Cooperative Extension

 

The Horticulture program assists citizens with soil testing, vegetable gardening, control measures for diseased plants, landscape planning, and lawn maintenance. Master Gardeners are well-trained volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, who serve the community in which they live. The program provides interested individuals with extensive training in many phases of gardening. In return, participants dedicate volunteer time to educate other gardeners in their community with reliable information. The Virginia Beach Master Gardener Program began in 1982 and the program currently has 226 active volunteers that contribute thousands of hours of service to the community each year.  If you would like more information or would like to speak to a Master Gardener, please call (757) 385-8156 or email  mgardene@vbgov.com.  Please be sure to include your name, a detailed question, phone number and/or email address. You can also visit their web site at www.vbmg.org.

 

The Family & Consumer Sciences programs help families prevent or solve practical problems in the areas of health and nutrition, economic stability, and family well-being. In the health and nutrition programs, emphasis is placed on the relationship between food and the body to lower sodium, fat, sugar, and calories.

 

Family Well-Being programs focus on survival skills for latch-key children and the educational programs for youth are organized through groups known as 4-H clubs.

 

The Family Nutrition Program (FNP) is provided to families with limited resources and young children. The program provides special emphasis on planning, buying, and preparing low-cost, nutritious meals. Various programs on money management and budgeting are also included.