Applications for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program are being accepted through Jan. 31. Classes will begin Feb. 5. (Courtesy photo)
Do you have an interest in learning more about gardening? Would you like to meet and share with other gardeners? Do you have an interest in volunteering to provide gardening educational programs with NC Cooperative Extension? Then the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program in Wayne County may be for you.
The Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office is now accepting applications to recruit new Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. An Extension Master Gardener is a volunteer for NC Cooperative Extension. Volunteers assist their local county extension office providing unbiased, research-based information to gardeners of all ages on home lawns, landscapes, and gardens. The information that Extension Master Gardener Volunteers provide are ones that guide homeowners in making practical decisions in their landscapes and gardens.
Potential volunteers should have an interest and commitment to volunteering, be available to volunteer on weekdays, willing to share their knowledge and interested in learning more about gardening. Prior gardening knowledge is not required.
Volunteers who complete the training course will be expected to complete 40 hours of volunteer service working with the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Wayne County and Master Gardener volunteer projects. Only then will each student earn the title of Master Gardener volunteer in Wayne County. To maintain this title in subsequent years, volunteers must complete 25 hours of volunteer service and 10 educational hours.
A training course will be held in 2025 on Wednesdays starting Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The training course prepares potential volunteers to answer gardening questions and diagnose common problems related to cultivating lawns, fruits and vegetables, and landscape plants. Registration cost is $90 without a handbook or $140 with a hard copy handbook. Registration cost is non-refundable and not accepted until the applicant is accepted to participate in the program.
The first step to becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer is to contact the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office for an application. Email Jessica_Strickland@ncsu.edu to receive an application packet and a link to complete application online. Applications can also be picked up at the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office (3114 B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro). The application packet will include volunteer requirements, application, and training schedule. Application deadline is Jan. 13. Applicants will be notified after application deadline to acknowledge if accepted into program or not. Due to space limitations and high interest, not all applicants may be accepted into program.
If you would like to learn more, join us on Wednesday, January 8th at 10am for a “Meet & Greet” to learn more about the Wayne County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program and meet other Extension Master Gardeners. This informational session will be held at the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office.
The training course is usually held once a year when new volunteers are needed. To receive announcements when future new training courses are scheduled, sign up for our Extension Gardening email list at https://wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/email-me.
For more information or to pick up an application packet, contact the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office at 919-731-1520. Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office is located at The Maxwell Center at 3114B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro.
Jessica Strickland is an agriculture extension agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.
