Become a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer
Is becoming a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer for you?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to learn more about plants, growing things, and gardening?
- Am I eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program? Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
- Do I have enough time to attend the training & complete my volunteer work?
Paulding County Extension is accepting applications for new Master Gardener Extension Volunteers for the 2025 training class until October 11, 2024.
The purpose of the Georgia Master Gardener® Extension Volunteer program is to help University of Georgia Cooperative Extension staff transfer research-based information about gardening and related subjects to the public by training home gardeners to be volunteer educators.
Program Dates, Times, and Tentative Locations:
Classes for the 2025 Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Training will be held in a hybrid format with 10 in-person classes hosted in Bartow, Cherokee, and Paulding Counties on rotating basis, along with online content delivered via University of Georgia’s eLearning Commons. In-person classes will take place on Fridays from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm from January 10 through March 28, 2025. Attendance at in-person classes is required, along with participation in the online content delivered via eLearning Commons.
We encourage class participants to mark their calendars for regular meetings of the Paulding MGEVS on the 4th Wednesday of each month, during the class, so that you can get to know the group, and learn about what they are doing and planning in our community. Dates for MGEV meetings during the class include:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Background Investigation and Screening Requirements
This form is the initial application and once we receive it, we will follow up with an email that initiates a required background screening through a third party screening company utilized by UGA for all volunteers. You must respond to the the background screening email within 3 days or it will expire.
As part of the screening, you will need to share email addresses for 3 references. Please provide 3 references who are not immediate family members and who reside outside of your home address. They should be familiar with your skills and abilities related to potential duties associated with volunteering, particularly with youth. Local CAES or Extension staff should not serve as references. References must respond to the reference request email, so it is a good idea to let your references know to be on the lookout for the reference request.
This form is the initial application and once we receive it, we will follow up with an email that initiates a required background screening through a third party screening company utilized by UGA for all volunteers. You must respond to the the background screening email within 3 days or it will expire.
As part of the screening, you will need to share email addresses for 3 references. Please provide 3 references who are not immediate family members and who reside outside of your home address. They should be familiar with your skills and abilities related to potential duties associated with volunteering, particularly with youth. Local CAES or Extension staff should not serve as references. References must respond to the reference request email, so it is a good idea to let your references know to be on the lookout for the reference request.
No applicant can be accepted into the training program without a completed background investigation, as required for all UGA Extension volunteers.
Volunteer Service:
To become a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer, once you have completed the training, you must:
1. Complete 50 hours of approved volunteer service in Paulding County within 1 year from the date of class completion.
To become a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer, once you have completed the training, you must:
1. Complete 50 hours of approved volunteer service in Paulding County within 1 year from the date of class completion.
To remain certified after the first year of service, each year between January and December, you must:
1. Complete 25 hours of approved volunteer time. Time must be self-recorded digitally each quarter in the Volunteer reporting system.
2. Complete yearly risk management and motor vehicle safety training.
3. Complete 10 hours of Continuing education. Much of the continuing education is provided through our local MG Meetings on the 4th Wednesday of most months.
4. Complete an Intent to renew document.
5. UGA Extension requires that you be active in each quarter of the year, through service and participation in Master Gardener meetings, to retain your volunteer status. Failure to do so will result in a need renew the Background Screening process.
1. Complete 25 hours of approved volunteer time. Time must be self-recorded digitally each quarter in the Volunteer reporting system.
2. Complete yearly risk management and motor vehicle safety training.
3. Complete 10 hours of Continuing education. Much of the continuing education is provided through our local MG Meetings on the 4th Wednesday of most months.
4. Complete an Intent to renew document.
5. UGA Extension requires that you be active in each quarter of the year, through service and participation in Master Gardener meetings, to retain your volunteer status. Failure to do so will result in a need renew the Background Screening process.
Deadline for Applications: Friday, October 11.
Cost: $225, due once you are accepted into the program
For questions contact: Christen Thomas or Mary Carol Sheffield: 770-443-7616 or email christen.thomas@uga.edu or msheff@uga.edu
To Apply for the 2025 training, complete the online application Friday, October 11, 2024.
- The purpose of the Georgia Master Gardener® program is to assist Cooperative Extension by training Master Gardener Volunteers to provide current horticultural information through community service and educational gardening projects using applied research and the resources of the University of Georgia.
- If there is a Master Gardener Volunteer Program in your area, you can obtain an application through your local County Extension Office. The only requirement is that you have an interest in some aspect of gardening education and, at the conclusion of training, are willing to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours of service to the county Extension program.
- Acceptance of applicants is based upon local county program needs. Upon acceptance, applicants are notified of the location and time that classes will take place. A reduced fee is charged in exchange for volunteer service to a county Extension program. To graduate, class attendance is required and you must pass a mid-term and final exam.
The Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program is coordinated in each county by an Extension agent, and each applicant is responsible to the agent for all classes, volunteer work, etc. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers promote, inform, and work with local communities by:
- Answering gardening questions at county fairs, garden centers, flower shows, libraries, farmer's markets, garden centers, and in the Extension office.
- Designing & installing community landscape & beautification projects.
- Identifying plant cultural problems, insects, & diseases for homeowners.
- Teaching communities how to conserve & enjoy their natural resources.
- Educating youth and adults about gardening through local seminars.
- Mentoring teachers on how to establish school gardens and connect with STEM education.