The Otero County Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to assist the Otero County Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff to provide accurate, research-based gardening information and programs to county residents. Some examples of Master Gardener activities include:
- Answering gardening and landscape questions through venues such as Master Gardener Telephone Hotline, Facebook groups, Twitter/X, etc.
- Interfacing with the community at Farmer’s Markets, Earth Day celebrations, the Otero County Fair and Rodeo and events planned through the Extension Service Office.
- Working with school and community gardens by providing technical information and presenting educational programs.
- Providing community educational information and programs on topics such as plant selection, pest management, soil composition, sustainable landscape practices, etc.
- Providing assistance to local residents, garden groups and city and county departments. We also maintain the Butterfly Garden at Alameda Park Zoo and the Native Plants at the Otero County Fairgrounds.
- Updating their own skills and knowledge by attending trainings such as conferences, workshops and monthly Master Gardener meetings.
- Mentoring of new Master Gardener trainees.
The Extension Master Gardener program was started in 1972 in King and Pierce counties, Washington. It has become internationally recognized and often duplicated as a model for other volunteer programs. Today, Extension Master Gardener programs exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In New Mexico, the Master Gardener Program began in 1981 in Albuquerque. Fifteen New Mexico counties and the Navajo Tri-State Extension Office now have active Master Gardener programs. Nationwide, there are over 90,000 Master Gardener volunteers.
Otero Master Gardener Hotline
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Phone: 575-437-0231
-or- email: oteromastergardeners@nmsu.edu
Otero County Cooperative Extension Office
401 Fairgrounds Rd.
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: 575-437-0231
Fax: 575-437-6134
Follow us on: Facebook or Twitter/X: (@OteroMGA)
