What is an Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer?

Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers are volunteers who have the unique experience of receiving and learning how to distribute research-based information from the land grant universities while being involved in various gardening related programs that help the community! Some of the things Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers (EMGv's) do are their annual Passalong Plant Sale, host public events like Celebrate Pollinators Day, the Master Gardener℠ Garden Show, Fall in the Garden, and the Great Southeast Pollinator Census counting event, and maintain our on-site Demonstration Gardens. They also visit local farmer's markets with their Ask a Master Gardener℠ Booth, maintain our public Infoline, host free public gardening classes, and give out yearly grants to school and community gardens! Keep reading below for information about the basic requirements to become an Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer in Guilford County.

In your first year, you will be considered a student/intern and will be required to complete 40 education hours, primarily by attending required classes that will teach you valuable research-based horticulture information. In your first year, you will also be required to complete 40 volunteer hours with specified hours from certain program areas. There are lots of opportunities to complete these hours throughout the year. If you fulfill these requirements in your first year (40 education hours and 40 volunteer hours), you will become certified. Each year thereafter the requirements are 10 continuing education hours and 30 volunteer hours for the year to remain in the program.

The cost for the first year is $120 (or $100 if submitted with a completed application during the early bird application period). This needs to be submitted with your application (a check made payable to Guilford County or cash-exact change). Each year, after you become certified, it is a $20 recertification fee. You may mail the application and fee or bring it in person to 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC 27405.

What is so great about the Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer program?

You get to help your community as a valuable volunteer while furthering your own education, and you get to become part of a community of individuals who love plants as much as you! Check out what some of our current Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers had to say when asked why they loved being an EMGV (Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer):

Janet, who has been an EMGV since 2012 said she loves it because of exposure to current garden practices, ability to share the world of gardening with the public and working alongside other master gardeners℠.

Gordon, who has been an EMGV since 2016 said he loves it because of learning more about gardening and being around others that enjoy gardening.

Nancy, who has been an EMGV since 1998 said she loves it because, "I enjoy learning and sharing new fact-based information and spending time with other very knowledgeable and fun gardeners!"

It really is a special community! If you are ready to join our EMGv community or learn more, please contact us! We generally have new EMGv classes every year or every other year. Our next class is planned for 2028.

For questions, accommodation requests, or program inquiries, please contact
Holly Key (hmkey@ncsu.edu)