The Colorado Master Gardener Program: Planting Gardens, Growing People


The Colorado Master Gardener Program
in Douglas County


Outreach

Demonstration Garden at Douglas County Extension OfficeIn Douglas County, a dedicated corps of 125 Colorado Master Gardener Volunteers bring a variety of outreach projects to life to educate and inspire home gardeners.

  • Demonstration Gardens -- To educate residents on water wise landscaping, native plants, and low maintenance landscaping, CMG Volunteers manage several demonstration gardens throughout the County. The gardening public is welcome and encouraged to visit these gardens at the following locations:
  • Castlewood Canyon State Park
  • The Sanctuary Center
  • Praying Hands Ranch
  • The Sedalia Firehouse and Historic Museum
  • Douglas County Administrative Offices
  • Douglas County Extension Office  
  • Junior Master Gardeners -- CMG Volunteers present interactive gardening lessons to 2nd graders at Douglas County elementary schools.

  • Answering Gardening Questions at the Douglas County Extension Office -- CMG Volunteers are available weekdays throughout the growing season to answer residents gardening questions via email, phone or walk-in at the Douglas County Extension Office.

  • CMG information booth in Douglas CountyInformation Booths -- CMG Volunteers staff booths at many Douglas County venues including farmer’s markets, fairs, local nurseries, and local community events. Douglas County Master Gardeners also participate in regional events including ProGreen Expo and the Colorado Garden Show.

  • Speaker’s Bureau -- CMG Volunteers go out into the community and give talks on various gardening topics for community groups, gardening clubs, and HOAs

  • Gardening Articles -- CMG Volunteers write articles on local gardening concerns for local newspapers.

Education for CMG Volunteers


  • In January though March, Basic Training for CMG volunteers is provided by a multi-county partnership with Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert Counties.

  • Tree class in Douglas CountyDouglas County Extension offers CMG volunteers a variety of continuing education opportunities.
  • A variety of seminars and classes on current topics (Mountain Pine Beetle, high-altitude gardening, gardening with wildlife) are provided throughout the year for CMG volunteers.
  • Field trips and garden tours
  • Diagnostic clinics
  • Multi-county and regional educational opportunities include CMG Plus Classes, ProGreen, CSU Short Course and CSU Field Days.

Summary


  • CMG volunteers: 125
  • Annual volunteer hours: 5,000
  • Annual value of volunteer time: $110,000

Contact Us

CSU Extension, Douglas County Office
     410 Fairgrounds Road
     Castle Rock, CO 80104
     Phone: 720-733-6930
     Fax: 303-688-4862
Douglas CMG Phone: 720-733-6935
Douglas CMG Email: mgardenr@douglas.co.us

Horticultural Staff