Master Gardener Volunteer Program

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The Master Gardener Program is a national program of trained volunteers who work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office to expand educational outreach throughout the community by providing home gardeners with research-based information. The first Master Gardener program was started in Washington state in 1972. Forty-six states now have Master Gardener programs.

Here in Chautauqua County, this program is part of our community horticulture outreach activity, with volunteers educating home gardeners, youth in schools and after school programs, community gardeners, and consumers of horticulture products. Neighbors teach neighbors about landscape, fruit, vegetables, herbs, beneficial and harmful insects, plant diseases, integrated pest management, wildlife, soils, composting and much more. 

Master Gardener Volunteers:

1. Have successfully completed the required Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program and remain current through participation in recommended training opportunities throughout the agreed term of volunteer service.

2. Serve as a horticultural resource to the community.

3. Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension, and provide support for the organization.

The Training Program:

Includes a core course in gardening, as well as refresher classes, field trips and workshops to enhance expertise and ability to communicate information related to ecological gardening and related topics to the public. Their will be a fee for the course.

Each Master Gardener Volunteer is expected to maintain 35 hours of volunteer time, which can be completed through community gardening efforts, educational presentations, fundraising for the Master Gardener Program, professional development meetings, and other gardening projects.

Benefits of Being a Master Gardener Volunteer:

• Satisfaction of serving your community
• Interaction with others in your community with similar interests in gardening and community service
• A deeper understanding of the science behind gardening

Last updated February 20, 2025