About the Program
The NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program recruits, trains, and engages people to serve as volunteer educators who strengthen Extension’s delivery of science-based horticultural knowledge to North Carolinians.
Mission: Connecting people to horticulture through science-based education and outreach.
Vision: To be the trusted source of science-based information that empowers North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.
If you are interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer, please submit the form below.
EMG volunteers regularly assist with Consumer Horticulture programming, such as this seed starting workshop.
Become an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer
If you live in North Carolina, love teamwork, and want to share science-based gardening practices, consider joining the Extension Master Gardener℠ program of New Hanover County.
Our 200+ active members volunteer thousands of hours annually to maintain the Arboretum gardens and provide vital horticultural information to our community.
What Volunteers Do
As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:
- Educate: Answer questions in the Plant Clinic and provide outreach to community organizations.
- Lead: Conduct private tours of the Arboretum.
- Cultivate: Maintain demonstration gardens through planting, weeding, and pruning.
- Support: Assist with major plant sales that fund educational projects.
- Grow: Attend monthly meetings featuring expert educational speakers.
The Path to Certification
Becoming a certified volunteer involves a structured, rewarding process:
- Training Course: Complete a 60-hour course taught by Extension staff and local experts. Topics include soil science, pest management, food production, and landscape care.
- The Curriculum: Training is based on the Extension Gardener Handbook, available free online or for purchase.
- Internship: After the course, students complete a 50-hour internship to earn their official certification.
- Ongoing Service: To remain active, volunteers commit to annual service hours and continuing education requirements.
How to Apply
Training classes for New Hanover County residents are typically conducted from January through March each year. You can join the interest list through the form below or give us a call at 910-798-7680 to learn more.
Note: Only New Hanover County residents are eligible for this specific program. If you live elsewhere, please contact the EMG program in your county of residence.
