By State › Massachusetts

Massachusetts: Local Resources

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MEMA and Ready Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency runs public outreach through the Ready Massachusetts (#ReadyMA) campaign, built around four core messages: stay informed and sign up for alerts, make a plan, build a kit, and get involved in community preparedness. Materials are available in seven languages.

Where to find it: mass.gov/ready.

Master Gardeners: the one state covered here where this isn’t run through Extension

Every other state covered on this site runs its Master Gardener program through the official state land-grant Extension service. Massachusetts is the exception.

What actually happened here

UMass Extension’s own Master Gardener program ended in 1989 due to funding cuts. Rather than disappearing, a group of program graduates organized independently and kept it going, and regional volunteer associations, the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association among them, now run Master Gardener training and certification across the state outside the university system entirely. Hours and structure vary by regional association, typically in the 40-75 hour range for both training and first-year volunteer service.

Where to find it: search “[your region] Master Gardener Association” (for example, the Western Massachusetts or Cape Cod associations) for a program near you; UMass still offers a separate Horticulture Certificate Program through its University Without Walls, a related but distinct credential.

CERT: one of the largest networks covered on this site

Massachusetts has more than 160 registered CERT teams statewide, coordinated by MEMA, which also runs a “CERT Rodeo” event to give volunteers hands-on practice and connect teams across the state.

Where to find it: mass.gov/mema lists CERT program information; search “[your city/town] CERT” for a specific local team.

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