Welcome!

We are delighted to have you join us as you deepen your gardening knowledge, expand your skills, and share your enthusiasm for horticulture. Through this program, as a Master Gardener Volunteer, you will help CCE Dutchess County bring research-based knowledge and educational opportunities to our communities.

Part of your training will include a thorough orientation into the CCEDC Master Gardener Volunteer program. You can choose most of your volunteer hours as you wish, in any of the areas listed below that fit your needs and interests. However, there are specific requirements that need to fulfilled as specified in your volunteer agreement. to help maintain the on-site demonstration garden and volunteering on the Horticulture Diagnostic Hotline. Each year you will also be required to continue your ongoing education through approved professional development offerings. Master Gardener Volunteer service hours consist of: 

  • Providing educational outreach to the community on how to grow and care for trees, flowers, shrubs, fruits, vegetables and lawns.
  • Volunteering at our annual Plant Sale & Fundraiser, assisting with workshops, exhibits, and other event functions.
  • Educating the public through our Speakers Bureau at public libraries, senior centers, garden clubs, schools, and other community groups.
  • Volunteering at Fairs and Farmers Markets. 
  • Being present at your county CCE office to answer inquiries that come in through the Horticulture Diagnostic Hotline.
  • Maintaining the on-site Demonstration Gardens and Vegetable Variety Trials beds at CCEDC. 
  • Seed to Supper 
  • Much, much more, as our program grows!


In-person Sessions

We will meet in-person as a whole group, one Saturday each month. Meetings will be scheduled at our county office for in-person lectures, hands-on activities, and site visits. Attendance for all in-person sessions are required, unless previously discussed. 

Prepare in the week(s) prior through online readings, videos, and lectures by Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension specialists, learning activities, knowledge self-checks and a deeper exploration of web resources. Coming to each session prepared is essential in helping you better understand each topic and gives you an opportunity to ask questions and increase your knowledge. 


Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will: 

  • Prepare to be peer educators who build relationships with community audiences. 
  • Integrate local experience and research-based knowledge in teaching the community to manage gardens, lawns, and landscapes, emphasizing environmental stewardship. 
  • Understand the science and impact of climate change as it relates to local gardening conditions, determine solutions that address these changing conditions, and have a better understanding of the importance of native plants and impact of invasive species. 
  • Recognize the interrelationships between soil, air, water, plants, insects and animals, and apply “right plant, right place” practices. 
  • Apply strategies to build and protect healthy soils, recycle nutrients, and conserve and protect water resources. 
  • Distinguish different growing methods and demonstrate the use of organic approaches in growing fruits and vegetables. 
  • Interpret plant and insect problems and providing solutions using Integrated Pest Management practices. 
  • Collaborate with others to develop educational outreach materials for the community. 


Lessons, Learning Activities and Evaluation

  • Learning activities will consist of online resources, videos, presentations, and web resources that focus on each topic. 
  • Required Readings: Required readings are online in the Moodle course, printed materials distributed in class, and other references. You will be also be given a textbook/MG Manual.
  • Optional Reading & Exploration: A list of optional resources to explore will enrich each topic within each module. 
  • Evaluation: Quizzes, Knowledge Self-Checks, Reflective Journals, and other evaluative tools will assess your understanding of each topic. Assessments vary by topic and will be offered both online in Moodle and during in-class sessions. Horticulture articles will replace your final exam.
  • Newsletter Articles: You will be required to turn in two articles by the end of training on a horticulture topic of your choice, these articles replace your final exam. Each article should be a minimum of 500 words and include photographs.
  • Intern Project: This project is an opportunity to cultivate your peer educator skills, by developing an educational activity of your choice. Explore a gardening topic that is important to you, or one you wish to learn more about. Your project will be a tangible product with clearly defined and communicated benchmarks that you will describe, and the reach. Depending on your skills and interests. You may wish to create a presentation or a hands-on activity. This project will be discussed more during in-person training and will be due during your internship period.
  • Journal Entries: Within each module of topics, you will be asked to write a journal entry. The purpose of the journals is a time to reflect on what you have learned so far, and how this knowledge will help you become a better gardener, CCE Volunteer, and environmentally sound citizen. This is a self-reflective learning activity, not a sounding board! Suggested writing prompts will be posted in Moodle; however, you are free to explore your own topics if they relate to the course.  Most importantly, how you will use this information in your future as a MGV and successful home gardener. Journal entries are written in a Word Doc and uploaded into Moodle.
  • Grading: While there are no grades assigned for this course, most assignments and projects will be evaluated, and based on the corresponding rubric, if available. 


Snow Dates & Emergency Closing Policy

In the event an in-person session is cancelled due to emergency or weather, a notice will be posted in Moodle in the News & Updates Section (at the top of the homepage of the course), which automatically sends notification to your email. Please check with Moodle if you are unsure about class cancellations. 



Last modified: Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 10:17 AM