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(Millbrook, NY) – Spring is just around the corner, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) is gearing up for another thriving season with its 32nd Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale Fundraiser! Taking place on May 16th and 17th at the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook, this highly anticipated event will offer a diverse selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and herbs, all grown with care by dedicated Master Gardener volunteers.
For nearly five decades, the Master Gardener Volunteer Program has served Dutchess County, making it the first county in New York State to offer this esteemed volunteer opportunity. The program’s mission is to train volunteers as peer educators, providing research-based knowledge to help the community manage gardens, lawns, and landscapes while emphasizing food security and environmental stewardship.
“There are so many reasons why this program is essential,” said Heather Brenner, Community Horticulture Program Coordinator. “Our Horticulture Hotline and lecture series give residents easy access to expert guidance. Whether it’s pest control, diagnosis, or sustainable gardening techniques, Master Gardeners are here to help their neighbors.”
What to Expect at the Plant Sale?
· A wide variety of garden favorites and new plant introductions
· Expert guidance from Master Gardener volunteers
· Proceeds supporting local horticulture education and outreach
· A community-driven event for gardeners of all experience levels
The Master Gardener Volunteers contribute significantly to the community by providing educational resources, workshops, and direct assistance. In 2024, 19 new volunteers successfully completed Master Gardener training, expanding the program. The newsletter, Dutchess Dirt reached over 2,200 subscribers monthly. A major milestone was securing the Lower Hudson PRISM grant, enabling invasive species management training for Dutchess County Parks staff. Educational materials, including a Spotted Lanternfly brochure and a QR-coded business card, were developed.
Additionally, the Seed Library pilot program launched in six Mid-Hudson Library branches, reaching over 130 individuals. The Horticulture Hotline handled 440+ inquiries in 2024, highlighting the program’s dedication to expert support. Volunteers revitalized the Diagnostic Lab with new shelving, a lab table, and a wall-mounted microscope monitor display to enhance efficiency. The Speakers Bureau engaged over 275 community members through educational presentations.
“The program is growing in exciting new directions,” said Isabella Magna Yannuzzi, the new Agriculture/Horticulture Program Leader. “This year, we are expanding our efforts with the NYS Seed to Supper (S2S) initiative, which provides local gardeners with resources to grow their own food on a budget. Through partnerships with Snap-Ed NY, we are also helping people turn their harvests into nutritious meals.”
For more details on the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the Annual Plant Sale, or to sign up for upcoming workshops, visit ccedutchess.org or call 845-677-8223.
About Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC)
CCEDC provides diverse programming throughout Dutchess County, including agriculture, horticulture, youth and family services, environmental and energy initiatives, financial literacy, and nutrition. Key programs include the Mid-Hudson Clean Energy Hub, Dutchess County 4-H, Taste NY at Todd Hill, Green Teen, No Child Left Inside (NCLI), and the Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP).
Connection, Collaboration, Community: that's how CCEDC is Growing Forward! For more information on CCEDC’s programs and services, visit ccedutchess.org or call 845-677-8223.
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