Master Gardener Program

What is the Cornell University Master Gardener Volunteer Program?
Master Gardener Volunteers are a group of volunteers trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension to perform community outreach in horticulture and gardening. The mission of Cornell University's Cooperative Extension of Westchester Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to extend research-based horticultural information to the communities of Westchester County. Volunteers attend an intensive 75 hour training course followed by a 100 hour volunteer commitment over the next two years. Most CCE Westchester Master Gardener volunteers remain active for many years after they complete their initial volunteer commitment. The Master Gardener Volunteer training is not a credential or formal certificate program.

How do Master Gardeners volunteer their time?
Master Gardeners conduct public outreach through:

• A Home Garden Lecture Series consisting of a series of six monthly lectures is given by Master Gardener Volunteers according to their expertise, plus local and Cornell University experts.
• Presentations to garden clubs and other groups through our Speakers' Bureau.
• Answering gardening questions at local farmers’ markets and other events.
• Performing site visits for homeowners to give plant cultural advice.
• Maintaining demonstration gardens at various locations throughout the county.
• Mentoring and giving technical guidance to school gardens and youth groups.

What subjects does the training program cover?

• Garden Botany
• Plant Physiology
• Entomology and Integrated Pest Management
• Beneficial Insects and Pollinators
• Plant Pathology
• Soils and Composting
• Climate Change, Environmental Issues and Ecosystem Services.
• Native Plants/Invasives/Weeds
• Site Assessment
• Garden Design
• Growing Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs, Seed Saving
• Lawn Care
• Pruning
• Woody Plants and their Maintenance
• Management of Nuisance Wildlife

How do I apply for acceptance into the Master Gardener Volunteer Program?

You must be a resident of Westchester County to apply for the CCE Westchester Master Gardener Volunteer Program. You must complete an application and furnish two personal references with your application and agree to a background check. Personal interviews will be conducted from a pool of qualified applicants.

If you are a service-minded, life-long learner and enthusiastic about sharing research-based knowledge to help educate fellow gardeners and members of Westchester communities, please contact Hillary Jufer (Westchester@cornell.edu) at our office for information on this intensive and comprehensive training. We accept new applications submitted on an ongoing basis, but may reserve review and decision for a future training session, depending on the needs of the program. Early applicants receive priority consideration.

How often is training offered?
The Master Gardener Volunteer training is held on an as needed basis.

Is there a fee? Yes. The fee is determined at the time of the training. The bulk of the cost of instruction and support is subsidized by Cooperative Extension. Master Gardener Training Application Contact our office at westchester@cornell.edu (Attn.: Hillary Jufer) for an application and additional information on the Master Gardener Program or if you have additional questions.

Is there a fee?
Yes. The fee is determined at the time of the training. The bulk of the cost of instruction and support are subsidized by Cooperative Extension. Master Gardener Training Application

Contact our office at westchester@cornell.edu (Attn.: Hilary Jufer) for an application and additional information on the Master Gardener Program or if you have additional questions.

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Last updated May 6, 2025