The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program
The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program is an intensive course in consumer horticulture (residential lawns, landscapes, and garden cultivation & maintenance). In exchange for their training, Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute time as volunteers, and work through the N.C. Cooperative Extension Center in Mecklenburg County to provide horticulture-related information to the public through classes, plant clinics, newsletters, demonstration gardens, and a telephone hotline.

Extension Master Gardener volunteer training is usually conducted once every year. Classes will be taught in a centralized location within Mecklenburg County.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Individuals wishing to be considered for the next Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training program are encouraged to call N.C. Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County at 704-336-2082 to obtain training program details and to obtain an application for the current year’s training class. All applications are reviewed and sometimes applicants are interviewed depending on number of applicants. From the interviews, if conducted, the final candidates are invited to train to become Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

You can find out more about Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardener volunteers and download an application at: http://www.mastergardenersmecklenburg.org/become-a-master-gardener.html

TOPICS COVERED:
Soils, Fertilizers, and Amendments; Organic Gardening;
Plant Identification and Propagation; Botany & Plant Physiology,
Composting, Grasscycling, & Mulching; Water-Efficient Landscaping;
Attracting and Deterring Wildlife; Native and Invasive Plants;
Beneficial and Pest Insects; Managing Plant Diseases & Weeds;
Selection and Culture of… Herbs, Houseplants, Flowers, Fruit, Lawns, Vegetables,    Shrubs, Trees and Vines.

VOLUNTEERISM
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Mecklenburg County attain certification within a year of their training by returning 40 hours of educationally-based volunteer service, including answering Consumer Horticulture questions on the Horticulture Help Desk of Mecklenburg County that operates seasonally.

To retain Extension Master Gardener Volunteer certification, volunteers must complete 20 hours of community volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education. .

All Extension Master Gardener Volunteer work in Mecklenburg County is pre-approved by the Consumer Horticulture Agent & Master Gardener Coordinator and directly benefits N.C. Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County.

EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROJECTS:
Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Mecklenburg County are trained to assist N.C. Cooperative Extension in delivering research-based, educational programs within our community via the following projects:

• teaching gardening and environmental education classes at libraries, rec centers, community centers, and schools
• diagnosing insect/disease/pest problems over the phone & in person
• creating educational media for Consumer Horticulture programs (newsletter articles, PowerPoint slideshows, handouts, evaluation tools, etc.)
• educationally supporting the Mecklenburg Co. Park & Recreation Community Gardens by teaching classes, troubleshooting problems, and demonstrating gardening techniques

SPECIFICATIONS
The Extension Master Gardener program in Mecklenburg County is an intensive, research-based volunteer training program with the intent of training volunteers to assist N.C. Cooperative Extension in delivering research-based educational programming to the residents of Mecklenburg County.

The Extension Master Gardener Program is not…

• a garden club or social organization
• a certification program to be utilized in a job or profit-making venture (including landscape & lawn maintenance contractors; nurseries & garden centers; or landscape consultation services)
• a generalized class to help you gain more information about gardening, lawn care, or landscape maintenance
• open to anyone residing outside of Mecklenburg County, NC

REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM
Applicants need not be “experts” in gardening, horticulture, or even have a background in science! Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, all of which are relevant in our programming! The most important aspects sought for prospective Extension Master Gardener volunteers are:

• availability to attend classes & meetings and assist with the Extension Master Gardener Hotline of Mecklenburg County during weekdays
• interest in assisting one of the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Community Gardens in an educational aspect (vegetable enthusiasts eagerly sought!!!)
• willingness to learn how to find research-based answers to common gardening questions & to promote only research-based information in your Master Gardener volunteer projects
• interest in educating and serving the public through N.C. Cooperative Extension
• experience creating PowerPoint presentations; educational curriculum and  materials; and proficiency in using computer programs and the Internet are highly desirable!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
If you need more information or you are interested in receiving application materials for Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training please call 704-336-2082. You may also send your name and mailing address via email to mecklenburgmastergardeners@ncsu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!