AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Master Gardeners Association recently welcomed hundreds of volunteers and horticulture educators to Huntsville, Alabama. The occasion was the 2026 Alabama Master Gardeners Association Annual Conference, themed “Gardening to the Moon and Back.”

Hosted by the Master Gardener associations of Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties, the event highlighted the important role of Extension Master Gardener volunteers as Extension educators. Kerry Smith, who serves as State Extension Master Gardener Program coordinator with Auburn University, helped with the conference.

“Extension Master Gardener volunteers are an important part of how Auburn University and Alabama Extension deliver home horticulture education to communities across Alabama,” Smith said. “This conference celebrates their commitment to service, learning and outreach.”

Conference Highlights

The conference featured nationally recognized speakers, educational workshops and networking opportunities for attendees from across the state. Conference sessions covered a wide range of topics, including native plants, hydroponics, school gardens, gardening in space and environmental stewardship on Earth.

Among the featured speakers was nationally known author and entomologist Doug Tallamy, who focused on the relationships among plants, insects and biodiversity.

Conference attendees also heard from keynote speaker Harvey Cotten, currently with the Horticultural Research Institute and former vice president and chief horticulturist at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Cotten, a garden writer, designer and consultant, shared insights from decades of experience in Southern horticulture and landscape design.

According to organizers, the conference reached its maximum registration capacity of 400 attendees, reflecting continued interest and growth in Alabama’s Extension Master Gardener program.

Getting Involved

The Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains volunteers to assist Alabama Extension agents in delivering science-based horticulture education and outreach. Volunteers support communities through educational programs, demonstration gardens, plant clinics and conservation projects.

The 2027 Alabama Master Gardeners Association Annual State Conference is scheduled for April 7-9 in Jefferson County at Rosewood Hall in Homewood.

Starting June 1, people can register for the fall 2026 intern class of Alabama Extension Master Gardeners. To learn more, visit aces.edu.

Members of the Home Horticulture team of Alabama Extension at Auburn University during the conference.