More than 300 Virginians will take another step in their Master Gardener education by participating in the 18th annual Master Gardener College, June 21-26, at Virginia Tech.

Master Gardeners are women and men who enjoy horticulture and want to improve their communities through volunteer service. They promote the responsible use of natural resources in a manner that is environmentally, economically, socially, and psychologically sustainable.

They have received more than 50 hours of specialized training in environmental horticulture through the Virginia Cooperative Extension office in their areas. As part of their commitment to be certified as Master Gardeners, they agree to give at least 50 hours of their time to teach others about environmentally sound horticulture. They work with water quality, yard waste management, erosion control, and other related issues.

At the Master Gardener College they will take courses on plant identification, caring for soil as a living system, creating a wildlife habitat at home, and plants pets should avoid, said David Close, Master Gardener coordinator at Virginia Tech. There also will be field tours of several research facilities at Virginia Tech including the Insect Identification laboratory and the Dodson Pest Management Laboratory.

Felder Rushing, an author from Mississippi, will speak on gardening as environmental stewardship; Dini Miller, Virginia Cooperative Extension entomologist, will speak on “Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite” and also on lady beetles.

Peter Warren, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent at Albemarle County who specializes in environmental horticulture, will talk on Ecbom’s Syndrome, a psychological condition whose victims think there are bugs on their skin.

Approximately 3,700 certified Master Gardeners work in 51 Virginia Cooperative Extension offices across the state. According to the most recent reports, they contributed more than 282,000 volunteer hours making about 480,000 contacts with Virginians. Their volunteer time was valued at more than $5.6 million

Cost for the Master Gardener College is $125 for the education program. The schedule includes leadership sessions, a selection of tours as well as an awards ceremony for volunteers that have reached service milestones. Contact David Close, at (540) 231-2714 or e-mail him for more information.

Share this story