Isabella County MSU Extension - Master Gardener
Program
What is the Master Gardener Program?
Our Mission
Biological
environments are essential to life. Michigan State University is a primary
provider of plant research and education, dedicated to the preservation and
enrichment of life.
The Master Gardener program, available to all citizens of Michigan, is designed to develop a cadre of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) volunteers trained in horticulture. Their knowledge and skills related to basic plant science and home gardening enables these volunteers to improve the quality of life in their communities. This is accomplished by increasing people's appreciation for and use of plants and by providing them with instruction on growing plants using environmentally sound practices.
An individual interested in becoming a Master Gardener must possess the following qualifications:
- A strong interest in horticulture and home gardening.
- Willingness and availability to undertake extensive training in consumer horticulture practices.
- Willingness and ability to provide 40 hours of horticulture-related volunteer community service as approved by MSUE.
- Ability to communicate and share knowledge effectively and diplomatically with others.
- Willingness to support MSUE staff in giving citizens up-to-date consumer horticulture information.
Master Gardener Volunteer Information
Download
your Master Gardener
Volunteer Application Packet
here.
Volunteer and Education Hours Report Forms
- Report
form in Excel format.
- You can fill this out and return either hard copy or e-mail the file to mgprogram@isabellacounty.org.
-
Report form in PDF format
- Simply print a copy to fill out and send in.
To become a certified Master Gardener, you must meet the following requirements:
- Basic Certification:
Complete the class and do 40 hours of volunteer work within one year of completing the class.
- Recertification:
Complete 15 hours of volunteer work and 5 hours of education.
- Advanced Certification:
Complete 50 hours of volunteer work (in addition to the original 40) and 25 hours of education.
The current reporting year is January to December. You must complete your volunteer and education hours during this year to be certified or recertified for next year.
Master Gardener Hotline
The Isabella County Master Gardeners have started a "Master Gardener
Hotline" at (989) 772-0911 ext. 328. This hotline will allow homeowners to
call in and speak to a Master Gardener during specific times. Master
Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening / horticulture questions from
the general public.The hotline is staffed on Monday's from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and also Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During times when there isn't a Master Gardener on staff, you may leave a message and they will return your call with your requested information. You can also email us your questions. We will try to respond to all questions within one week.
The Hotline number is (989) 772-0911 ext. 328. Our email is: mghotline@isabellacounty.org
For more information on the Master Gardener Hotline, please call the Extension Office at (989) 772-0911 ext. 302