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Protecting the Quality of Land and Water Resources

Agriculture and natural resources (ANR) programs help sustain the profitability of agricultural and forestry production and enhance and protect the quality of our land and water resources. ANR programs are directed toward a broad range of needs associated with the production of animals, food crops, greenhouse and nursery products, turf, and forests; the financial management of agricultural enterprises; and the protection of the environment. ANR programs include:

Hiring an arborist is an important investment. Professional arborists should have certifications and the industry standard is the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture). Provided is a list of ISA certified arborists that serve Chesterfield (PDF).

Boxwood blight is a plant disease caused by a fungus. Discovered in North America in September 2011, Boxwood Blight was detected in Chesterfield County landscape in 2013. Chesterfield partners with other plant pathologists in Virginia to detect and manage this disease and is a member of the Virginia Boxwood Blight Taskforce.

Treating Boxwood Blight

There are three major symptoms of the disease:

  • Elongated, dark streaks on twigs and stems
  • Large, diffuse leaf spots
  • Leaf defoliation

The primary means by which the disease spreads is the inadvertent introduction of infected boxwood to existing plantings. The pathogen can also spread by spores, which readily adhere to equipment and work clothes, and by microsclerotia, which survive in fallen leaves and plant debris.

If you suspect your boxwoods have boxwood blight, carefully bring a sample to the Chesterfield Virginia Cooperative Extension office for analysis. To take a sample, wear disposable gloves to snip a small piece of the plant that is showing symptoms mentioned above. Place the sample in a plastic bag, then place that bag in another bag. Please double bag the sample - this is a very contagious disease and appropriate sanitary procedures are necessary to prevent spreading the disease in your landscape.

If you have a sunny spot in your backyard, no matter the size, you can put a raised bed and add in an amended soil mixture. You are now ready to grow your favorite plants such as flowers, herbs and vegetables.

If you have a sunny spot on your deck, patio or balcony, then you can plant in containers, which come in a wide assortment of sizes. Some even have automatic watering capability. Elevated beds are perfect if you prefer not to bend over or are in a wheelchair. The deep soil provides an environment conducive to growing all types of plants.

Learn more by reviewing Virginia Cooperative Extension publications and resources, such as the Virginia home garden vegetable planting guide. 

Small Space Demonstration Garden

The garden shows the use of raised beds made from different types of building materials, containers and elevated beds. It also demonstrates various methods for growing seasonal vegetables. Not only does the garden grow and produce fresh vegetables, there is an herb garden too. The herb garden is made up of annual and perennial culinary herbs.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension demonstration garden is active for all four seasons.

The Grass Roots program includes a home visit by one of our Master Gardeners to evaluate present lawn conditions and collect a soil sample. Soil samples are recommended a few months before initiating any new landscaping, whether you are seeding a lawn, starting a vegetable garden, putting in a flower bed, or planting perennials. Sampling well in advance of planting will allow time for applied soil amendments to begin making the desired adjustments in soil pH or nutrient levels. Sample established areas include lawns, trees, shrubbery and other perennials - at any time of year.

The ideal time to take samples is when the garden season has ended in the late summer to early fall. Sampling in the fall allows time for corrective pH and nutrient management before new growth starts in the spring. It is recommended that the soil be tested every three years.

For more information, visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension - Lawn and Garden webpage or view soil sampling for the home gardener.

The Learn Your Landscape program provides information on how to maintain and enhance your property with help by Chesterfield Master Gardeners. The program includes a site visit by trained Master Gardener volunteers who will evaluate and answer site specific questions regarding your property.

For more landscaping information, view these trusted resources:

Native plant species have evolved within specific areas and have been dispersed throughout their range without known human involvement. These plants form the primary structure of the living landscape and provide food and shelter for native animal species. The Plant RVA Natives campaign promotes the use of plants native to the region in urban and suburban landscapes for their many social, cultural and economic benefits and to increase the availability of native plants in retail centers throughout the region.

Chesterfield County has nearly 1,300 miles of streams, 124 miles of riverfront, and hundreds of acres of reservoirs, ponds and lakes. From the smallest creek to the largest lake, these water bodies contribute to the quality of life in the county. Residents may not realize that many of their behaviors and daily activities impact these waters and those downstream in the Chesapeake Bay and are able to make a huge difference, by practicing sustainable land care practices.

Practices such as improper fertilization, over use of pesticides and failing to protect soil can lead to algal blooms and fish kills, causing long-term problems for our waterways. Conducting proper landscape maintenance practices and maintaining a naturally vegetated buffer adjacent to lakes and streams can significantly reduce such pollution.

Learn more about sustainability programs available through Virginia Cooperative Extension, Environmental Engineering and the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program.

The Virginia Land and Energy Navigator (VaLEN) brings together GIS information related to prime farm and forestland, land conservation, electric utility infrastructure, and other themes to support land use planning and decision-making at the local level.

