EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS
Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William County Master Gardeners (MGPW) are trained volunteer educators who provide the public with environmental information drawing on the horticultural research and experience of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, please contact our Horticulture Help Desk at mastergardener@pwcva.gov to be added to the list to receive information about the next Master Gardener Training Class which are held annually in the evenings, September – December. (Registration for 2024 is now closed.)
Master Gardeners of Prince William (MGPW) is the supportive organization for active Master Gardener Volunteers in Prince William County, Manassas City and Manassas Park. There are approximately 200 active volunteer environmental educators serving in various capacities. Volunteers attend 75 hours of classroom instruction for training, and then serve in a 50 hour internship over a period of one year before becoming Master Gardener Volunteers. To remain an active Master Gardener Volunteer, 20 hours of service and 8 hours of approved continuing education are required per year. Volunteers who graduated five years prior are required to return to training to re-take core classes in Water Quality, Integrated Pest Management, Lab skills (2 classes) and Turf.
Volunteers and volunteerism are central to the MGPW mission (to provide current research-based, horticultural/ environmental outreach and education programs for Prince William area residents). We strive to make our community a more sustainable, healthy and beautiful place to live and to educate residents about the many benefits of gardening, including the opportunity to grow nutritious, healthy food, and create and maintain environmentally friendly landscapes; all with the ultimate goal of protecting water quality in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
WHAT EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS DO:
- Answer gardening questions in the Extension Office, local community functions and local garden centers.
- Diagnose plant, insect and disease problems.
- Promote safe use of pesticides and fertilizers to protect water quality and the environment.
- Instruct the community on proper care of lawns, trees, shrubs, and vegetables.
- Write newspaper and newsletter articles, fact sheets, blog posts, and brochures.
- Conduct gardening programs for diverse groups and all ages within the community.
- Participate in community beautification and landscape projects.
- Work with ‘Plant a Row for the Hungry.’
- Participate in seminars for continuing education.
- Participate in social events, field trips, and plant swaps.
- Teach gardening classes and speak at organizational events
The VCE-Prince William office is located at
8033 Ashton Avenue
Suite 105
Manassas, VA 20109-8202
703-792-7747 Extension Horticulture Help Desk
703-792-6285 General Info about Extension programs
703-792-4037 BEST Lawns Education Program
The Master Gardener Association has a board of directors and regular meetings.