The Jackson County Master Gardener Association was formed in September of 2000 to bring together those people who not only have a passion for gardening, but who have taken that extra step by completing the Master Gardener program through the MSU Extension in Jackson. We have found that many have had difficulty in completing their required volunteer hours to attain their certification, and that is how the association may be of interest to you.

The association is made up of varied group of people. Men, women, the young and not so young. Some have expansive gardens and some are apartment dwellers with the dream of a garden. Some knew each other before joining, and some knew no-one, but have become friends. Some have achieved Advanced Master Gardener status, while others are still working on their first 40 hours. So you see, you would fit right in!

Current members of the association have been working throughout the community finding projects for our members. We are currently planting and maintaining gardens at the Aware Shelter, Waterloo Farm Museum, Family Services and Children’s Aid, Tomlinson School, Mann House, and our largest project at the Dahlem Center. We are continually getting requests that we are unable to accept at this time due to lack of people and time.

So you see, we not only wish to help you, but hope that you can help us. If you have not yet completed your volunteer hours, even if you took the Master Gardener classes many years ago, and thought that it was too late, be advised that it is not too late! You can still achieve the final goal of a Master Gardener Certificate. As a bonus we have meetings once each month from January through November that feature educational programs as well as tours of gardens and local nurseries. Our annual dues for the association, which is a non-profit organization, are $10.00, and that includes a monthly newsletter to keep you informed of meeting dates and places, work-bees and other news of interest.