort of Master Gardener volunteers (MGV). MGVs work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office to extend gardening information to the local community. 

As peer educators, they utilize local experience and research-based knowledge to empower community members to manage gardens, lawns, and landscapes with an emphasis on food security and environmental stewardship. They are part of a network of over 1500 MGVs statewide, and 84,700 nationwide. 

Some of the ways in which MGVs have been involved in St. Lawrence County include answering horticultural inquiries by phone and email, writing articles about gardening, teaching classes to community members of all ages, tabling at local events, and advising on community garden projects.

MGVs have a passion for gardening and/or landscaping and for communicating with the public. They enjoy learning and teaching and have time to serve their community and attend monthly meetings. If this describes you, consider taking the MGV training. It will include in-person weekday sessions in Canton every other week, as well as short online sessions in the alternating weeks. 

The training will last from October to April and provides a basic understanding of horticulture topics as well as knowledge of where to find reliable horticultural information. Throughout the training and beyond, MGVs utilize Cornell University resources to learn about plant biology, soil science, vegetable and fruit culture, trees and shrubs, lawn care, plant diseases, insects, and more.

The training fee is $250 and covers all materials and speakers. Learn more about this opportunity by contacting our Community Horticulture Educator, Erica LaFountain at ENL2@cornell.edu or 315-379-9192 ext. 240. Read more at stlawrence.cce.cornell.edu/home-gardens-grounds/master-gardener-volunteers.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.