The University of Wisconsin-Extension implemented the Master Gardener Program in Wisconsin in 1980. The purpose of the program is to have trained volunteers help county UW-Extension horticultural staff reach out to a greater number of people who are interested in, or have questions about, gardening than the Extension staff can provide alone.
Who is eligible to be a Master Gardener Volunteer?Any resident of Wisconsin 18 years or older. Potential Master Gardener Volunteers should be interested in horticulture (but a formal degree is not necessary), dependable, unbiased and open-minded, and willing to help people with their horticultural concerns. Participants are expected to provide volunteer service to their community. Although the program is statewide, some counties may choose not to offer the program.
How do I get started?Master Gardener training is offered through the local UWEX County Extension offices (training varies by location; not all counties offer all types of training). To participate, you must contact the office where you would like to take training and follow their procedures if they are offering the program. (You do NOT need to reside in a county to participate in their program.) For more information on your local Master Gardener Program, contact your county UW-Extension office.
Who teaches the Master Gardener classes?The classes are taught by University personnel including Extension Specialists from the Departments of Horticulture, Plant Pathology and Entomology, horticulture educators, Extension agents and other qualified professionals.
What type of training is offered?General Training and Specialized Training are the two types of classes that are offered. General Training and certification as a Master Gardener Volunteer is required before Specialized Training can be taken. Not all counties offer both types of training. Contact your local county UW-Extension office to find out what types of training are offered there, and when classes will be held.
What topics are covered in General Training?You will receive a minimum of 36 hours of in-depth classroom training on a variety of horticulture topics including soils, botany, entomology, plant pathology, houseplants, landscaping, turf, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The statewide General Training classes use PowerPoints presentations, but some counties may offer classes with other teaching formats.
What topics are covered in Specialized
Training?These programs are offered only in selected counties. General Training is a pre-requisite for this course. Topics include floriculture, vegetable and fruit production, and ornamentals (including trees and shrubs) and turf management.
When are classes held? Current ScheduleThe statewide general training consists of twelve weekly classes held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the spring (January - March or April). Some counties may also offer General Training at other times. Specialized Training is offered through the MG Program Office in the fall (September - November), but some counties offer their own classes at other times. Specialized Training is only open to MGVs who have completed General Training. In both the general and specialized training programs you are expected to attend all the classes and will be asked to sign in at each session.
Do I have to take exams?An open-book final exam is given at the end of each training program. You must pass this exam with a minimum score of 70% to become certified.
What do I have to do to become a Certified
Master Gardener Volunteer?To become certified, you must complete the minimum 36 hours of training, sign a volunteer agreement, achieve a 70% or better score on the final exam, and complete at least 24 hours of volunteer service within one year of training (higher requirements may be imposed locally). At the completion of all the requirements, you may receive an official Master Gardener Volunteer certificate and are eligible to order a name badge. Contact your local training facilitator for specific details in your county.
What are some volunteer activities I might
do to complete my requirements?There are lots
of options! Here are some examples (but you're certainly not limited to these) in three
general categories :
1) Adult education volunteer activities
Assist
clientele that come into the Extension office for information.
Respond to
telephone calls from homeowners.
Participate in
design and operation of horticultural exhibits, displays or demonstrations.
Staff your
local Extension office horticulture hotline.
Write an
article for your Master Gardener newsletter.
Give a talk at
a Master Gardener program on a horticultural topic you know well.
2) Youth education volunteer activities
Make
presentations on horticultural topics to 4-H groups, youth organizations, youth clubs,
etc.
Participate and
organize school activities such as Arbor Day, Earth Day and horticulture tours.
3) Service volunteer activities
Participate
in an Arbor Day planting.
Help plant a
special display in a local park garden or other public area.
Establish drop
off sites for produce as part of a Plant-a Row-for-the-Hungry project and bring your extra
zucchini.
Assist the
staff of a local garden, research station, church, or other site maintain annual and
perennial beds.
Reestablish a
prairie on public lands.
Help an
environmental preservation group with its annual cleanup of public or private lands.
Where am I supposed to volunteer?Master Gardener Volunteers provide service to their community, normally within their own county, although special arrangements can be made to participate in other outside activities. Local associations have many organized activities to participate in.
How can I fit volunteering into my schedule
since I work during the day?Some Master Gardener Volunteers have a great degree of flexibility as to when they can volunteer, but those with regular job responsibilities can make arrangements to volunteer in the evening or on the weekends. Some tasks that can be done after hours include research, writing, telephone calling, helping with meetings and record keeping.
How will I keep track of my volunteer hours?You will be given a form to record time spent on your various activities. These reports will be turned in on a regular basis to a designated local coordinator. The report not only allows for recognition of volunteers for their hard work, but are also valuable for program evaluation. These forms are available from your local facilitator or the MG Program Office.
What happens after I've become a Certified
Master Gardener Volunteer?Recertification is required annually to remain a Master Gardener Volunteer in good standing. To be recertified you must complete10 hours of continuing education and provide 24 hours of volunteer service.
What do I
have to do to be a member of WIMGA?
Any MGV can become a member of the statewide Wisconsin MG Association (WIMGA) by paying $5 dues to the WIMGA Treasurer by January 31 (through their local association unless there is no local group). Those enrolled in general training through the MG Program Office have one year's membership included in their fees. Benefits of membership include 6 issues per year of the newsletter mailed (or sent electronically, upon request) directly.
What kind of recognition will I get for my participation in this
program?Certificates are available upon initial certification. Awards are given yearly to Master Gardener Volunteers who have given exceptional service to the program. Certificates of achievement are awarded by the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program Office.
What are the responsibilities of a Master Gardener Volunteer? As a Master Gardener Volunteer you are a representative of the University of Wisconsin - Extension, and as such should act in a professional manner and maintain a professional image. You should be knowledgeable, but also know your limitations (be able to say "I don't know").