Get Involved
Virginia Cooperative Extension relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission. We believe that active citizen involvement in our programs makes a difference in our success. The work of volunteers at the local level helps us leverage our paid faculty and staff resources into a much greater impact for the people of Virginia.
There are many ways you can get involved with us. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss available opportunities.
Become a Hanover County Master Gardener through our training program. Master Gardeners are volunteer educators of environmentally sound horticultural practices. They seek to improve the quality of life in their communities through education. Master Gardeners are individuals who
- are specially trained by Extension
- love gardening
- enjoy teaching others
- feel a strong commitment to community service
- feel strongly about preserving natural resources
The Master Gardener Program begins with a training class that is followed by an internship during which volunteer service is performed. The training class covers the basic subjects of soils and nutrient management, basic botany, insects, plant diseases, pruning, propagation, safe pesticide use and integrated pest management as well as the more specific subjects of landscape design, vegetable gardening, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, organic gardening, fruits, roses, lawn care and establishment, water gardening, herbs, wildlife management, water quality/conservation, yard waste management and more.