Doña Ana County Extension Master Gardener Program

Doña Ana County Master Gardeners Program trains volunteers to assist the Doña Ana County Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff to provide accurate, research-based gardening information and programs to county residents. Some examples of Master Gardener activities include:

• Answering gardening and landscape questions through venues such as Master Gardener Telephone Hotline, Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market and events planned through the Extension Service Office.

• Working with school and community gardens by providing technical information and presenting educational programs. Providing technical assistance to school hydroponic gardens.

• Providing community educational information and programs on topics such as plant selection, pest management, soil composition, sustainable landscape practices, etc.

• Assisting with Extension youth programs, such as 4-H and AgVenture Days as well as other school and community youth programs.

• Providing assistance to local residents, garden groups, city and county departments, and at community events such as the annual Art in the Gardens Tour, the UTEP Chihuahuan Desert Plant Sale and the City of Las Cruces Water Festival.

• Assisting with Agricultural programs such as Pecan, Chile and Onion Conferences, Field Days, etc.

• Updating their own skills and knowledge by attending trainings such as conferences, workshops and monthly Master Gardener meetings.

The Extension Master Gardener program was started in 1972 in King and Pierce counties, Washington. It has become internationally recognized and often duplicated as a model for other volunteer programs. Today, Extension Master Gardener programs exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In New Mexico, the Master Gardener Program began in 1981 in Albuquerque. Fifteen New Mexico counties and the Navajo Tri-State Extension Office now have active Master Gardener programs.