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Junior Master Gardener - Growing Good Kids

 

The Henrico Master Gardeners offer Elementary Education programs in Henrico County through our Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program.  The Junior Master Gardener program is an international youth gardening program of the university Cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, “hands-on” group experiences that provide a love of gardening, and develop an appreciation for the environment.

Standardized testing has become more and more important in our school systems. The JMG program has taken each curriculum and aligned all activities to each state’s standards.  We can provide an SOL correlation for K through 5th grade for each lesson, if needed.  The JMG program is also correlated with Junior Girl Scout Badgework and Signs.

Things You Can Do in JMG

  • Discover the wonderful world of worms…
  • Explore the life cycles and habitats of insects and butterflies...
  • Learn about "The Three Sisters"… and more!

Who Can Participate in JMG?

Everyone*! How?

  • Through public school
  • Through home school
  • In after-school programs
  • Youth clubs

*We are only able to offer programs in Henrico County.

Sample of Current Available programs:

Each class program typically lasts approx. 25 - 30 minutes.  The grades listed are the grades that typically request this program.

  • Plant needs and characteristics and comparison with people and non-living things.  Offered for Preschool and Kindergarteen.  
  • Plant needs and parts and characteristics such as evergreen/deciduous, flowering/nonflowering, and edible/nonedible.  Offered for 1st Grade and 2nd Grade.
  • The Three Sisters Plants includes plant descriptions, plant history and how it relates to early settlers and Native Americans.  Offered for 3rd and 4th Grades.  Offered mid-April to May.
  • Worms at Work covers a description of worms and their habitat.  Also covers composting and soil.  Children can make a worm bin (Vermicomposting) for the classroom.  Offered for all grades K-5.  Offered in the fall to take full advantage of the project.
  • Parts of the flower and their functions.  Offered for 4th grade. 
  • Insects and butterflies covers their descriptions, life cycles and habitats.  Offered for all K-5 grades.

How to Request a Program:

Before submitting a program request, we ask that teachers discuss the program with the other grade-level teachers.  To be effecient stewards of the Henrico Master Gardener Volunteer's time, we like to present to all classes of a grade-level on the same day.   Due to the volume of requests we receive, we are only able to offer one program per class per year.

Please fill out and submit the Speaker Request Form below.  Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.  Please allow a minimum of three weeks notification to allow for communication with you and to allow for scheduling of our volunteer speakers.  While we hope that we can honor your request for a specific day, please have alterantive dates available due to potential scheduling conflicts.

For more information or to schedule a class, contact the Henrico Extension Office at: (804) 501-5160.