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VCE Master Gardeners
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Specialize Your Master Gardener Experience
Are you ready to take your Master Gardener work to the next level? Advanced training gives volunteers the chance to dive deeper into important areas of horticulture and make a strong impact in their communities. Virginia Cooperative Extension currently offers three steward programs: Tree Steward, Water Steward, and Land Care Steward. These trainings are offered each year at Master Gardener College and can also be arranged locally for larger groups.
What Advanced Master Gardeners Do
Advanced Master Gardeners help bring steward programs to life. They gather resources, support projects, guide volunteers, and work with their local agent to build programs that match community needs. Advanced EMGs become leaders in their areas of specialty and help expand the reach of Extension through hands-on education and community projects.
To stay active, Advanced EMGs complete 5 hours of related continuing education and 10 hours of steward-specific volunteer service each year, along with regular EMG requirements.
Tree Stewards
Tree Steward training prepares volunteers to care for trees and support tree-focused projects in their communities. After completing the training, volunteers become certified Tree Stewards and work on activities such as street tree inventories, planting projects, and public tree education.
Water Stewards
Water Stewards receive in-depth training about water quality, conservation, and watershed health. Volunteers learn how to study local water needs and create programs that help communities better understand and protect their water resources.
Land Stewards
Land Stewards focus on sustainable land care and environmental stewardship. Training prepares volunteers to support projects that promote healthy soils, native plants, responsible landscaping, and long-term care of shared community spaces.