Morris County Welcomes New Certified Master Gardeners

Graduation Luncheon Celebrates Community Volunteers at Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Morristown, NJ – In a delightful ceremony last week at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County proudly certified 16 residents as "Master Gardeners." An additional group of dedicated individuals received honors for their ongoing volunteer service.

Under the leadership of Peter Nitzsche, Department Head, and Jean Epiphan, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Agent, the event recognized the volunteers' contributions to the local community. The Master Gardeners program leverages the skills of trained volunteers who provide valuable gardening advice and pest management solutions to Morris County residents. To achieve certification, participants are required to undergo extensive training provided by Rutgers University's esteemed faculty and staff, along with completing at least 60 hours of volunteer service.

This collaborative initiative, supported by the Morris County Park Commission, begins each fall and aims to cultivate a knowledgeable volunteer force to assist with local horticultural projects.

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

The program nurtures green thumbs and fosters community spirit and environmental stewardship. Those interested in becoming a Master Gardener or learning more about other programs can find additional resources and information on the Rutgers Cooperative Extension website. The extension continues to offer community services, including educational talks on lawn renovation, pest control, and the importance of pollinators in our gardens.