Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Updates:
Volunteering During COVID
As we continue to do our volunteer work during the ongoing pandemic, please remember:
Consider volunteer comfort and support personal choices about participation in our programs and activities.
Master Gardeners must continue to follow the guidelines of communities, venues and collaborating organizations with which we work.
Consider the comfort level of audiences and think carefully about what is the best method of engagement for them (virtual, in-person, hybrid, etc.)
At-Home Projects in 2023
The four at-home projects that qualify as volunteer work are:
Planting a new pollinator garden
Maintaining an established pollinator garden
Growing a giving garden
Propagating and donating plants to those in need
Read the At-A-Glance Resources for Volunteers for more information, and find a link on the bottom of the document to register your at-home projects. Learn more on the At-Home Projects page.
Our Mission and Vision.
The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program shares research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, cultivates diverse collaborations, supports project-based volunteer activities and inspires change to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.
Our vision is that community-based volunteers will use research-based knowledge and develop collaborative relationships to strengthen the important role of plants and horticulture, and the impact on local ecosystems in all Minnesota communities.
Our Guiding Principles connect us and our work statewide.
Volunteerism sustains the program - In alignment with the program priorities, Master Gardener Volunteers fulfill the organizational mission in their communities, through collaboration and cocreation across physical, organizational and social boundaries.
Science anchors the program - As a University of Minnesota Extension program, research-based knowledge and best practices guide our educational outreach, community engagement efforts and horticultural knowledge.
Education connects Minnesotans to the program - To support Minnesota learners interested in horticulture and gardening during this information-rich era, the Master Gardener Volunteer Program will continue to develop innovative classroom, walk-by learning, community engagement and virtual learning experiences, while also exploring emerging programming strategies and methods.
People and communities nourish the program - Master Garden Volunteers leverage the unique strengths, skills and wisdom within communities to cocreate accessible, plant-based projects and achieve sustainable and inspirational results in Minnesota communities.
Environmental stewardship guides the program - The Earth is our home; the health of local ecosystems and natural resources must be protected for future generations through educational outreach, demonstration and community engagement.
Connection and access grow the program - The Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides benefit throughout Minnesota, with goals to eliminate barriers to participation, make scientific concepts understandable and available to all, and inspire lifelong horticultural learning.
Our Program Priorities
The Mission, Vision, and Principles of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program were developed through the 2018-2022 Master Gardener Volunteer Strategic Plan. You can see a summary of the new Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.
