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Celebrating Our 45th

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This year, 2024, marks the 45th birthday of the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, and we’re taking time to celebrate. We take birthdays pretty seriously around here!

We began our festivities with a visit to Georgia’s capitol on February 20, 2024. Along with members of the Georgia Green Industry Association and UGA Horticulture Club undergrad students, MGEVs from Coweta County helped distribute 500 potted ferns and informational packets with basil seeds to legislators’ offices. Representative Lynn Smith gave a shout out to Georgia MGEVs, reading a resolution that recognized MGEVs for their outstanding efforts that they contribute to Extension’s programming. We shared more in this post. Many thanks to the Georgia Master Gardener Association for sponsoring these basil seed kits!

Celebrations continue in April as we join in the nationwide celebration of volunteerism during Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 21-27, 2024). A special article is published on the UGA CAES Newswire, sharing the accomplishments of all volunteers who support programming in Extension. MGEVs will be recognized all week in our social media, highlighting MGEV projects all over the state. Each day, we will highlight a specific group of projects and people who are instrumental in their success. Be sure to follow us so that you see what we post!

In June, we have a very special celebration that spotlights MGEV demonstration gardens! During the entire month of June, we are hosting Open Garden Days. Twelve counties have volunteered to open their demonstration gardens to the public and offer special events, like guided tours, speakers, and workshops. While many MGEV demonstration gardens are already listed on our “Visit A Garden” webpage, we’ll have a digital garden booklet that highlights and describes which gardens are hosting special events during this time. This booklet can be downloaded and printed. Visitors are encouraged to check out as many of the gardens as possible!

We’ll conclude our celebrations in October with the GMGA annual conference in Griffin on October 4-5, 2024. Hosted by the Henry County MGEVs, this event is sure to please! Friday preconference tours will highlight UGA Griffin research, while Saturday’s sessions will speak to the theme, “Think Globally, Grow Locally.”


Georgia MGEVs are unique individuals who use their enthusiasm about plants and gardening to support UGA Extension programming in consumer horticulture. We think that taking a few minutes to celebrate their great work and accomplishments is important! We’re looking forward to a fantastic season of fun! Won’t you join us?

Follow our social media outlets for more Volunteer Appreciation Week posts! We have a virtual celebration packed with pictures, stories, shout-outs, and way-to-goes. You might just recognize a face or two! If you don't use social media, head to our Trellis Blog for the same content.