UC Master Gardener Program of Riverside County

Mission Statement

“To extend research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California and be guided by our core values and strategic initiatives." - UC Master Gardener Program Mission Statement

Riverside and Sacramento counties began the first pilot Master Gardener programs in California in 1980. Since that time, the UC Master Gardener program has expanded to 52 counties and Riverside County has grown to over 270 active volunteers throughout the region. We have Master Gardener Volunteers in both the west county Inland Empire area and east county Desert areas. This bifurcated structure allows us to provide educational services appropriate to the area where the client lives. We serve the public in a variety of educational venues, ranging from e-mail help-line to local farmers markets to school and children's gardens to guided garden tours to community lectures.

Master Gardener Volunteers are trained by UCCE Advisers, Specialists, and other qualified instructors to provide the gardeners of Riverside County with research-based information to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable horticultural practices. Activities of volunteers are solely educational - without inclusion of any purpose or intention of carrying on a business, trade, avocation or profession for profit.

Watch for Master Gardener Information tables at home and garden related events throughout the year.