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Master Gardener                How to become a Master Gardener

The Master Gardener program came to be as a solution to a "growing" problem. A Washington State University county extension agent, who was overwhelmed by the volume of requests from area gardeners, had an idea: provide first-class training in horticulture to individuals who would then share their knowledge as volunteers. This was 1972, and over the next year, university and extension specialists developed a training program. The following year, 120 persons selected from 300 applicants enrolled. The newly-educated volunteers conducted plant clinics and other volunteer outreach programs, serving more than 7,000 persons in their first year.

The concept took off. Across the country programs were developed and modified to meet local needs. The University of Nebraska introduced the program in 1976 to Lancaster County, and the idea quickly spread.

Training was first offered in Douglas county in 1978. Volunteers from the surrounding area including Burt, Saunders, Cass, Sarpy, Dodge, Pottawattamie and other counties routinely participate in the educational programs and return to share the knowledge in their own communities.

In 1999 the Douglas and Sarpy county extension offices merged operations. Master Gardener volunteers and staff provide service through offices in Omaha and Papillion. During 1999, Master Gardeners in these counties volunteered a total of 5,933 hours, and along with the horticulture staff, reached 18,778 individuals with assistance or programs.

Today, there are 600 Master Gardener volunteers in 77 Nebraska counties, providing service to people throughout the state.  To learn more about being a master gardener go to How to become a Master Gardener.

The Learning Experience
The purpose of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to extend the Cooperative Extension's educational program in the areas of horticulture, water-efficient landscape design, integrated pest management, composting, yard waste reduction and small-scale food production to Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Master Gardener educational seminars are offered annually through Douglas/Sarpy County Cooperative Extension. In exchange for 48 hours of high quality horticulture classroom education, participants agree to commit 40 hours of volunteer service during that year. Applicants pay a $195 fee which covers instruction and most materials.
Course content includes: Turfgrass Trees - insects, diseases, planting, pruning Vegetables Soils and Composting Landscape Design Annuals and Perennials Pest management And much more......

New graduates of the program are considered trainees. After the initial year of volunteer service is complete, participants receive their designations as Master Gardeners.

Master Gardeners must recertify each year. The required program of continuing education for veteran Master Gardener volunteers consists of 15 hours of training which is provided through the classroom sessions and special programs for experienced Master Gardeners. Volunteers who handle horticulture questions and inquiries by telephone in the extension office may count their time in this activity both as service and training.


Master Gardener Volunteer Requirements

Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer is a commitment. Master Gardeners must: Participate in an intensive training program in plant science. Devote a minimum of 40 hours of Master Gardener volunteer service each year to the community. Be willing to obtain knowledge and skills in basic ornamental horticulture, gardening and general related areas. Be able to effectively communicate with the public by telephone, personal and/or group contact, and written language. Be responsible to extension personnel in charge of the Master Gardener program.
 
Applications for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program will be considered without regard to their sex, age, handicap, race, color, religion, martial status, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

Responsibilities:
 
Master Gardeners are considered volunteer staff of the University of Nebraska. As such, there are certain responsibilities that accompany their status. Volunteers may not be affiliated with a specific product or service nor may they recommend a specific product or service unless it is the only resource available. Master Gardeners may not use their status or title for financial gain.

Volunteer Opportunities
In the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, friendships as well as flowers bloom! The many volunteer opportunities bring together people of all ages and all walks of life, with a common interest in horticulture. Throughout the year, social and volunteer activities continue to foster fellowship. Here are some opportunities; a complete list is available at the extension office.

On Going Activities
Telephone counsel to gardeners who call the extension office with questions. 4-H Urban Gardens Project. Demonstration garden. Volunteers maintain two gardens at the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Douglas County Hospital, Central Extension Office, Heartland of America Park, and the Shade garden at the Omaha Botanical garden. "Ask the Master gardener" Booth at various community events. Speakers Bureau. Roots & Shoots Newsletter article writing.

One Time Events
4-H activities including assistance at the Douglas and Sarpy County Fairs.
Fall Festival of Color.
Christmas Tree Recycling.
Social Events Master Gardeners "thank you" luncheon.
Spring Awards Ceremony.
Summer Potluck picnic, usually at the home and garden of a Master Gardener volunteer.

ASK A MASTER GARDENER TO YOUR EVENT!
Master Gardeners can come to your employee enrichment program, civic, neighborhood, or other event and set up an ‘Ask the Master Gardener" table. We will provide a Master Gardener  lots of informational NebGuides. This is part of the Douglas/Sarpy County Cooperative Extension's goal to extend educational programs to the community in areas of horticulture, water-efficient landscape design, integrated pest management, composting, and more.  We can also provide a speaker on a variety of gardening topics for a program for your organization.

Master gardeners volunteers are experienced gardeners who receive special training in horticulture. They are members of the community who take an active interest in gardening and lawn care.

To arrange for an "Ask the Master Gardener" table, or speaker in Douglas or Sarpy county call the Cooperative Extension at 402-444-7804.