Master Gardener Volunteer Program
What is the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program?
The UW-Extension Master Gardener Program provides horticultural training to adults who, in turn, volunteer to help with horticulture-related projects that benefit their local community or County Extension office.
How Do I become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer?
- Attend the Master Gardener Volunteer orientation session.
- Sign the UWEX Master Volunteer Agreement and consent to the state background check
- Attend the 15 session General Master Gardener Training course
- Pass the open-book take-home exam with a score of 70% or better
- Perform the 24 hours of volunteer service by the end of the six-month course
- Attend one Madison Area Master Gardeners (MAMGA) educational session or garden tour during the course
How Do I Keep My Certification?
- Each year, perform 24 hours of volunteer community service (due the 1st of October)
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education
- These can be programs at the Garden Expo, Olbrich Gardens, Dane County UW Extension, UW Arboretum, or other approved programs.
- Pay $5 annual dues to MAMGA (the Madison Area Master Gardeners Association)
