The Master Gardener
Program is a public service arm of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Basic requirements are an interest and experience in horticulture and a
willingness to give back to the community. Community
volunteers are trained to assist other members of their community.
We provide the community with research based information obtained from
Volunteers are
selected and trained in all aspects of horticulture, from taxonomy to plant
pathology to organic gardening. While training usually takes place from October
through March, generally 2 – 3 days per month, it might start as early as
September and run weekly through to December. It consists of 50 – 70 hours of
classroom sessions. Attendance
at each training session is necessary. If
you must miss a session, you will need to read the chapter material, pass a quiz
and put in an extra 3 hour shift on the hotline, before certifying.
If you miss more than 2 sessions, you may be disqualified from the
program.
Upon
completion of the classroom training, a 15 minute oral presentation is required.
The topic will be agreed upon by you and the Master Gardener Coordinator.
The presentation will be made to the Master Gardener trainees and veteran
Master Gardeners.
Application process (interview)