Contents |
Extension Master Gardener Program
The Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program was started in 1972 in King and Pierce counties in Washington state by local horticultural Extension agent David Gibby, Ph.D. This unique volunteer program has become internationally recognized and often duplicated as a model for other volunteer programs. Today, Extension Master Gardener programs exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Examples of projects or activities in which Extension Master Gardeners participate, include:
- Conducting garden consumer hotlines
- Setting up exhibits
- Writing news articles
- Educating in community gardens
- Conducting yard and neighborhood environmental programs
- Controlling invasive plants
- Establishing public demonstration gardens
- Providing sensory gardens and other gardens and gardening techniques for the handicapped
- Helping with community plantings
- Teaching youth, elder, and at-risk audiences
Becoming an Extension Master Gardener
Trained by the Cooperative Extension Service, Extension Master Gardeners receive and recommend university and research-based information. The initial basic training for EMGs usually consists of 40 to 80 hours of classroom courses; in return, the participants give an equal number of volunteer hours during the next 12 months. Beyond the first year, annual volunteer expectations are usually lower, 20 to 30 hours, and the educational requirement even lower, approximately five to 15 hours of continuing, advanced, or specialized training. Most programs distinguish between actively volunteering EMGs and those who are inactive and no longer provide volunteer hours. To remain active, both educational and volunteer requirements usually must be met each year.
Find Your Local Extension Master Gardener Program
Interested in finding out more about your local EMG program? Find the local programs by state or province (Canada), see:
Extension Master Gardener Survey and Impact Reports
2009 Extension Master Gardener Survey and Volunteer Impacts
The 2009 EMG survey conservatively estimates there are 94,865 Extension Master Gardener volunteers throughout the United States and Washington, D.C, annually contributing 5,197,573 hours educating the public, providing youth programming, and facilitating produce donated to local food banks. While this is only the beginning of the value EMGs provided in their communities this year, these efforts are estimated to have contributed 101. 4 million dollars in value to the general public. For more information, see the following report:
- 2009 Extension Master Gardener Survey. PDF File, 1 page.
Extension Master Gardener Reports from around the United States
EMG Volunteer Numbers by State
For volunteer numbers or state annual reports from specific states, see
EMG Program and the Impact on Volunteers Themselves
- Louisiana State Impacts. PDF file, 135 pages.
Public Benefits of the EMG Program
- Master Gardener Public Benefits Evaluation - Basic Report. PDF file, 44 pages. Stakeholder Valuation of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Program by Tom Bartholomay and David Moen.
Extension Master Gardener White Paper
Compiled in 2005, the Extension Master Gardener White Paper provides details and summaries on national program activity, background, and impacts for the Extension Master Gardener program.
- EMG - White Paper. The EMG White Paper includes:
Extension Master Gardeners and the Consumer Horticulture National Committee
The Consumer Horticulture National Committee (CHNC) is a committee that works together to recognize and enhance EMG programming, training, and networking. Formed in July 2006, the CHNC is comprised of Consumer Horticulture Specialists and Extension Master Gardener state coordinators elected to represent the four geographical regions and the directors of nationwide projects.
For more information, see:
Extension Master Gardeners and eXtension
EMGs, led by the CHNC, are the primary responders for eXtension's Gardens, Lawns, and Landscapes Ask an Expert and FAQ system, providing locally specific answers to eXtension's Gardens, Lawns, and Landscapes users. When users cannot find an answer to their specific question by viewing one of the thousands of Gardens, Lawns, and Landscapes FAQs, users are prompted to submit their questions via Ask An Expert, where EMGs serve as primary first responders to their questions, with consulting help available from state Extension specialists. Questions resolved through Ask an Expert are then added to the FAQ database for future use by Gardens, Lawns, and Landscapes users.
International Master Gardener Conferences
International Master Gardener (IMG) conferences are held every two years and provide an opportunity for EMGs and Extension specialists to come together and learn through seminars and tours, while also convening committee meetings and exchanging ideas and concerns. Search for Excellence winners are also awarded to those EMGs who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
Next International Master Gardener Conference
The next International Master Gardener Conference is October 11-14, 2011 in Charleston, WV. For more information see:
- http://imgc.ext.wvu.edu/(West Virginia University Extension Service)
International Master Gardener Committee
The International Master Gardener Committee (IMGC) manages the process to perpetuate the continuance of International and Regional Master Gardener Conferences. For EMGs and Extension specialists desiring to know more information about IMGC roles and resources, including hosting future conferences, see:
