UGA Extension Office

Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV)

At this time, Whitfield county does not offer a Master Gardner program. We apologixe for any inconvenience this may cause!


What does it mean to be a MGEV?

A Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) is a volunteer who is trained and supervised through a partnership with UGA Extension. MGEVs are volunteer educators who represent UGA Extension. 

The purpose of the Georgia MGEV program is to assist UGA Extension in providing unbiased horticultural information through volunteer community service and educational gardening projects using applied research and the resources of the University of Georgia. It is important to note that both the mission of the MGEV program and that of Extension is to connect the community with research-based, unbiased information.

How do I get involved in Whitfield County’s MGEV?

The Whitfield County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEV’s) are a group of volunteers who have maintained their Master Gardener status by completing 50+ hours in horticultural training through the University of Georgia during their first year of training. Every year the volunteers have to complete a minimum of 25 hours of community involvement per year to maintain their MGEV.

How do you earn the MGEV title?

Step 1: Application & Selection
This process is handled by local Extension Offices since it is the local offices that conduct the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program training course. Included in this step is the completion of a few forms and an interview with the local Extension Office. 

Step 2: Training & Exams
This step prepares selected MGEV Trainees for their volunteer role. MGEV Trainees complete 42 hours of core horticultural training and two exams. 

Step 3: Volunteer Service
Within the first year after training, the MGEV Trainee must complete 50 hours of volunteer service. After completing 50 hours in Extension-approved projects that support MGEV program initiatives, the Trainee is recognized as an official MGEV. To remain a current, active MGEV, volunteers log at least 25 years of volunteer service hours each year. 

 


Master Gardener