Advanced Master Gardener Training
Interested in specializing your Master Gardener volunteer work? Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners currently have three options for advanced study: Land Care Steward, Tree Steward, and Water Quality Steward. Master Gardeners trained in each of these areas are uniquely qualified to offer specialized advice and education to their communities.​Training for each steward program is available annually on a rotating basis at Master Gardener College in Blacksburg, VA. For large groups interested in a steward program, the trainings can be arranged to take place locally.
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Land Care Steward -
Land Care Stewards are certified volunteers who have completed extensive training in sustainable gardening practices and land care management, typically through a program affiliated with a local Cooperative Extension service, allowing them to educate their community on environmentally sound horticultural methods and practices for maintaining healthy landscapes.
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Tree Steward -
Tree Stewards are trained community volunteers committed to promoting healthy urban and rural forests in Virginia. Tree Stewards provide training classes, educational programs, and projects in their communities intended to increase public awareness of the value of trees while teaching about trees and tree care.
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Water Quality Steward -
Water Stewards are Master Gardeners who have received advanced training in water quality, conservation, and management. They can design programs to educate the community on water conservation and landscape management practices to protect water resources.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg. If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify Gaylynn Johnson at (757-727-1401/TDD*) during business hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
*TDD number is (800) 828-1120.