Peninsula Advanced Training Coordinator, Carol King, [email protected]
Master gardeners are passionate about horticulture and often are looking to learn more and make positive changes in their communities. This may be as simple as showing their neighbors better mulching practices or watering methods, or as significant as helping a school create a learning garden. So it isn’t surprising that many seek additional education after obtaining their Master Gardener Certification and look to specialize in an area of particular interest to them.
For these master gardeners, there are three advanced training programs: Tree Steward, Water Steward, and Land Care Steward. All three require course work as well as the creation and implementation of a community project which focuses on a horticultural goal. The curriculum for this training is developed with the over-site of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. It is often delivered during the annual Master Gardener College, and from Extension Master Gardener (EMG) groups around the state.
To become fully accredited in one of these advanced training certifications (Tree, Water, or Land) this training includes the creation and execution of a project that benefits the community and ideally leads to new actions toward sustainable landscaping, conservation, or environmental improvement.
In this context, ‘community’ can be the local EMGA, neighborhood association, faith group, social, educational, governmental, or other entity whose activities are consistent with the policies of VCE. Local VCE Agents are involved in developing advanced EMG programs and projects since they have the authority and responsibility for approval.
The true end goal is to engage the community to take actions that will conserve natural resources and improve the environment. Advanced EMGs should be especially helpful in finding ways to move their communities forward in these areas toward the sustainable landscapes of the future. A wide range of skills and voices will help reach members of many different communities: an essential goal for real progress.
Peninsula Tree Stewards: Rick Brown, Coordinator: [email protected], 304-561-7134
This program is an open to any JCC/W Master Gardener who has completed EMG Tree Steward advanced training. The Peninsula Tree Stewards are composed, for training and coordination, among the Tree Steward members from five Master Gardener units across the peninsula: JCC/W, York/Poquoson, Hampton, Newport News and Gloucester. It is dedicated to working in the community to enhance correct tree maintenance and improve tree plantings. Projects fall under the heading of Stewardship, Education, Inventory, Reforestation and Presentations. This project is also used to record the hours for the various projects required for graduation and certification as Tree Stewards, as well as other work done by the Tree Stewards of this unit.
Tree Call is a separate project conducted throughout the year by Tree Stewards to assist the community with matters with trees. Homeowners may call the Extension office or HelpDesk to schedule a visit from a Tree Steward team.
Peninsula Water Stewards: Gary Streb, [email protected], 757-871-6369
Water Stewards are Master Gardeners who have taken and completed the Water Steward Advanced Training. The Peninsula Water Stewards are a group that are composed, for training and coordination purposes, among the Water Steward members from five Master Gardener units across the peninsula: JCC/W, York/Poquoson, Hampton, Newport News and Gloucester. Water Steward projects contribute to the improvement of the condition of residential water quality as affected by agricultural non-point source pollution in their communities through public education programs, demonstration sites, and landscape management.