EBR MG Association History

In 1992 the Director of Extension approved plans to go forward with the first Master Gardener class.

The first class was in 1994. It was a night class held at Burden. The EBR Master Gardener Association’s first President was Bill Wrobel, a 10-year veteran MG from Oregon. Three years later, in 1997, the AgCenter approved statewide adoption of this innovative program. Dr. Tom Koske, State Horticulturist Specialist, assumed responsibility on the state level and was most instrumental in developing our first manual.

The program has continued to grow in numbers and esteem throughout the State as Master Gardeners provide invaluable support for gardening in their communities and schools.

 The organization celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. The EBRMGA has grown into an active 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting school gardens, health clinics, and therapeutic horticulture. We give free talks on gardening to the public at parish libraries, hold plant sales in the spring and in the fall, and provide educational programs for adults and children several times a year at LSU AgCenter Museum and Gardens.