Basic Training

Any adult resident of the state, at least 18 years of age, is eligible for the program.

Youth are not eligible because:

• The training program and materials are aimed at an adult audience

• The volunteer management and coordination for the program has been designed and implemented for adults

• The public has an expectation that MGs are experienced, trained adults who can answer questions, teach, solve problems, and provide technical assistance

Candidates for the program should live in the county/city where they will train and volunteer. This enhances the program effectiveness and cohesion of the training cohort. MGCs can reserve all seats in the training for county/ city residents, or they may elect to accept non-residents when county/city residents have not filled all the available slots. Some counties place out-of-county/city people on a waitlist. If the class doesn’t fill, they admit those on the waitlist. If a non-resident is accepted into the program, expectations should be discussed during the screening/interview process. They would volunteer their first 40 hours in the county/city they trained in, and then either continue there or transfer to their county/city of residence. MGCs for both counties need to be involved in the communications to ensure everyone remains on the same page. See the section on Transfers for more detailed information on transferring MGs.

Benefits of Becoming a UME Master Gardener

UME has a vested interest in developing a corps of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and dedicated MGs. Volunteers gain the following benefits from participation:

• Opportunity to attend basic and advanced training programs covering all aspects of environmental horticulture.

• Learn new skills and further develop old ones.

• Meet and work with other people interested in horticulture.

• Gain personal satisfaction from helping the community.

• Declare allowable, non-reimbursed, out-of-pocket expenses for income tax purposes.

• Protection, through the Maryland Tort Claims Act, from lawsuits while performing volunteer duties in accordance with the service description.

Application Process

The process includes an application, screening, interview, and criminal background check. Once completed the applicant is notified by the Extension office whether or not they have been accepted as a MG Trainee. Deadlines for accepting applications, training schedules, and other pertinent information are posted locally on each county/city Extension web page. Blank versions of the following important documents related to becoming a volunteer can be found in the Forms and Resources section of the handbook:

• Volunteer Application

• MG Volunteer Service Description

• UME Volunteer Appointment Agreement Form

A fee is charged to participate in the program that pays for the mandatory Maryland Master Gardener Handbook, publications, refreshments, necessary supplies and materials, capacity building, and State MG Office support. The fee amount differs by county.

The orientation process begins with acceptance into the program and continues throughout training and internship.

Responsibilities of Volunteers

• Follow UME guidelines and procedures.

• Be considerate, respect others’ competencies, and work as a member of a team with all professional and volunteer staff.

• Accept assignments of your choice that you feel comfortable with and that are compatible with your interests and skills.

• Fulfill your volunteer commitments or notify your volunteer activity leader or Extension professional early enough that a substitute can be found.

• Keep an accurate record of your volunteer service hours and continuing education hours and record them online using the Volunteer Management System. Hours must be submitted and approved by the deadlines set by both the state office and your local MG Coordinator.

• University of Maryland employees and volunteers are required by federal and state law and institutional policy to ensure that all programs and services are available to all people. Therefore, it is very important that you enter your volunteer data on a regular basis, including gender, race, and ethnicity information for clientele with whom you have direct contact. Please collect and enter all direct client contacts made through plant clinics, phone calls, presentations, workshops, projects, information booths etc.

• Collect participant contact data discretely following guidelines set by UME.

• Assist UME professionals in soliciting and collecting survey and evaluation data to measure program impact. There is one public program survey that can be used for all public programs in every county.

• Attend regularly scheduled meetings and actively participate whenever possible.

• Provide feedback and suggestions to your mentor and Extension professional to increase program effectiveness.

• Help new volunteers feel accepted.

• Take on leadership roles.

Responsibilities of UME

• Provide MGs with Basic Training (a minimum of 40 hours), guidance, and materials to become a Certified MG.

• Familiarize MGs with UME programs and University of Maryland policies and procedures and help them become an integral part of the UME team.

• Provide adequate orientation, training, and supervision for the assignments MGs accept.

• Offer opportunities to advance to positions with increased responsibilities and higher levels of management/skill.

• Keep MGs informed about program activities and events through state and county newsletters and websites.

• Provide volunteers with feedback to help improve their job performance.

• Recognize the contribution MGs provide to the University of Maryland Extension.

Basic training courses are typically offered once a year by UME’s county/city MG programs. These are usually held in spring or fall, although the days of the week and class times differ by location. Total learning time is a minimum of 40 hours.

Through the training program, participants are taught many different horticultural subjects by specialists, educators, and other professionals. Topics typically include botany, composting, diagnosing plant problems, ecology, entomology, integrated pest management, lawn care, soils and fertilizers, trees and shrubs, and vegetable gardening.

A combination of online sessions, live lectures, hands-on activities, field trips, and experiential learning methods are used during the training sessions. The exact teaching format will vary by county, depending on the available resources and instructors.

The online and classroom training sessions are intended to introduce basic concepts and information and to familiarize volunteers with reference material and other resources available from UME. Students are not expected to memorize the information, but to learn where to find information.

MG trainees are prohibited from recording/streaming class presentations without pre-authorization from the MGC. UME staff or a designee may record/stream a class if permission is granted by the presenter. UME staff will determine the educational use of recordings.

Online Basic Training Modules

Trainees have access to the Moodle online classroom space through eXtension campus. The modules consist of an interactive presentation (approximately 30 minutes to one hour of “seat time”), a quiz, and additional subject matter resources. Each local program uses this space in the way that works best for their program, so be sure to check with your coordinator regarding access.

MG Handbook Quizzes

Five quiz questions are available for each MG Handbook chapter. Questions and answers were pulled directly from Handbook chapters. Each program uses these quizzes differently.

MG Final Exam

A set of 50 questions from the MG state office is the final exam for all MG programs. The set includes 10 questions each from the five core subjects: ecology, botany, soils, entomology, and plant pathology. Individual MG programs typically add additional final exam questions to cover specific topics included in their Basic Training. It is administered as an open-book exam. The principal goal is not for trainees to recall correct answers, but rather to know where to find answers.

In order to maintain the status of Active Master Gardener, MGs must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each year.

Continuing education can include any combination of

• Classes, webinars, seminars, workshops, tours, field days, and other educational activities offered by UME, plant societies, botanical gardens and arboreta, colleges, nature centers, etc.

• Subject matter presentations made at MG membership meetings

• Continuing education events coordinated and sponsored by the local Extension Office or by the state MG office

Not eligible for continuing education hours:

• Volunteer hours

• Festivals or plant sale events

• Topics outside of our mission and subject matter of horticulture and integrated pest management (e.g., botanical illustration)

MGs are expected to log all of their continuing education hours into the VMS. VMS Admins and/ or MGCs are responsible for approving continuing education hours for the MGs in their county/city program. A list of the names and contact information of the VMS Admins can be found at the bottom of the Record and Report Volunteer Data page of the MG website.

Certified Professional Horticulturist Certification

Active MGs can apply to become Certified Professional Horticulturists, a program offered by the Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association (MNLGA). The organization has determined that the MG training and volunteer experience makes MGs eligible to apply.

Any interested MG should go to the CPH page of the MNLGA website for additional information.

Applicants will need to download and complete the application and pay the $240 fee ($140 for MNLGA members) for materials and taking the exam. On the application, the MG should list University of Maryland Extension as the sponsor organization. It’s very important that the MG also submit a letter of sponsorship written and signed by their MGC or other Extension Educator. The application and letter should be submitted together to MNLGA.

This is a great opportunity for motivated MGs to take their knowledge and experience to the next level.