Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener Association

The Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener Association (NETMGA) is group of trained volunteers who assist the University of Tennessee Extension in the counties of Hawkins, Sullivan, Washington, Carter and Unicoi. They provide education in home horticulture for the community members. The volunteers also organize and maintain garden projects throughout the region. The Master Gardener volunteer program allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the region using the science and art of horticulture.

Members of NETMGA have been volunteering at Exchange Place for many years. They are involved in a number of projects at the site including maintaining the Demonstration Kitchen (Vegetable) Garden, where heirloom vegetables and modern hybrids are grown side-by-side to give visitors an opportunity to compare and contrast the two. Master Gardeners are also members of the Maintenance crew, who, among other things, mows the lawns, repairs fences and gates, and helps with parking and set-up/take-down at festivals. Master Gardeners provide horticultural education at festivals as well.