Morris County Residents Certified as Master Gardeners

Published on May 31, 2024

Graduates Honored for Completing Volunteer Hours and Service Milestones

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County certified 16 Morris County residents as “Master Gardeners” and honored two dozen others for their volunteer service during a graduation luncheon this week at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township.

The event was led by Peter Nitzsche, department head of the county cooperative extension, and Jean Epiphan, an agriculture and natural resources county agent.

View More Photos from the Graduation Luncheon

Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners of Morris County are volunteers trained to diagnose plant and pest problems, suggest cultural practices, and provide gardening advice to Morris County residents. Participants in the program receive in-depth training in gardening and horticulture from Rutgers University faculty and staff and must complete 60 volunteer hours to earn their certification.

The program, run in partnership with the Morris County Park Commission, starts every fall.

“We are proud of the graduates, honorees and all the Rutgers Master Gardeners who volunteer their time and expertise on projects benefitting the citizens of Morris County!” said Nitzsche.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension also offers speakers on topics such as lawn renovation, pest control, and pollinator gardens. For more information on how to become a master gardener, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension website.

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