The Northern Neck Master Gardeners (NNMG) recently recognized 17 members for earning milestone awards in service to the community. “These awards are given to members who achieve a certain number of lifetime volunteer hours and reflect the spirit of giving back and passion for gardening and conservation that Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) demonstrate,” reported coordinator Mary Beane.
Recipients (and hours) were: Linda Ball (250), Jane Barnes (250), Joye Blanscett (250), Cathy Bradley (250), Alexandra Morgan (250), Charlotte Moss (250), Sherry Schellenger Parker (250), Julia Daig (500), Ginny Field (500), Susan Gunsalus (500), Brenda Lassiter (500), Patricia Neleski (500), Thomas Young (500), Helen Johnson (1,000), Deborah Burgess (2000), Marge Gibson (2000), and Henry Riely (3000). In 2025, NNMGs donated over 13,000 volunteer hours working on programs in Lancaster, Northumberland, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Essex counties. NNMG activities include educating homeowners, farmers market attendees, answering questions at Help Desks in Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) offices, providing horticultural therapy programs for seniors, working in eight different demonstration gardens, conducting shoreline evaluations for homeowners, and offering a variety of educational programs including seminars, workshops, and youth projects.
Volunteers receive training in horticulture and conservation practices from Virginia Tech and VCE. After completing their training and internship, each Extension Master Gardener gives back to the community through volunteer service and maintains current knowledge through annual continuing education.
The public is welcome to consult with NNMGs one-on-one about gardening concerns and questions either at booths at farmers markets and special events, by email at helpdesknnmg@gmail.com or in person or by phone at VCE offices in Lancaster (804-462-5780), Northumberland (804-580-5694), and Westmoreland (804-493-8924).
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact Trent Jones at 804-580-5694/TDD* during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
Founded in 1989, the Northern Neck Master Gardener Association is a not-for-profit organization. Its purpose is to promote and serve the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener Program in cooperation with the Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, and Essex County Extension Offices in fulfilling the educational mission of VCE.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.
Northern Neck Master Gardeners – www.nnmg.org
Virginia Cooperative Extension – https://northumberland.ext.vt.edu
Contact: Mary Beane, Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Coordinator – mbbeane@vt.edu] – (804) 580-5694