What Is the Advanced Master Gardener Program?
The Advanced Master Gardener Program offers advanced training focused on leadership development and advanced, horticulture-related subjects, such as arboriculture, youth gardening, and water quality and yard waste management. These advanced training modules provide MG volunteer educators the opportunity to expand the influence of VCE through leadership in their communities and enables MGs to get involved in and lead programs concerning a community's greatest assets. Completion of any of the Advanced Master Gardener training modules entitles MGs to obtain the status of Specialized Master Gardener. For further explanation, refer to the section "Success As a Virginia Master Gardener."
Training materials, upon completion, will be available for purchase from the Office of Environmental Horticulture, 407 Saunders Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0327; (540) 231-6254.
The Advanced Master Gardener Program Goals
Provide a type of training that integrates programming and technical expertise.
Advanced MGs need skills in specialized areas resulting from technical teaching,
programming materials in leadership development, and many resource avenues to
pursue when developing regional educational programs. The benefits of such integrated
training include self-sufficiency, increased volunteer pride and commitment,
use of increased skills in non-MG areas, subject matter versatility, and expanded
volunteerism opportunities for MGs.
Promote cooperative community efforts.
The structure of the program and organization and operation of regional advanced MG groups promote community interaction and cooperation and result in access to professional advice, ensure program relevance and community interest, and offer channels for volunteer recruitment.
Enhance the community.
While developing community leadership, the advanced MG training program also seeks to enhance the community through the care of dedicated volunteers. This attention to the community increases benefits of educational, environmental programs and develops community respect, appreciation, and support.