HOW DO I BECOME A MASTER GARDENER?

CLICK HERE FOR A MASTER GARDENER BROCHURE AND VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM

The Master Gardener Program is a public service arm of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Basic requirements are an interest and experience in horticulture and a willingness to give back to the community. Community volunteers are trained to assist other members of their community. We provide the community with research based information obtained from Cornell University , other Universities throughout the nation in the land grant system and the US Dept. of Agriculture.

Volunteers are selected and trained in all aspects of horticulture, from taxonomy to plant pathology to organic gardening. While training usually takes place from October through March, generally 2 – 3 days per month, it might start as early as September and run weekly through to December. It consists of 50 – 70 hours of classroom sessions. Attendance at each training session is necessary. If you must miss a session, you will need to read the chapter material, pass a quiz and put in an extra 3 hour shift on the hotline, before certifying. If you miss more than 2 sessions, you may be disqualified from the program.

Upon completion of the classroom training, a 15 minute oral presentation is required. The topic will be agreed upon by you and the Master Gardener Coordinator. The presentation will be made to the Master Gardener trainees and veteran Master Gardeners.

Application process (interview)

Position Description

Volunteer Agreement

Volunteer Application