Master Gardener

MS Master Gardener Volunteer

Selection Criteria for Volunteers

Individuals accepted into the program will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Agreement that outlines the training and volunteer expectations.

Qualifications

• Previous volunteer experience
• Gardening experience and expertise
• Communication skills (listening, talking, writing)
• Ability and desire to learn
• Interest in helping people
• Willingness to provide unbiased, research-based information
• Training facility limitations

Responsibilities

• Enhance county home horticulture on behalf of, and under the supervision of, the Mississippi State University Extension Service, through volunteer work.
• Represent the Mississippi State University Extension Service in a professional manner.
• Adhere to the policies of the Mississippi Master Gardeners program.

Examples of Volunteer Service

Upon completing the 40 volunteer hours commitment, volunteers will become certified Master Gardeners. Volunteers are expected to keep a record of their volunteer activities, hours, and contacts.

The 40 hours of volunteer work are to be completed within one year following the last core training class.

• 4-H presentation coach
• Answering telephone hotline
• Exhibits at fair/malls/shows
• Demonstration/teaching gardens
• Newsletter editor
• Master Gardener Volunteer personnel records
• School gardens
• Plant clinics
• Speakers bureau
• Office work
• New class coordinator

Possible Projects

• Staffing plant clinics in the Extension office or other locations
• Developing, setting up, and staffing educational exhibits
• Planting and maintaining demonstration areas (turf, flowers, vegetables, water conservation, native plants, etc.)
• Serving as 4-H horticulture project leaders
• Teaching 4-H horticulture enrichment units in local schools
• Speaking to civic groups and garden clubs
• Conducting horticulture tours
• Answering horticulture questions that come to the county Extension office by phone, office visitor, and letter
• Conducting horticulture therapy programs at nursing homes
• Judging horticulture exhibits or school science fair projects
• Judging 4-H horticulture demonstrations or illustrated talks
• Mailing newsletters, publications, and bulletins to noncommercial horticultural clientele
• Appearing on television or radio programs to discuss home horticulture topics

Individual Activity Report Form - PDF