Master Gardener volunteers highlighted as extension program grows outreach

Laurie VanNostrand, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, told the committee that the Master Gardener program through Cornell Cooperative Extension "consists primarily of volunteers." She praised volunteers’ knowledge and willingness to assist residents and said many participants discover new information through the program.

The committee acknowledged the volunteer-driven nature of the program and discussed outreach value to residents who assume they already know gardening techniques. No budget or new staffing requests were recorded in the minutes; the update was informational.