Join Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of

Cabarrus County

2025 Extension Master Gardener℠ Initial Training

Are you a community leader with a passion for gardening and a desire to educate others on best gardening practices? Can you help plan and coordinate events that promote sustainable gardening? If so, we invite you to join the Extension Master Gardener program and make a lasting impact in your community!

Extension Master Gardener Timeline:

August 28th, 2024: Open for applications

EMG Application 2025

Feb. 14th, 2025—Deadline for Applications

Feb. 20th, 2025: Orientation: syllabus, class layout, and open for questions

Feb. 20th-Oct. 1st: EMG Classes Every Thursday from 5:30-7pm (in person every other week; you will be zooming for the other Thursdays). The following link contains a more detailed schedule

Oct 7th, 2025: Graduation 

Program Details:

• Initial Training: Open to everyone in the community who has a passion for educating their community! This training covers essential gardening practices, focusing on science-based methods.
• Internship: Upon completing the initial training, students will participate in a 40-hour internship throughout the calendar year. This hands-on experience is a crucial step toward earning the Extension Master Gardener Certification.
• Certification: Students who complete both the training and internship will receive their Extension Master Gardener Certification. This certification is renewed annually through continuing education and volunteer hours.

Class Structure:

Each class will have a pre-assigned chapter and quiz to be completed independently before attending. The first session will be held in person on February 1st, and the schedule will alternate weekly between in-person and Zoom meetings. 

Class Cost: 

 

First Year Guidelines 

Within one year of completing the core training and passing the final exam, volunteers (now called “EMG Interns”) must complete a minimum 40-hour internship. The goal of this internship is to introduce interns to the variety of EMG programs and opportunities in their counties.

MGV Interns will work with current certified Master Gardener volunteers to learn the overall program as well as some individual aspects.

During this first year, interns will:

• Complete 20 volunteer hours that will include all of the following:
  • Select one committee to serve on as an intern member.
  • Commit at least 5 hours to the helpline.
  • Participate in one community outreach program
    • Public community outreach event
    • Teach a class with Extension Staff
    • Liaison for community garden
    • Static display for community event

Current Master Gardener volunteers agree to:

• Give leadership to committees
• Serve as Mentors to Interns
• Have at least one certified EMG where interns are present for programs.

Extension Staff will:

• Be available for individualized intern attention
• Make accommodations as needed and appropriate.
• Be open to hearing new ideas.
• Offer community interest-based gardening classes, which certified and intern EMG's may attend for little or no cost.
• Support educational and volunteer interests of all Extension Master Gardener Volunteers as appropriately budgeted; may include materials for events and coordinating travel.
• Connect all Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to volunteer and educational opportunities available in the community.

Upon completion of the internship, the title of “Extension Master Gardener Volunteer” will be awarded along with a certificate and name tag. These successes of staff, Extension Master Gardener volunteers, and interns will be celebrated annually.

If you have any questions, please email: ppberry@ncsu.edu