top of page
Handshake

Welcome!

​

We've received your application to the Ramsey County Master Gardener (RCMG) Volunteer Program. Take a look through the information below regarding next steps and what to expect.

We are excited to meet you!

Volunteering in the Master Gardener Volunteer Program 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 Master Gardener volunteer: Program leaders, mentors, your fellow interns and over 400 other Ramsey County Master Gardener volunteers all want you to be successful!

​

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

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Master Gardener Volunteer Position Description

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 Master Gardener 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 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 volunteer 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 Master Gardener Volunteer Program and again every three years.

​

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 is offered to Master Gardener 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 RCMG 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 Master Gardener Volunteer Program has developed tools for interns to ensures 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 Master Gardener volunteers are responsible for sharing current best practices with the pubic, building your garden knowledge it important. As a new 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 RCMG Lending Library

  • Free MN Landscape Arboretum admission for volunteers

​
Next Steps
  • 10/01/2024 – Deadline: Apply to join the Master Gardener Volunteer Program

  • Week of 10/02/2024 – Welcome messages emailed to all applicants

  • 10/14/2024 - 11/02/2024 – Applicant Interviews with Master Gardener volunteers
    (Multiple dates are available)

  • 11/12/2024 – Deadline: Confirm intent to join the Master Gardener Volunteer Program 

  • 11/20/2024 – Deadline: Submit background check & Safety of Minors training
    (Links delivered by email  after confirmation is received)

  • 12/01/2024 – Deadline: Register for the Core Course
    (Registration link delivered with background check results)

  • 12/15/2024 – Optional Deadline: Cancel registration for Core Course and receive refund

  • 12/30/2024 – Deadline: Submit volunteer bio & photo

  • January 2025 – Start of the Core Course & attend New Volunteer Orientation

Questions

If you have questions, contact the Program Coordinator for the Ramsey County Master Gardener Volunteer Program: Darren Lochner. You can also use the Contact link below.

Ramsey County Master Gardener Volunteer Program
 

612.625.1532

2020 White Bear Ave. Maplewood MN 55109

© 2024 by Ramsey County Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page