Junior Master Gardener

The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program, developed by the Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Service, was introduced in California in 1999. This exciting national youth gardening program engages children in hands-on group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. JMG encourages youths to be of service to others through service learning and leadership development projects and rewards them with certification. It also kindles and ignites an interest in science through exciting hands-on activities. JMG fosters personal pride and responsibility while encouraging peer and cross-generational mentoring.

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program is a state partner with the JMG Program. Additional program information, including curriculum, may be found on the National JMG website.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact:

Susan Gloeckler
Junior Master Gardener Program
(805) 662-6943
sygloeckler@ucdavis.edu

Featured Curriculum

Literature in the Garden curriculum utilizes six Growing Good Kids Book Award-winning titles to inspire learning through outdoor activities, creative expression, and open exploration. It will enhance youths' understanding of the messages and illustrations conveyed in these stories. Using quality children's literature to connect kids to gardening and the natural world is a compelling concept.

In Literature in the Garden, children will:

explore the natural world with activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride, responsibility, and community involvement.
develop critical thinking skills by identifying local conservation concerns and taking action to address them through individual and group projects.
use quality literature to understand and appreciate gardening and the natural world.
strengthen their math, science, language, and social studies skills through an integrated curriculum.