Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Extension Master Gardener program. To become a certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV), you must first attend an intensive 80 hour training program studying scientific, research-based consumer horticulture.  In exchange for training, all EMGVs must contribute 40 hours of volunteer service time working through the N.C. Cooperative Extension Center in Mecklenburg County.  The volunteer work includes educating and assisting the community by utilizing research-based information to support horticulture and gardening best practices.  By engaging people with a broad spectrum of topics and activities, we promote economic success, environmental stewardship, and improved quality of life within the community as a whole.

There are multiple steps to the volunteer application process. First, you must attend an information session to learn about the volunteer training program. After that you will submit an application, have an interview, and if accepted into the program then undergo a background check. There is a training fee which must be submitted once you are accepted into the program. Due to space constraints, class size is limited and you may be waitlisted for a future training class.

Although our application window for the spring 2024 class has now closed, you may fill out this form to be notified when applications for the next class are available.