Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program Vision and Mission

Vision: As Alabama Extension Master Gardener volunteers and ambassadors, we aspire to

• teach all generations
• inspire a lifelong pursuit of research-based knowledge
• serve as environmental stewards
• draw all people to the joys of gardening

Mission: We improve the lives of Alabamians through research-based horticulture education delivered by a dedicated, trained, and involved Extension volunteer team.

The Gardener Helpline: (877) 252-4769

Partnership Based

How Does the Program Work?

This program represents an effective partnership among the land grant universities of this state, Alabama Extension Home Horticulture agents, motivated volunteers, and local Master Gardener associations. Extension Master Gardener Volunteers offer their communities gardening information and educational opportunities.

Service Oriented

What Is the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program?

This Alabama Cooperative Extension System Home Horticulture program expands the team’s outreach by recruiting and training volunteer educators.

How Did This Program Begin?

This Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program began at Washington State University in 1973. Alabama’s program began in 1981 with Extension Agent Gary Murray and an energetic Cornell Extension Master Gardener, Mary Lou McNabb, who had moved to Huntsville.

Community Motivated

What Is Intern Training?

Research-based information is our foundation and equips volunteers to fulfill our program’s mission. The course’s hybrid format requires online and face-to-face participation. These methods reinforce learning in various topics:

• Soil and composting
• Botany
• Plant care and management
• Home lawns
• Vegetable gardening
• And more

Participants are welcome to join classes in any host county, regardless of residence. Agents rotate host county locations each year.

Extension Trained

What Does Intern Training Require?

Interns are required to attend face-to-face classes, achieve an average score of 70 percent on quizzes, and participate in a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service. Projects range from answering Helpline calls and assisting Extension agent workshops to ongoing community projects.

A registration fee and background check are required for the intern training. To learn more, visit www.aces.edu and search How to Become an Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

Kerry Smith, Outreach Programs Administrator, Horticulture, Auburn University

Revised February 2026, Alabama Extension Master Gardeners Volunteer Program Brochure, ANR-1120