We are excited to meet you!

Volunteering in the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program as a Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer is a great way to learn more about horticultural topics, serve your local community, and build long-lasting friendships. The first year can be intense with lots to learn, see, and do but remember—you have many people that will help you along the way to becoming a certified University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer: program leaders, mentors, your fellow interns and over 400 other Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteers all want you to be successful!

​

University of Minnesota Extension Master Garden Volunteer Program Mission

The mission of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to use research-based horticultural knowledge and practices to deliver educational outreach and project-based efforts that inspire change and promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.

Read more about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program Position Description

University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteers provide best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship to the people in their communities using research-based information from the University of Minnesota Extension and other appropriate Cooperative Extension institutions.

​

Read more about the volunteer position description

​
​

First Year Expectations

New volunteers are expected to tackle a lot in their first year. Your annual requirements as a volunteer change in the following years following your internship but it is not as intense.

​

Background Check

The University of Minnesota requires University volunteers who work with youth to submit a background check. You must submit a background check before you can officially enroll in the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program and again every three years.

​

Safety of Minors Training

The University of Minnesota requires University volunteers who work with youth to complete the Safety of Minors training. This helps volunteers understand their role and responsibilities as mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect as they work as a University volunteer. You must complete a Safety of Minors training before you can officially enroll in the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program and again every three years.

​​

University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Core Course (40-60 hours)

New volunteers are required to complete the Core Course, also called the "ProHort Course." The registration cost for the course is $340, or $399 with an optional printed Companion Guide. (This class is offered to University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Program volunteers at a $200 discount.) Financial aid is available upon request.

​

The information helps you answer questions from residents as you volunteer and teaches you how to the find accurate, research-based information in the future. This course runs for 14 weeks between January and April. We STRONGLY encourage all new Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteers to complete the Core Course before the end of May because the information is so useful. 

​​

Volunteer Service Requirements (50 Hours)
New volunteers must complete 50 hours of volunteer service during their internship. The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program has developed tools for interns to ensure that they will be able to sample a wide variety of opportunities, deepen their skillsets, and explore horticultural interests in ways that may not have been possible previously.

​

Continuing Education

Because the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Program volunteers are responsible for sharing current best practices with the pubic, building your garden knowledge is important. As a new Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer, we recommend that you participate in at least 8 hours of continuing education during your first year. We provide lots of opportunities, like classes and activities which are taught by Extension Educators, University staff, and local experts who are approved by the local county program coordinator.
 

Volunteer Perks

• Free or reduced-cost educational workshops, guest lectures, webinars, online classes and tours

• Access to the books and materials in the Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer Program Lending Library

• Free MN Landscape Arboretum admission for volunteers

​​

Next Steps

• 10/01 – DEADLINE: Apply to join the Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer Program

• 10/27 - 11/07 – Applicant Informational Interviews with Ramsey County Garden Education volunteers (Multiple dates are available)

• 11/14 – DEADLINE: Confirm intent to join the Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer Program 

• 11/21 – DEADLINE: Submit background check & Safety of Minors training
  (Links delivered by email  after confirmation is received)

• 12/01 – DEADLINE: Register for the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program Core Course
  (Registration link delivered with background check results)

• 12/15 – Optional Deadline: Cancel registration for Core Course and receive refund

• January 2026 – Start of the Core Course & attend New Volunteer Orientation