VCE-MG volunteer educators are trained community leaders working with people to increase knowledge and understanding of environmentally sound horticulture. The education programs focus on concepts related to sustainable landscape management. Sustainable landscape management is the term used to describe the implementation of landscape practices that promote the responsible use of natural resources in a manner that is environmentally, economically, socially and psychologically sustainable. Programs developed are based on five objectives:
: Environmental Horticulture : Youth Gardening :
: Value of the Landscape :
: Food and Nutrition : Health and Quality of Life :
Environmental Horticulture
Program Objective: For residents, public and private landscape maintenance professionals, retail garden center employees, state and local government employees, and professionals in impacted fields such as tourism and real estate development to increase awareness and knowledge of sustainable landscape management for the optimum use and protection of the environment, including: management of all aspects of the residential/urban public and commercial landscape (soil, plants, insects, diseases and wildlife); and, understanding and proper use of equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, and other landscaping inputs to have the greatest value with minimal negative impact. Educational programs are targeted at water quality, yard waste management, erosion control, and related issues.
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Youth Gardening
Program Objective: For youth and the volunteers and professionals who work with youth: to increase awareness and understanding of the value of horticulture and landscaping to young people; to gain the knowledge and skills needed to conduct horticultural-based activities in such a fashion as to meet the goals of the individuals and professionals (i.e., SOL for teachers); and, to use horticulture as a tool to increase responsibility and leadership for youth. Note this objective should be addressed working in cooperation with the VCE 4-H.
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Value of the Landscape
Program Objective: For residents, public and private landscape maintenance professionals, retail garden center employees, state and local government employees and agencies, and professionals in impacted fields such as tourism and real-estate development to increase awareness and understanding of the value of the landscape. For this same group to acquire knowledge and skill to insure the proper design, installation and maintenance of sustainable landscapes for economic benefit to the individual and community.
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Food and Nutrition
Program Objective: For individuals (homeowners, renters, residents in halfway houses and health care facility employees), organizations (civic, church, professional), and local government agencies to gain awareness of the benefits of home food production and to develop skill and knowledge in growing food, managing community gardens or contributing to food banks and kitchens.
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Health and Quality of Life
Program Objective: For health care workers, horticultural industry members and residents of Virginia regardless of their income, physical or mental disabilities, age or other limiting factors: to gain the awareness of the value of the interior and exterior landscape to human health, well-being and quality of life; and, to acquire knowledge and skills that will allow them to utilize this information for personal health and a healthier work place and community. The development of horticultural therapy programs at nursing care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals and hospices all contribute to the quality of life of Virginians. Health related issues such as the use of toxic chemicals, proper protection against skin cancer, and safe use of garden equipment are included here.
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