MG History - Calvert County

The Calvert County MG program was started in 2002 when Master Gardener Tom Heath, who was trained in Prince George’s County, asked Herb Reed to begin a program in Calvert County, where Tom is a resident. Tom Heath and Patricia Hawley were instrumental in getting the program started in Calvert.

We have seven members of the original group that are still active Master Gardeners. We currently have 33 MGs and 19 interns.

MG's in Calvert are currently working to certify many homeowner properties as Bay-Wise and, in partnership with local government agencies and community groups, are redesigning the landscape and storm water management of the Community Resources Building (CRB).

This public building, located in the heart of the county seat in Prince Frederick, has been renovated to house the offices of the Calvert County Maryland Cooperative Extension Office, Community Resources, Calvert County Election Board, Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse and Calvert Family Network. The CRB is across the street from the Prince Frederick Post Office and adjacent to local retail spaces, professional and local government offices and is in the Parkers Creek Watershed. The CRB property is adjacent to Boyd King Park which draws visitors to the area to take advantage of a paved, wheelchair accessible walking trail.

Due to its central location, high visibility, and the public offices located in the building, a wide range of visitors will have access to the gardens. Through the use of informative signage, visitors will learn about the use of native plants in the various demonstration gardens and storm water management techniques that can be incorporated into their own landscapes.

When completed, this unique project will increase public awareness about solutions that can be used to create environmentally friendly landscapes throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

For more information, contact Robin Hessey

Last updated: 04/7/2008