Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Our next Master Gardener Volunteer Training is scheduled to begin in January of 2024.

A link to our online application will be sent out in the beginning of September 2023 and will be due on October 15, 2023.

Anyone interested in submitting an application for the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Training must attend one of our two 'Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer Discussion Panels'. The Discussion Panels will be held in-person at our office located at 18 Seward Avenue, 3rd Floor, Middletown, NY 10940.

Wednesday, September 20^th @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, September 23^rd @ 10:00 am

Click here to register for one of our

'Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer Discussion Panel.'

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 years. Our next training is scheduled for 2024. Our online application will be sent out in the beginning of September 2023 and be due back on October 15 ^th.

Our training consist 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 2 ^nd 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, reference and background checks. Accepted applicants will be contacted in early December 2023 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.

Wednesday, September 20^th @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, September 23^rd @ 10:00 am