Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program
Master Gardener Program 2024 - General Information
- Fulton County's next MGEV training will be held in 2024
- Applications will be made available in 2024 - please check back for more information
- The class fee is approximately $200
Overview of the MGEV Program
The purpose of the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) program is to assist UGA Extension in providing unbiased horticultural information through volunteer community service and consumer horticulture programming. The MGEV program is a volunteer program with a significant training and education component. Learn more at the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program website.
In your first year, after finishing 48 hours of coursework, you complete 50 hours of volunteer work within Fulton County on approved extension projects. After your first year, you complete 25 hours of volunteer work per year, and you can submit your own project for approval if you see a need in your community. The cost of the training is approximately $200.
How often new MGEV trainings are held depends on office staffing and scheduling each year. Applicants are welcome to apply in surrounding counties, but if accepted, training and volunteer service will need to be completed in that county. Transfer between counties is not guaranteed.

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Norlethia HarrisAgriculture & Natural Resources ANR Educator norlethia.harris@uga.edu404-613-7670
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Gabrielle LaToraAgriculture & Natural Resources ANR Agent gabrielle.latora@uga.edu404-613-7670
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Yvette DavisSupport Administrative Clerk ydavis@uga.edu404-613-4920
State Initiatives
Environmental Stewardship – Increasing awareness and knowledge of landscape and garden management for the optimum use and protection of the environment, including management of all aspects of the residential landscape (soil, plants, insects, diseases, and wildlife), understanding and proper use of equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, and other landscaping inputs to have the greatest value with little negative impact on the environment.
Home Food Production – Teaching the benefits of home food production and developing skills and knowledge in growing food, managing community gardens, or contributing to food banks or kitchens.
Gardening with Youth – Increasing young people’s awareness and understanding of the value of horticulture and landscaping, using horticulture as a tool to increase responsibility and leadership for youth, and teaching individuals and professionals (i.e., teachers and therapists) how to use horticulture to reach young people.
Value of Landscapes – Developing within communities the knowledge and skill to ensure proper design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes for economic benefit to residents, state and local government employees and agencies, and professionals in impacted fields, such as tourism and real-estate development.
Health Benefits of Gardening – Teaching the value of the interior and exterior landscape for human health, well-being, and quality of life, transferring knowledge and skills to intended audiences so that they might utilize this information for personal health and a healthier workplace and community.
Volunteers benefit from the training, networking with other garden enthusiasts, and the opportunity to serve their communities.