Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program
The Master Gardener?Extension Volunteer (MGEV) program in Georgia is a volunteer training program designed 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.
Step to Becoming a Henry County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer
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Step 1: Application & Selection
Space in the annual training course is limited, and participants are selected?based on their interest in being an Extension volunteer, their interest in community service, as well as their knowledge, expertise, and experience in related areas. Selected applicants will complete an interview, reference check, and background screening before being approved for the program. The program is not just for horticultural education but to train volunteers to conduct outreach
programs in the community in a variety of ways.
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Step 2: Training Classes
The Master Gardener Training Course prepares selected MGEV Trainees for their volunteer role. Trainees complete a minimum 50 hours of horticultural training consisting of lectures and hands-on activities. Examples of classes include soil science, pest management, growing vegetables and fruit, and many others. Participants also receive a copy of the 8th Edition Georgia Master Gardener Handbook.
To pass the course and continue in the program, Trainees must receive a course average of 70% or higher on the final. There will be open book quizzes after each session that will help you prepare.
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Step 3: Required Volunteer Activity
Within the first year after training, the MGEV Trainee must do 50 hours of volunteer service Extension-approved projects, the Trainee is recognized as an official Master Gardener Extension Volunteer and receives a certificate of their title achievement.
To remain a current, active MGEV, volunteers complete at least 25 hours of volunteer service, 10 hours of continuing education each year and track their hours using an online record-keeping system.
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Notice for out-of-county applicants:
The Henry County Master Gardener Program is open to residents of surrounding counties. However, Trainees are expected to complete their volunteer service within Chatham County on Extension-approved projects.
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Application for the 2026 Master Gardener? Volunteer Class is? avalible now . Please contact Timothy Daly at 770-288-8421 or tdaly@uga.edu with any questions or concerns.?
2026 Master Gardener Program? Application
2026 Master Gardener Program Cover Letter?
Volunteer?activities include:
- Plant Clinics
- Gardening with youth at elementary schools
- Master Gardener Plant sale
- Shade House Garden
- Nolan House Demonstration Garden
- County 4H Project Achievement Awards program
- Extension General Support
- Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Administration
- Arbor Day tree give away
- Making presentations
- MGEV Scholarship Program
- Cubihatcha water reservoir with 3rd graders
- Mentoring interns
- Working with seniors
- Working with local libraries on MG Sprouts for children 6 to 8
- Symposium to teach area residents about gardening
For more information contact Timothy Daly at ?(770) 288-8421?or tdaly@uga.edu or Bella Cormier at (770)(288-8421 or icormier@co.henry.ga.us
2025 Executive Board for the Master Gardeners:
President: Dawn Washington
1st Vice President: Carl Zangerl
2nd Vice President: Arolue Prater
Treasurer: Kay Allison
Recording Secretary: Mary Bateman
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