About Us

About the Master Gardeners of Bergen County

We're dedicated volunteers who've completed the Rutgers Master Gardener volunteer training program. We're versed in the basics of horticulture to assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) in its mission to deliver research-based home horticulture programs, services, and information to the public.

Mission Statement

  • To expand the research and educational capacity of Rutgers Cooperative Extension while providing research-based information through a network of trained Master Gardener volunteers.
  • To develop and enhance community programs related to horticulture, environmental improvement, horticultural therapy projects, community and school gardening projects, and other programs as determined by local need.
  • To design and present educational programs to the public that address critical issues such as integrated pest management, water quality protection, yard waste management and composting, reduction of exotic invasive species, and the increased use of native plants.

What We Do

We provide quality service to the public at our MG of BC's volunteer sites; at events and programs, such as fairs and festivals; and through our Master Gardener Helpline.

We volunteer in these ways:

  • Community Outreach: Participate in educational outreach at Rutgers Master Gardener booths and tables during community events; present speakers at our monthly meetings (September-November and January-May), which are open to the public.
  • Manual Labor: Cultivate, restore, and maintain gardens, trails, and grounds within parks and nature centers.
  • Speakers Bureau: Make available speakers on a variety of gardening-related topics to garden clubs, libraries, and other community groups at no cost.
  • Horticultural Therapy: Assist the horticultural therapy program at the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
  • RCE Helpline: Answer your questions about horticulture and pest control over the phone. The Helpline is available from 10 am-noon, Mondays-Thursdays from April-September at 201-336-6783 or 201-336-6784.
  • Newsletter: Write articles and take photos of MG events for our newsletter.

History

In the early 1970s, when interest in home gardening grew rapidly, county extension offices were overwhelmed with requests for horticultural information. In Washington State, Dr. David Gibby proposed training gardeners to respond to the demand.

Volunteers would receive extensive horticultural training in return for helping the Cooperative Extension provide the public with information.

In Bergen County, the Master Gardener program began in 1984 by Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agricultural Agent Ralph Pearson. His goal was to increase horticultural skills, environmental awareness, and stewardship using research-based education. Sixteen of New Jersey's 21 counties now train Master Gardeners using a "train the trainer" approach to meet the needs of local communities and individuals.