Sign-up to receive information about our 2027 Master Gardener Volunteer Training.
Sign-up to receive information about our 2027 Master Gardener Volunteer Training.
2022 Master Gardener Volunteer Graduates
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
What is a Master Gardener Volunteer?
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a national program of trained volunteers who work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office to expand garden-based educational outreach throughout the community by providing home and community gardeners with research-based information and skills. Here in Orange County, Master Gardener Volunteers partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension to assist with gardening projects in the community, teach classes and workshops, work in school and community gardens, provide information at public events, and answer gardening questions through the Garden Helpline.
Who becomes a Master Gardener Volunteer?
Master Gardener Volunteers are adults of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They range from having no professional gardening or landscaping experience, to very experienced gardeners. They all share a genuine interest in making the world more vibrant and livable through gardening. Master Gardener Volunteers are students, teachers, moms, dads, grandparents, working folks, retired people, and anything else you can imagine. All you need is a love for gardening, time to volunteer, and a willingness to complete the training.
How can I become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
In Orange County New York, a Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program is usually conducted every two or three years. Our next training is scheduled for 2027. Our online application will be sent out in the beginning of September 2026 and be due back on October 11th. Anyone interested in submitting an application for the 2027 Master Gardener Volunteer Training must attend one of our two 'Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer Discussion Panels'.
Our training consists of online work in conjunction with in-person classes. The online work can be done on your own time and includes watching lectures, contributing to online forums, performing knowledge checks, writing reflections, etc. In-person classes are held once a month for twelve months, on the 2nd Saturday of the month. They will start at 9:00 am and finish by 4:00 pm.
The application process includes a review of your application, interviews, and reference and background checks. Accepted applicants will be contacted in early December 2026 and notified of their standing. The current training cost is $300 per applicant. Scholarships are available, based on need.
During your first two years as a Master Gardener Volunteer you are required to complete 50 hours of service, after that you are required to complete 30 hours each year.
Are you interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer with Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County?
To receive an application for our 2027 Training Program in early September, sign-up for one of our 'Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer Discussion Panels' and come hear all about the program from a group of current Master Gardener Volunteers and the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator. We will talk you through the application process, our training model, and what it is like to be a Master Gardener Volunteer. Anyone interested in submitting an application for the 2027 Master Gardener Volunteer Training must attend one of our two 'Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer Discussion Panels'.
Discussion Panel Dates and Times:
- Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
If you have any questions about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, please contact:
Contact
Susan Ndiaye
Community Horticulture Educator
sgn32@cornell.edu
(845) 344-1234, Ext.250
Last updated January 8, 2026