Become a Pollinator Ambassador

Save the date for Extension Master Gardener (EMG) College 2026! Our theme this year is "Become a Pollinator Ambassador."

This is an advanced training designed specifically for NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers and Extension professionals. It will level up your insect pollinator expertise, prepare you to educate the public on pollinator health and conservation, and equip you with the presentation materials to do so! 

The 2026 program will include:

• A webinar series — three engaging online sessions focused on foundational knowledge and the latest research on pollinator health and conservation. (Recordings will be available for those unable to attend in real time.)
  Save the dates: May 27, June 3, and June 10 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

• A one-day, in-person workshop — featuring hands-on learning, opportunities to connect with fellow EMG volunteers and Extension professionals, and practical tools to help you lead pollinator education in your community.  Two, identical workshops will be held — one in eastern NC and one in western NC — to make it easier for volunteers across the state to participate. You'll attend only one, and you will be able to choose the location that is most convenient for you!
  Save the dates: June 19 in Greenville, NC or June 26 in Statesville, NC (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

Registration for EMG College 2026: How to Become a Pollinator Ambassador will open in April.

Stay tuned — we’ll share updates here as details are confirmed. We can’t wait to learn and grow together in 2026!

ABOUT OUR 2026 THEME
When asked what you wanted more of as Extension Master Gardener volunteers in the EMG program priorities survey, your top responses included advanced training in topics related to community needs, such as pollinator conservation. 

In response, we updated the EMG College format this year to deliver exactly that. Instead of our traditional multi-day conference in Raleigh, EMG College 2026 will offer a dynamic, in-depth learning experience centered on one of the most important topics in horticulture today: pollinator health and conservation. 

ABOUT EMG COLLEGE
EMG College is hosted by the NC State Extension Master Gardener program in even-numbered years. This continuing education experience is open to all NC State EMG volunteers, interns, students, emeriti, and Extension professionals, who apply and share what they learn in communities across North Carolina through their service with N.C. Cooperative Extension. 

Learn how you can become a Master Gardener volunteer, connect with volunteers in your community, or support our efforts to cultivate healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities by connecting people and plants through research-based information, educational programming, and community outreach.

EMG College 2024

"Growing Healthy Plants, Pollinators, and People"

Many Thanks to Our Sponsors!

EMG College 2024 Planning Team

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Matt Jones, Chair
Horticulture Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Chatham County 

Marshall Warren, Co-Chair
Horticulture Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Johnston County

Charlotte Glen, State Coordinator
NC State Extension Master Gardener Program

Regina Kaiser, Program Assistant
NC State Extension Master Gardener Program

Caroline Richardson, Program Assistant
NC State Extension Master Gardener Program

COMMITTEES

go.ncsu.edu/emg-college

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