Nuisance Wildlife Trappers

When dealing with nuisance wildlife, it is important to hire a licensed trapper. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has a trapper finder tool to help the public locate licensed trappers and Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit (CNAP) holders who can assist with human-wildlife conflict issues.

Head, Heart, Hands and Health for Youth Development

Virginia 4-H is the youth development education program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. The four H's are: head, heart, hands and health. 4-H is rich with learning experiences that partner young people with caring adults and volunteers in a fellowship unlike any other program available to youth today. Through 4-H, young people are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that emphasize 4-H's learning by doing philosophy of youth development. We share evidence-based knowledge, information and tools from our land grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, to improve the lives of families and youth in our community. Through 4-H youth learn leadership, citizenship and a vast array of life skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives. 4-H members pledge to build a better community, country and world.

4-H Camps

4-H camps provides youth countless opportunities for learning more about themselves, their peers and the natural world around them. Our main focus during camp is to help youth develop independence, self-esteem, confidence, interpersonal skills and other life skills.

4-H summer overnight camp provides youth countless opportunities to learn more about themselves, their peers and the natural world around them. Days are filled with camp classes (archery, kayaking, sailing, robotics, videography, marine science, challenge course, woodworking, arts and crafts, and much more!), unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, evening programs, and campfires. Our main focus during camp is to help youth develop independence, self-esteem, confidence, interpersonal skills and other life skills.

The camp fee includes meals and lodging for five days and four nights, a daily snack, all activities, and class supplies. Transportation is not provided to and from camp.

2025 Dates

The 2025 camp will be held Monday-Friday, June 16-20, 2025.

2025 Registration is Now Open  - Register Here
Learn more about 4-H Summer Camp

Teen counselors are selected each fall to train and prepare for the summer 4-H Camp program, held at the Jamestown 4-H Center. Applicants must be at least 14 years of age (on or before Jan. 1 for the year of the upcoming camp) and no older than 18 years of age (by Sept. 30 for the year of the upcoming camp). Strong applicants will have leadership skills, enjoy working with youth, and preferably have previous experiences working at a youth camp or as a teen leader for another youth program.

Teen Counselor Applications

The process is competitive and only select applicants will proceed to the interview portion. There are various training requirements that must be met by each candidate for the counselor positions in order to attend 4-H Camp. For the application or more details, contact Chesterfield Virginia Cooperative Extension.

4-H General Clubs

4-H membership varies in age based on specific clubs or activities. 4-H offers age categories as follows:

  • Cloverbuds (ages 5-8)
  • Junior Members (ages 9-13)
  • Senior Members (ages 14-18)
  • Ages 5-18
  • Project focus various from year-to-year
  • Club is active in leadership development and community service
  • Contact Moseley 4-H Club (email: vawilson@vt.edu) 
  • Ages 9-18
  • Project focus is science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and shooting sports education
  • Club is active in building skills for competitions
  • This club is currently at capacity and not accepting new registrations at this time. Please email Virginia Cooperative Extension to be placed on a waitlist.

4-H SpIn Clubs

A 4-H SpIn (special interest) club is for small groups of young people to learn about a topic of interest in-depth. The SpIn club model provides increased flexibility in when and how long groups meet.

Learn More About 4-H

Stay connected with state and national 4-H initiatives.

Follow the state and national 4-H Facebook and Instagram accounts for ideas and activities for families and youth:

Virginia 4-H

National 4-H

National 4-H Film Festival Winner: Insecurities Make You Stronger

View the insecurities will make you stronger video.

4-H Honors Sarah Gregory: Chesterfield 4-H Volunteer for 46 Years

View he the 4-H honors Sarah Gregory video.

Developing Life Skills

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) views the family unit as the cornerstone of a healthy community and strives to improve the well-being of Chesterfield residents through programs that help participants put research-based knowledge to work in their lives. A holistic approach to strengthening families, including those with limited resources, assists youth and adult participants in developing wellness life skills related to diet and nutrition, exercise, family financial management, health, and parenting. By participating in VCE educational programs, participants become healthier, more productive community members who further contribute to Virginia's social and economic stability.

  • Family and Human Development Education
  • Financial Management Classes
  • Food Nutrition and Health
  • Food Safety and Preservation
  • Master Food Volunteer Training

The Virginia Family Nutrition Program is a program within Virginia Cooperative Extension that extends the land-grant education and outreach mission of Virginia Tech by offering a comprehensive collection of resources, educational programs and services across Virginia to improve the health of families. The program focuses on addressing food security and the prevention of costly chronic diseases. VCE is committed to finding real solutions that positively impact the health of Virginia communities. Learn more about how the Virginia Family Nutrition Program encourages community members to eat smart, move more.

