I am an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, but what does that mean? It’s not just a title I made up, though that would make a good story. A “Master Gardener,” (or EMGV for short) at its core, is a volunteer trained and certified by university horticulture experts across the country, but my EMGV colleagues and I are particularly associated with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. EMGVs undergo rigorous training, delving deep into topics such as plant pathology, soil science, pest management, native plants, agriculture, home gardening, and ornamental horticulture, among others. This knowledge, combined with an intrinsic passion for plants and gardening, equips them to offer specialized guidance to their local communities.
However, being a EMGV isn’t just about knowledge acquisition; it’s about its dissemination. Once trained, these volunteers give back to their communities in various ways. They offer educational workshops, answer horticultural queries, participate in community garden projects, and engage in numerous other outreach activities. Their mission? To provide unbiased, research-based information to the public and help North Carolinians cultivate thriving, sustainable landscapes.
To maintain their status, EMGVs in North Carolina also commit to continuing education and regular volunteer hours. This ensures they stay updated with the latest horticultural practices and research, allowing them to offer the most current and effective advice. In essence, when you encounter an EMGV in North Carolina, you’re meeting someone deeply rooted (pun intended!) in both the science and the art of gardening, dedicated to nurturing both plants and the communities that cherish them.
Joining the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program is a fulfilling journey for those passionate about gardening and community service. If you’re interested in taking part in this rewarding program, here’s a general roadmap for becoming an EMGV: Begin by contacting your local Cooperative Extension office in Troy. You will need to enroll in a training course to get your certification and complete this process with a certain amount of hours. EMGVs commit to volunteering for a certain number of hours annually. To maintain the EMGV certification, extension programs require members to pursue continued education hours each year. This ensures that all EMGVs are up-to-date with the latest in horticultural science and best practices. The biggest part of membership is engaging with your local community, attending meetings, participating in workshops, and contributing to group projects. The time and effort you invest are returned in the form of enriched communities, sustainable gardening practices, and the joy of helping others cultivate their green spaces.
If you want to learn more, many EMGVs (including myself) help maintain the community garden right here in Montgomery County. Feel free to swing by The Gathering Garden in Mount Gilead at the corner of W Allenton St and School St, if you want to discuss gardening with us, you can find out more about or workdays on our facebook page.
In these weekly columns, I will share the science of gardening and so many more interesting tidbits. Check back here every week for tailored Montgomery County garden advice, sharing our garden updates, and more.
Let’s grow together!
This article was originally published in the Montgomery Herald and is reused here with permission by Mary Poplin.