Marin Master Gardeners participate in the following projects at The Marin Art and Garden Center (MAGC), located in Ross:

Exploring Habitats” field trips for first, second and fourth grade students

The “Exploring Habitats” field trip project is co-sponsored by Marin Master Gardeners. Master Gardeners are trained as docents and actively participate in field trips that take place in the “Butterfly Garden” that are educational and enriching to children, exposing them to aspects of nature and the environment they might not receive otherwise. We also participate in continual development of the Habitat Gardens, including re-design, addition of new plants to the palette – California natives and drought-tolerant species.

Garden Education Program

Master Gardeners are an active part of the Garden Education program at MAGC, and assist in the development of the annual educational plan for horticultural and environmental conservation programs for adults, children and families. We are currently working with MAGC on plant identification that will ultimately be accessible to the community through the MAGC website.

Garden Development

Marin Master Gardeners are working to expand the diversity of MAGC gardens for the public's educational and aesthetic enjoyment. We participate in garden design, plant diversity, soil preparation, planting techniques, and irrigation in the Native gardens, Medicinal Herb Garden, Channel Island Garden, Woodland University Garden, and Succulent Garden.

Plant Propagation and School Services

The Nursery at MAGC produces hundreds of plants each year, in part for use at MAGC or plant sales; the others are donated to schools to aid in the development of “outdoor classrooms.” Master Gardeners participate in collecting seed, taking cuttings, and propagating plants, from California natives and drought-tolerant plant varieties, to milkweed utilized both at MAGC and in school programs for Monarch butterfly larvae development. 

Composting Education (NEW!)

Developing skills in composting is advantageous for home gardeners – both as a means for reducing green waste through recycling, and in encouraging use of compost for horticultural use. Master Gardeners will assist in the development of the composting course, and once trained / certified will conduct ongoing classes on composting.