Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners

The Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners (CSVMG) is a volunteer organization affiliated with and overseen by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, and serves residents of Rockingham County, Augusta County, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro.

The CSVMG educates the public about enhancing the environment through sustainable landscape practices; using horticulture and landscaping to positively impact youth, promote community development and economic growth; producing food in public and private gardens to improve human nutrition and food quality; and using horticulture to improve the overall quality of life for Virginia’s citizens.

Membership is open to residents of Augusta and Rockingham Counties interested in advancing the objectives of the CSVMG and the VCE.  Applicants to the program must attend a formal training course consisting of at least 50 hours of instruction, accompanied by a 50-hour internship period providing volunteer service.  Once interns complete their initial training and volunteer hour requirements, they re-certify as MG volunteers annually by completing a minimum of 20 hours service and 8 hours continuing education.

We have many service opportunities for volunteers to fulfill their hours, including homeowner help-lines in Rockingham and Augusta counties; plant clinics and booths at local fairs and farmers markets; community garden projects; a community youth farm based in Augusta County (Project GROWS); projects with Rockingham County 4-H including after-school programs; seasonal flower design workshops; public speaking; a yearly training course; and assisting with administration and recordkeeping tasks.

If you are interested in learning more about the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association, please check out our web site at www.csvmga.org or contact Jason Cooper, CSVMG Coordinator at jbcooper@vt.edu.