Youth Nutrition Education

Nutrition education is available to youth through partnerships with eligible schools using an evidence-based curriculum. Lessons adhere to Virginia Standards of Learning while promoting the development of healthy lifestyle habits. Curriculums by grade include:

  • Pick a Better Snack (Grades K-2)
  • Choose Health: Food Fun and Fitness (Grades 3-6)
  • Summer Food, Summer Moves (Grades K-6)
  • Teen Cuisine (Grades 6-12)

Promoting Environmentally Sound Horticulture Practices

Virginia Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who work within their communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices though sustainable landscape management education and training. Learn more on the Virginia Master Gardener Facebook.

As an educational program of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), Virginia Master Gardener's bring the resource of Virginia's land grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University to the people of the commonwealth. Master Gardeners work specifically toward enhancing the environment through sustainable landscape practices, producing food in public and private gardens to improve human nutrition and food security, and using horticulture and landscaping to positively impact youth and improve the overall quality of life for Virginia citizens.

For questions, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension by email or by calling 804-751-4401.

A Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener (VCE-MG) is a volunteer educator who acts on behalf of VCE to share knowledge and empower their community after receiving specialized training in environmental horticulture through cooperative programming with VCE. This is a program designed to deliver the scientific research and resources of Virginia’s land grant universities to assist the people of the commonwealth. Services include staffing the Master Gardener help desk, maintaining the demonstration gardens and presenting educational material through the speakers bureau, newsletters and social media, as well as outreach at clinics, markets and events.

Training consists of 50 hours of classroom instruction, followed by a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer time in approved programs during the first year. At the completion of both requirements, successful candidates will graduate as VCE-MGs. To maintain standing as an MG, each volunteer must complete 20 hours of service in approved programs and eight hours of continuing education every year following their graduation.

The Master Gardener program is open to all Chesterfield County residents and to Virginia residents outside of the county who choose to give their volunteer hours within Chesterfield. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or any other basis protected by law.

The Master Gardener program, a rewarding service-learning opportunity, is open to all Chesterfield County residents and to Virginia residents who choose to give their volunteer hours within Chesterfield. The service internship year begins upon passage of the class final exam and concludes in December. 

2026 Class Notification List

To receive 2026 class notifications, join the Master Gardener class notification list.

2025 Class Schedule (Jan. 9 - March 27, 2025)

The 2025 class has reached capacity - the application is closed and accepted trainees were notified by Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

The 2025 class will begin on Thursday, Jan. 9 and end on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Sessions will be held virtually on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and in-person on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. (conditions permitting).

  • Tuesday virtual sessions will be conducted on Zoom and can be joined live from 9 a.m. to noon. If your schedule prevents you from participating at that time, the sessions will be available to view asynchronously later that day.
  • Thursday in-person sessions will take place at Central Library, Classroom F (directly across from the Cooperative Extension Office), or at an off-site location from 4-7 p.m. A maximum of one in-person session can be missed and made up by attending another master gardener chapter’s equivalent session.

Training Topics and Methods

The training schedule includes instruction in basic plant growth and development, fruits and vegetables, tree and shrub care, weeds, diseases, insects, and related horticulture subjects.

Trainees are responsible for all content presented. This class uses a mix of instruction methods including Zoom, Canvas and in-person instruction. All progress measurements (quizzes/tests) will be taken online.

Fees and Materials

The fee for the course is $225, which includes the 500+ page Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Handbook and additional course materials.

Virginia Cooperative Extension offers presentations to interested garden clubs, civic organizations, homeowner’s associations and other community organizations in Chesterfield County. These presentations are given by Master Gardeners and/or by Virginia Cooperative Extension staff and are approximately 30 to 45 minutes in length.

Presentations can cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, the suggested available topics. These topics are listed by the suggested presentation season but are all available year-round upon request. Requests will be filled based on volunteer Master Gardener availability.

Suggested Year-round Topics:

  • Community Gardens
  • Container Gardening
  • Importance of Native Plants
  • Soil Care for Gardens
  • Sustainable Gardening

Suggested Spring Topics:

  • Attracting Pollinators
  • Gardening to Attract Birds and Butterflies
  • Importance of Bees
  • Monarch Butterflies
  • Vegetable Gardens

Suggested Summer Topics:

  • Fall Lawn Care
  • Fall Vegetable Gardening
  • Heirloom Plants
  • Summer Flowers

Suggested Fall Topics:

  • Planting Spring-blooming Bulbs
  • Planting Trees and Shrubs
  • Preparing the Garden for Winter
  • Tool Care

Suggested Winter Topics:

  • House Plants
  • Planning Your Spring Garden
  • Pruning
  • Seed Starting
  • Wreath Making

Scheduling a Presentation

To schedule a presentation, please complete the speakers bureau form by:

  1. Selecting Chesterfield Cooperative Extension - Master Gardeners in the Topic Requested field.
  2. The Cooperative Extension Topic Requested field will then appear.
  3. Select desired topic in the Cooperative Extension Topic Requested field.

Additional Horticultural Education

If you are looking for additional horticultural education but are not interested in volunteering with VCE, please consider the Virginia Certified Horticulturist program offered through the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA) or the horticulture technology program at Reynolds Community College.