Embedded Files
2026
"Become a Pollinator Ambassador"
Planning for Extension Master Gardener (EMG) College 2026 is underway and we are excited to share that we are trying something new! Based on feedback from volunteers across North Carolina, we’re introducing a new format designed to make learning more flexible, accessible, and inspiring.
Instead of our traditional multi-day conference in Raleigh, next year’s EMG College will feature a dynamic learning experience focused exclusively on one of the most important topics in horticulture: pollinator health and conservation.
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.
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.
We’re currently finalizing the dates and locations, exploring options for Summer 2026, and even considering two in-person workshops — one in eastern NC and one in western NC — to make it easier for volunteers across the state to participate.
Stay tuned — we’ll share updates here as details are confirmed. We can’t wait to learn and grow together in 2026!
ABOUT EMG COLLEGE
EMG College is hosted by the NC State EMG 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!
Many Thanks to Our Sponsors!
EMG College 2024 Planning Team
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
COMMITTEES
Education
Matt Jones, Marshall Warren, Charlotte Glen, Co-chairs
Sam Boring, Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Davidson County
Cody Craddock, Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County
Taylor Jones, Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Guilford County
Cyndi Lauderdale, Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Wilson County
Andrew Pfeifer, Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stanly County
Learn-Grow-Share
Sallie Cune, co-chair
EMG volunteer, Mecklenburg County
Rhiannon Goodwin, co-chair
Horticulture Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Alamance County
Jackie Allen
EMG volunteer, Alamance County
Alison Arnold, Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County
Sponsorship
Payton Berry, co-chair
Horticulture Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Cabarrus County
Kristen Klett, co-chair
EMG volunteer, Wake County
Scholarships
Matt Collogan, co-chair
Horticulture Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County
Joan Barber, co-chair
EMG volunteer, Durham County
Hospitality
Regina Kaiser, Co-chair
Diane Goodwin, Co-chair
EMG volunteer, Chatham County
Volunteer Coordination
Krys Ochota, co-chair
EMG Coordinator, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County
Julie Flowers, Horticulture Agent,
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Gaston & Cleveland Counties
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