| The Master Gardener Program got its start in Seattle,
Washington in 1973 and since then has spread to all 50 states. The West Virginia Master
Gardener Program started in 1993. Under the leadership of John Jett, WVU Extension Service
horticulture specialist and key county Extension agents, Master Gardeners are now active in 33 of West Virginia's 55
counties. There are over 1,000 active Master Gardeners in WV. In 2004 Master
Gardeners, across the state, volunteered approximately 28,000 hours to their
local communities, and provided 85 service projects to their communities and
to WVU Extension Service contacting 4,500 adults and 2,500 youth.
The impact of the Master Gardener program is appreciated statewide by community leaders and WVU administration. As a sign of appreciation President Hardesty and his wife invited Master Gardeners to the Blaney House to visit their garden and enjoy refreshments. Over 75 Master Gardeners attended. These volunteers are trained in classes and activities provided by the West Virginia University Extension Service and Extension Agents in these counties. Master Gardeners receive a minimum of 30 hours of instruction. Along with an orientation, volunteers are given core training in plant science, plant propagation, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, communication skills, and integrated pest management. These subjects give the Master Gardener trainee the basic horticultural knowledge necessary to assist extension staff effectively. Specific gardening topics like pruning techniques, composting, house plants, vegetable culture, herbs, tree and small fruit culture, lawns and landscape design allow the Master Gardener to specialize in an area of particular personal interest. After successfully completing the Master Gardener training program, each volunteer receives a Master Gardener Intern certificate. To fulfill their volunteer commitment, West Virginia Master Gardener Interns:
After an intern has satisfactorily completed the formal training and 30 hour of volunteer service, he or she then receives an official Master Gardener certificate and name badge. To maintain the title of Certified Master Gardener, a volunteer is required to attend a minimum of six hours of update (advanced) training per year and serve a minimum of twelve hours’ volunteer time per year (recertification). The Master Gardener designation becomes void when an individual ceases active participation in an organized program. Many county programs have established local associations that provide leadership and sustain Master Gardener programs and activities. The West Virginia Master Gardener Association (WVMGA) was incorporated in 2000 and the board of directors is comprised by representatives from many of the county programs. The state board meets quarterly to address statewide program issues and is responsible for organizing the annual conference. The location of the annual conference varies from year to year with an effort to accommodate Master Gardeners around the state. The conferences are attended by 150 to 200 Master Gardeners who can participate in several advance training workshops and learn about successful county projects. Awards are presented to individuals and groups from throughout the state for their Master Gardener activities and recognition is given to several county Master Gardeners and a State Master Gardener of the Year. Following the awards banquet, there are both a live and a silent auction of items donated by individual Master Gardeners and county groups. Proceeds from the auctions are deposited in an endowed account with the WVU Foundation. The West Virginia Master Gardeners and WVU Extension Service presented their first $1,000 scholarship to a WVU horticulture student in the spring of 2003. In 2001, the West Virginia Master Gardeners received the Governor’s Service Award and WVU Extension’s Outstanding Partner Award. In 2002 the program trained approximately 450 clients and certified close to 250 Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardeners across the state volunteered 20,000 hours to their communities and contacted 5,800 clients. The West Virginia Master Gardener Association celebrated their tenth year at the annual conference at Holiday Inn in Oak Hill April 4-6, 2003 with 175 participants. John Jett, state Master Gardener coordinator and the conference planning committee organized the conference with interesting sessions on rock and water gardening, photography, horticulture therapy, entomology, container gardening, pruning. At the Saturday evening banquet, Outstanding Master Gardeners from 15 counties were recognized. Volunteer Service awards were presented to Master Gardeners from 5 counties and the Vegetable Variety Trial participants were recognized. The silent and live auctions raised over $2500 for the scholarship fund. The Sunday featured speaker was Anita Stone, a Master Gardener from Kentucky who delivered an entertaining and sometimes emotional message on reminiscence and horticulture therapy for the elderly.
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