The Junior Master Gardener® (JMG®) Program is an international youth gardening program of the Cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind.
JMG inspires youths to be of service to others through service learning and leadership development projects and rewards them with certification. The JMG program certifies youth for completing contextual hands-on horticulture and environmental science activities and volunteer service.
The program utilizes a “hands-on” activity-based curriculum that directs youth in individual and group learning activities.
Nueces Master Gardeners (NMG) Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Committee oversees and administers the chapters program. These dedicated individuals work with various groups wanting to establish JMG programs be they at schools, youth clubs, community organizations or other groups.
Nueces Master Gardeners (NMG) sponsors groups using the train-the trainer. We provide training for the group Coordinator, Teachers/Leaders and parents assisting with the group’s program. We provide start-up funds to launch the program and follow-on grants for successful programs. We will provide forms, administrative support and on-site oversight to help ensure the group’s success. Groups sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NMG to get started.
NMG JMG launched in August 2024. We partnered with the Corpus Christi Montessori School to implement an after-school chapter. We met on Fridays from 1:00PM until 3:00PM. The program was conducted from October 10, 2024 until May 23, 2025. Click on the link to see what they did.
We are currently working with the School of Science and Technology and Windsor Park Elementary to establish program for the 2025-2026 school year. Follow the links to see more information about these schools. We plan to expand the program in coming years.
For more information email: [email protected]. You can also speak to one of the Co-Chairs: Vince Muscarello, Ed.D., phone number 361-244-1658, email address: [email protected] or PJ Pratt, phone number: 361-677-1962, email address: [email protected]