The Colorado Master Gardener Program: Planting Gardens, Growing People


The Colorado Master Gardener Program
in Chaffee County


Colorado Master Gardner volunteers in Chaffee County are actively involved with numerous projects in Chaffee and western Fremont Counties.  We average eight new (apprentice) volunteers, and average six continuing volunteers each year.

Our Colorado Master Gardener classes are offered annually via Distance Education format, generally from January through April.  This ten-week course offers research-based information in the areas of soils, insects, growing conditions, lawns, weeds, plant selection, proper planting techniques, and vegetable gardening.  Our trained volunteers work with local growers and homeowners to help solve problems and encourage Water-Wise landscaping techniques to lower water and energy usage.


Community Outreach Projects

  • Salida Farmer’s Market (June-October) – Assist local residents with questions about local growing conditions or plant problems.
  • Colorado Master Gardener On-Call – Colorado Master Gardeners work with local growers about plant problems.
  • “In the Garden” Newspaper Articles – Volunteers assist local gardening columnist and county extension director, Kurt Jones, with local articles on a variety of topics.
  • Water-Wise Demonstration Garden – An educational garden at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds to teach local growers about the seven principles of water-wise gardening.
  • Salida Middle School Educational Garden – Work with local teachers and students on vegetable gardening techniques.
  • HRRMC Healing Garden – Several volunteers are assisting the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center with their new Healing Garden including design, plant selection, and proper planting techniques.

Additional Outreach Projects (and highlighted recent projects)


Education for Volunteers


  • Basic training for CMG volunteers is provided at the Chaffee County Extension Office via distance education technology. The interactive classes classes meet on Thursdays, in January through April.

  • Chaffee County Extension offers CMG volunteers a variety of continuing education opportunities.

Summary


  • CMG volunteers: 13
  • Annual volunteer hours: 500
  • Annual value of volunteer time: $10,750

Contact Us

CSU Extension, Chaffee County Office
10165 County Road 120
Salida, CO 81201-9404
Phone: 719-539-6447
Fax: 719-539-6151
Email: coopext_chaffee@mail.ext.colostate.edu

CMG Staff

  • Kurt Jones, Chaffee/park County Director at 719-539-6447