Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County (CCE Monroe) recently celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) program, honoring half a century of dedicated service in horticultural education, environmental stewardship, and community enrichment.
Since its inception in 1975, the Monroe County Master Gardener Volunteer program has cultivated not only thriving gardens but also vibrant communities. As part of a statewide network spanning 56 New York counties, MGVs have empowered thousands of residents with research-based gardening knowledge and sustainable landscape practices.
In 2024 alone, New York State Master Gardeners contributed an astounding 98,094 volunteer hours, responded to over 22,500 consumer questions through hotlines, plant clinics, and site visits, and hosted over 4,000 community events. Locally, Monroe County’s MGVs logged nearly 7,000 volunteer hours last year alone, equivalent to $257,599 in service value, a testament to their commitment and impact.
“We’re thrilled to honor not only our program’s longevity but the incredible individuals behind it,” said Ashly Piedmont, Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator at CCE Monroe. “Master Gardeners don’t just grow plants — they grow communities. Their dedication over the past 50 years has shaped Monroe County into a greener, healthier, and more connected place.”
The anniversary celebration on April 10 also welcomed the newest class of 36 interns into the program, alongside honoring volunteers marking milestones of 10 and 15 years of service. Special recognition was extended to veteran MGV mentors whose guidance helps new volunteers flourish.
When asked about her experiences as a Master Gardener, Eileen Springer, who has been around for 49 of those 50 years said, “My interest in gardening and love for gardening is what keeps me going,” – words that undoubtedly resonate with her fellow volunteers.
In honor of this milestone year, a generous greenhouse donation from Chris Murray and support from valued community partners like the Friends of Extension Foundation, Monroe County Parks Department, and Fioravanti Florist reflect the deep-rooted connections the program has cultivated.
From signature initiatives like Blocks in Bloom, which recently celebrated its 1,000th household served, to educational workshops, plant sales, and site assessments, Monroe County MGVs continue to enrich neighborhoods and promote sustainable practices.
As CCE Monroe looks to the future, the Master Gardener Volunteer program remains committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, environmental responsibility, and community collaboration. Here’s to the next 50 years of growth.
For more information, visit https://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/Master-Gardeners.
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