Lifelong Learning: Citrus County Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Program Overview

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) program provides UF/IFAS Extension horticulture training for persons interested in becoming a volunteer-educator to support county Extension horticulture programs. A Florida Master Gardener is a volunteer-educator who provides research-based information on landscaping, gardening, and environmental horticulture, with an emphasis on environmental and natural resources stewardship.

Master Gardener volunteer opportunities include: staffing information booths at community events, giving horticulture seminars at garden clubs and libraries, working with youth groups, advising community residents on landscape and garden concerns, providing technical assistance with community garden projects, and coordinating horticultural activities designed for senior populations and individuals with disabilities. The MGV program is an excellent resource for deepening your horticultural knowledge, contributing to your community, and connecting with other gardening enthusiasts.

Program Objectives

The Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) program curriculum is comprised of 50+ hrs. of horticulture training. Within a year of completing the course material, MGV trainees must provide 75 hours of volunteer service in one or more of the following areas: Extension Plant Clinic, Community Events, Demonstration Learning Landscape, Propagation Nursery. After completing the initial post-course 75 hours of volunteer service, Master Gardener trainees are recognized as ‘Master Gardener Volunteers’. To remain active in the program, annually, MGVs must meet the requirements of serving specified number of volunteer hours, and accruing continuing education units (CEUs).

The MGV program is an excellent resource for deepening your horticultural knowledge, contributing to your community, and connecting with other gardening enthusiasts!

Interested in joining the program? Click on this link to be added to the list for our next class, or for more information contact our office: citrus@ifas.ufl.edu