Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers
go.ncsu.edu/readext?925985
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲
Who can become an Extension Master Gardener?
Anyone interested in both gardening and volunteer service is a potential candidate for the program. No previous formal training is necessary.
About the program:
Join a local network of more than 60 passionate community members dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing Cleveland County through volunteer service, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening through education and outreach.
The Extension Master Gardener program prepares dedicated volunteers to support N.C. Cooperative Extension’s efforts to help Cleveland County citizens improve their lawns and landscapes using proven research-based information.
N.C. Cooperative Extension provides new volunteers with training on soil and plant nutrients, composting, insects, integrated pest management, lawns, food production, herbaceous, woody and native plants, wildlife, landscape design, and more. This initial training course is offered during late summer and fall each year.
After completing the training and passing an exam, students complete a 40-hour internship to learn even more about horticulture and give back to their community. Once the 40-hour internship has been completed the volunteer is eligible to become a Certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
To remain active in the program, Master Gardener volunteers must meet annual re-certification requirements, including 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education.
The are many fun and meaningful ways to earn continuing education and volunteer service credits:
- Attending monthly Extension Master Gardener Association meetings
- Participating in a planned nursery and garden tours
- Attending plant-related workshops and symposiums
- Helping to plan and support annual plant sales and other fundraisers
- Planning and promoting our local gardening symposium
- Creating educational displays and manning an information booth at the Cleveland County Fair
- Maintaining pollinator gardens
- Promoting and participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census
- Supporting local efforts to create a public Demonstration & Teaching Garden
- Providing technical support and guidance to community and school gardens
- Providing gardening advice and recruiting new volunteers at our farmers’ markets
- Representing the Extension Master Gardener Program at community health fairs, festivals and events
- Organizing or assisting with community beautification projects
Should you becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer?
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to learn more about the culture of many types of plants?
- Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
- Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
- Do I have enough time to attend training sessions and to serve as a volunteer?
If you answer yes to these questions, the Extension Master Gardener Program could be right for you.
The rewards of becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer:
Your time, effort, talent and enthusiasm are valuable contributions to N.C. Cooperative Extension’s consumer horticulture program. You won’t receive a paycheck, but will be richly rewarded for your service:
- You’ll receive a well-rounded education in home gardening.
- You’ll have access to continuing education opportunities
- You’ll become familiar with reliable resources to answer your gardening questions
- You’ll have access to gardening experts as needed
- You’ll make new friends with people who share a common interest in gardening
- You’ll enjoy organized outings & field trips with fellow Master Gardeners
- You’ll choose your own volunteer activities, doing things that you enjoy
- You’ll help nurture and grow future gardeners, a wonderful legacy to leave behind
- You’ll have the opportunity to give back to your community in meaningful ways
For more details, download our flyer. The course application is available here.
Contact the County Extension Center at 704-482-4365 to learn more, including when our next training program will be offered.