NC State Extension Master Gardener℠
Volunteer Program
Interested in becoming a NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ (EMG)? If you have a passion for plants and a desire to share your knowledge with the community, volunteering with our team is the place for you.
The application process for the 2027 class of the EMG program of Mecklenburg County has begun.
Attending one of the informational sessions is mandatory. Registration for the information sessions is linked here:
Monday, August 3, 2026 @ 5:00 pm, 2415 Lester Street, Charlotte, NC 28208
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 10:00 am, 2415 Lester Street, Charlotte, NC 28208
Saturday, August 29, 2026 @ 11:00 am, 2415 Lester Street, Charlotte, NC 28208
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 @ 5:00 pm, 2415 Lester Street, Charlotte, NC 28208
Also, please sign up to receive our Garden Zone newsletter for horticulture tips and tricks as well as fun information, Sign Up for E-Mail Notifications | N.C. Cooperative Extension.
Please email Sam DeRosa with your interest in becoming an EMG volunteer, Sam_DeRosa@ncsu.edu. She can have your contact information included in the interest list for program updates.
General Program Information
Our mission is to educate and assist the community by utilizing research-based information to support horticulture and gardening best practices. To become a NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer (EMGV), you must first attend an intensive training program studying scientific, research-based consumer horticulture. As educational volunteers of NC State Extension, certified individuals assist in providing public education in gardening and environmental stewardship based on researched-based information from N.C. Cooperative Extension and other universities. EMGVs play a large role in the horticultural program of Mecklenburg County by addressing critical issues such as enhancing natural resources and environmental stewardship, sustaining vibrant communities, and improving the health and wellness of our residents.
Topics Covered
Classes are taught by NC State University and NC A&T State University faculty and specialists, as well as other industry professionals in the Charlotte metro area. Classroom work is supplemented with field trips during the semester.
| Soils and Plant Nutrients | Native and Invasive Plants |
| Botany and Plant Physiology | Vegetable Gardening |
| Plant Identification and Propagation | Herbaceous and Woody Ornamentals |
| Diseases and Disorders | Lawns |
| Diagnostics | Organic Gardening |
| Beneficial and Pest Insects | Composting |
| Attracting and Deterring Wildlife | Pesticides and Garden Tools and Safety |
| Integrated Pest Management | Landscape Design |
Certification Expectations
To earn EMGV certification, students must:
- Complete an 80-hour training course and,
- Complete 40 volunteer service hours within the first year
After the first year, certification is retained by:
- Providing 30 hours of volunteer service hours
- Participating in 10 hours of continuing education
- Successful completion/passing of a yearly background check
- Signature and adherence to the NC State EMG Code of Conduct
Volunteer Requirements
As a member of the program, EMGVs are required to contribute time as volunteers working through the N.C. Cooperative Extension Center in Mecklenburg County. The training prepares volunteers to assist in delivering research-based, educational programs within our community through projects such as:
- Conducting garden and environmental education presentations at libraries, recreation centers, community centers, and schools
- Identifying insect, pest, and plant disease problems in-person and by telephone
- Providing educational materials for consumer horticulture programs including handouts and newsletter articles
- Demonstrate gardening techniques and offering research-based educational guidance
As EMGVs, we share common interests and experiences learning good horticulture practices and gardening techniques. We develop relationships with each other, often becoming friends. This can be a very rewarding organization.
Please realize that the program is not:
- a garden club or social organization
- a certification program to be utilized in a job or for-profit venture (including landscape and lawn maintenance businesses, nurseries or garden centers, and landscape consultation services)
- a generalized class to help you gain more information about gardening, lawn care, or landscape maintenance
Please note that acceptance to the program is not guaranteed as class size is limited.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
If you need more information, please email Sam_DeRosa@ncsu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
