Do you enjoy gardening and talking with others about it? Do you have a passion for making a difference in your community? If so, consider becoming a part of the Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers! The Extension Master Gardener volunteers are an outreach group part of N.C. Cooperative Extension and N.C. State University. These volunteers serve their community by sharing research-based information on horticulture-related issues and community beautification projects.

To become a certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer, individuals receive horticulture and plant science training from their local Cooperative Extension Center through a 13-week course given by a variety of local speakers and Extension personnel. New volunteers are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of other activities and events throughout the year shadowing veteran volunteers. Some of these events include: hosting a community Flower and Garden Show each spring, an annual Fall Plant Sale, maintaining a local landscape demonstration garden, propagating and managing a greenhouse full of different plant varieties, presenting educational programs, and partnering with local 4-H horticulture clubs and elementary schools.

Those with a strong interest in both gardening and their community are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be comfortable working with a diverse group of people and willing to share their knowledge with both new and experienced gardeners. This year’s 2020 Extension Master Gardener training class is currently underway. The next opportunity to take the EMGV training course will be in September, 2021. For more information about the program and/or possible volunteer opportunities contact Chris Blaha at 252-232-2262 or email ctblaha@ncsu.edu.