Are you interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer? Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers (EMGVs) give back to the local community and help other gardeners succeed. EMGVs are an essential component of NC State Extension. With N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County, EMGVs assist in various aspects of home horticulture which might include answering questions about gardening, teaching youth about gardening or how food is produced, and much more! Volunteers will be involved in a wide variety of activities throughout Yancey County and will receive advanced training opportunities year-round.
Becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer (EMGV) with N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County is not difficult. Maintaining status as an EMGV is not difficult either. Consider these requirements:
How Do I Know If I Want to Become an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer?
If you think that you might have interest in becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ in Yancey County, consider these questions:- Are you interested in participating in an intense training program to learn more about horticulture and gardening?
- Would you like to share your gardening knowledge with others in the community?
- Do you have time to attend training sessions and time to serve as a volunteer?
What Are the Benefits of Becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer?
You do not need any previous training to become an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer! You just need a passion for gardening and a desire to make a lasting impact, benefiting the lives of others through volunteering. Consider several potential benefits of serving as an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer with N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County:- Learn from outstanding horticulture experts
- Increase knowledge and skill in a variety of gardening subjects
- Teach other about gardening, lawns, landscapes and other horticultural topics
- Assist fellow gardeners in solving problems
- Learn how to identify and diagnose common diseases and insect problems
- Collaborate with others that share your gardening or horticulture related interests
- Inspire the future by sharing your passion for and knowledge of gardening with youth
- Help others better understand how food is produced
Requirements to be an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer
Becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer (EMGV) with N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County is not difficult. Maintaining status as an EMGV is not difficult either. Consider these requirements:
Requirements for Initial Certification:
- Complete the application to the EMGV training program and pay the initial training registration fee.
- Attend 10 sessions that make up the initial EMGV training. Each training session lasts approximately 2-3 hours.
- Pass the EMGV certification test.
- Complete 40 hours of volunteer service within 1 year of completing the Initial EMGV training. Volunteer opportunities are approved by N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County staff.
Requirements to Maintain Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Certified Active Status:
- Complete annually the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Code of Conduct Agreement
- Agree to and follow the NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer policies and procedures.
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education annually (between January 1 and December 31 of each program year)
- Complete 30 approved hours of volunteer service annually (between January 1 and December 31 of each program year)
