Rockbridge Area
Master Gardeners Association
Rockbridge Area Master Gardener (RAMGA) Training
Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) are trained to support Virginia Cooperative Extension offices by educating the public in many aspects of the home garden. Volunteer service is performed within the Rockbridge area. In the first year after graduation, a trainee becomes an intern and volunteers, for a total of 50 hours, in approved Master Gardener Volunteer activities.
The training empathizes problem solving and research skills. It runs from January to June and is comprised of the following:
-
Reading from the online Master Gardener Handbook, following the course of study syllabus. (Access/log-in to the Handbook is included in the registration fee.)
-
Studying the on-line modules which supplement the Handbook readings. (Each module is illustrated and contains links for further reference.) Also, as part of the registration fee, each trainee will receive both the Handbook and the modules on a flash drive.
-
Completing open book, on-line, self-grading quizzes.
-
Attending hands-on labs, as a class group with other Master Gardeners. (The labs are scheduled on Saturdays, late afternoons, or evenings. These are interactive and allow for problem solving with fellow trainees.)
-
Additional activities:
-
Attending orientation class in January. Bring a computer.
-
Attending Better Impact Class Training in February. Being a computer and view a virtual Tour of Volunteering Activities.
For a sample training schedule, click here.
Upon completion of the course work, the trainee becomes a Master Gardener Volunteer Intern. With the achievement of the 50 volunteer hours, the Intern becomes a certified Master Gardener Volunteer. Thereafter, the Master Gardener Volunteer is asked to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per year on approved Master Gardener Volunteer projects, along with a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education. The 8 continuing education hours can be completed through Rockbridge Area Master Gardener programs, surrounding area plant symposiums, and online webinars.
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a commitment. It is an opportunity to give back to the community, while having a lot of fun and comradeship. It is a combination of community sharing, continuing education, social interaction and personal satisfaction.