The Colorado Master Gardener Program: Planting Gardens, Growing People

The Colorado Master Gardener Program
in Arapahoe County

Colorado Master Gardener volunteers in Arapahoe County educate and inspire homeowners and other members of the community. A dedicated group of 75 to 80 volunteers reach 6,000 to 7,000 residents annually fostering community development through gardening.

Major Outreach Projects

Gardening Therapy at Craig Hospital and Colorado Center for the Blind - CMG volunteers help patients and students with indoor and outdoor gardening projects.

Speakers’ Bureau - CMG Volunteers present gardening topics to garden clubs, schools, civic organizations and other groups.

Demonstration Gardens - CMG Volunteers design and cultivate educational Plant Select® Gardens at the Extension Office and the Vegetable Demonstration Garden at Hudson Gardens Events Center.

School Gardens - CMG Volunteers mentor elementary, middle and high school students in vegetable gardens and interior horticulture projects.

Additional Outreach Projects

Arapahoe County Fair – Open Class Horticulture
Staff office phones and walk-ins during March-September
Assist clients via voice mail during October-February
Staff educational events, Colorado Garden and Home Show, ProGreen Expo
Staff educational booths offsite

Education for CMG Volunteers

During January through March, Basic Training for CMG volunteers is provided through a multi-county partnership with Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert Counties.
Arapahoe County Extension offers continuing CMG volunteers a variety of educational opportunities:

Seminars and classes on current topics

Field trips and garden tours

Diagnostic clinics

Multi-county and regional education opportunities including CMG Plus Classes, ProGreen Expo, CSU Short Course and CSU Field Day

Summary

CMG volunteers: 75
Annual volunteer hours: 2,900
Annual value of volunteer time: $62,400

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