Master Gardeners Program

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV), a registered non-profit led by an elected board of officers, is an organization of volunteers who work with the staff of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to encourage and promote environmentally sound gardening practices. MGNV members must complete over 60 hours of training and 60 hours of volunteer work as interns to become certified by VCE as Master Gardeners. Additional volunteer work and continuing education are required to maintain certification. 

All residents of Arlington and Alexandria are eligible to enroll in the Master Gardener Volunteer Training. This is an internationally recognized program of horticultural excellence. Trainees receive about 70 hours of hands-on and classroom education from Extension agents and specialists, university faculty, green industry professionals, and Arlington and Alexandria park and recreation administrators.  Newly graduated Master Gardener Interns then receive the remainder of their 120 hours of training working on class projects, demonstration gardens, Horticulture Help Desk, plant clinics, and community special events. After completing these additional training/service hours, Interns become Certified Master Gardeners.  

For more information, contact the Help Desk at ex013mg@vt.edu or 703-228-6414.

Master Gardener Presentation Resources

Master Naturalists Program

As a chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program, the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (ARMN) provides the training and volunteer opportunities for the citizens of Arlington, and other Northern Virginia jurisdictions, to become Master Naturalists. ARMN is an all volunteer-organization with chapter members serving as officers and administering the program at the local level. The mission of the Arlington Regional Chapter is to train and certify a corps of volunteers to provide education, research, citizen science, outreach, and stewardship of Virginia’s natural resources and public lands.

The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months. One starts by applying and completing a basic training course offered by a local chapter of the program. An additional 8 hours of advanced training are also required. An important part of the certification process is the required 40 hours of volunteer service per year.

For more information, contact us.

Invasive Plant Control Program

Arlington County's Invasive Plant Control Program tackles the problem of invasive plants in Arlington.  The Invasive Plant Control Program is funded by Arlington County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources (PRCR) and run through the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). The Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) Volunteers support the program by taking part in hands-on removal of invasive plants from County property, assisting with education efforts, helping with surveys, mapping of target areas and/or program development. All ages and abilities welcome. Subscribe to the RiP email list or check our list of upcoming events!

Due to budget reductions, Arlington County has decided to eliminate its contract with VCE for the coordination of the Invasive Plant Control Program. This will be effective June 30, 2010.

Tree Stewards Program

Tree Stewards of Arlington/Alexandria (TSAA) conducts training classes for individuals high school age or older to learn about tree physiology, care, and selection. It is designed to provide training for volunteers who wish to work with the urban forestry and park staffs of Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. Once graduated, volunteers work in schools, with the tree sales and tree distribution programs, at Tree Information Tables at libraries and farmer's markets, and at special events.

For more information, contact Kirsten Buhls at kbuhls@vt.edu or 703-228-6423.

• Kirsten Buhls
• Arlington Regional Master Naturalists
• Arlington County Invasive Plant Control