Master
Gardener Volunteer
Program Policy
2009
What is
the Master Gardener Program?
The Master
Gardener Volunteer Program is a national program and in Maine is
part of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The
overall objective of the Master Gardener Program is to educate
home gardeners, address community efforts related to
horticulture and support the educational mission of the
University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The mission of the
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is to help Maine
people improve their lives through an educational process that
uses research-based knowledge focused on issues and needs.
Individuals
apply for enrollment in the Master Gardener Volunteer training
program to learn about horticulture. This training involves
both classroom and hands-on experience. After their basic
training, Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of 40 hours of
their time to develop, adapt and extend research-based
horticultural information and educational programs to the
residents of their respective county. Trainees will become
certified Master Gardener Volunteers after successful completion
of the training and 40-hours of volunteer time in an approved
outreach project. Acceptable projects include
garden/environmental exhibits, lectures or public presentations,
and garden demonstration projects that are open and accessible
to the public. Such activities may also include:
Ongoing York
County Master Gardener Volunteer Programs and Projects (see
Master Gardener projects list).
Presentations
to garden clubs, service organizations, schools and other
community groups.
Writing
horticulture related articles for local newspapers, newsletters,
magazines and websites
Educational
gardening activities such as advising schools or community
garden efforts, and projects located at public sites such as
parks, historic properties or other public open spaces.
Designing
and/or producing educational exhibits or teaching aides
Participating
in special garden related efforts to reach citizens with
disabilities or who are disadvantaged.
All projects
require the approval of the Master Gardener Program
Coordinator.
Eligibility/Accessibility:
Any resident of
Maine interested in studying horticulture and volunteering in
community gardening projects may apply to the Master Gardener
Volunteer Program. Since we usually receive more applications
than we can accommodate, applications are subject to screening
for county residence, gardening and community service
experience.
If you are a
person with a disability and will need any accommodations to
participate in this program, please call the University of Maine
Cooperative Extension office in York County at 207-324-2814 to
discuss your needs. Please contact the Master Gardener Program
Coordinator two weeks prior to the start of the training to
assure fullest possible attention to your needs.
Initial
Training:
The University
of Maine Cooperative Extension will provide a minimum of 50
hours of Master Gardener volunteer training. Training will be
interactive with lecture, hands-on learning demonstrations,
field trips, and self-directed learning activities. Class
participation, discussions, presentations and quizzes will be
used to monitor progress of volunteers.
Certification:
The title of
Certified Master Gardener Volunteer is awarded to
participants who successfully complete both the training program and
the 40 hours of volunteer time within a specified time.
Participants must attend at least 80% of all training sessions;
demonstrate knowledge and skills by achieving at least an overall
average score of 70%. Individuals requiring special accommodation
should make arrangements with the county Master Gardener
Coordinator.
Master Gardeners
trained and/or certified from other areas:
Individuals who
have completed the Master Gardener Volunteer Training in another
state or county in Maine may be certified as a Master Gardener in
Maine. This certification is approved by the county Master Gardener
Coordinator.
Continuing Certification:
Master Gardener
Volunteers who wish to remain certified and active in the program
must continue to volunteer at least 20 hours per year and
periodically attend advanced training opportunities. These
opportunities include field days, tours, the annual Maine Master
Gardener Conference, or special workshops and courses. There is no
fee for continuing as a Master Gardener Volunteer. Master Gardener
Volunteers may make arrangements with the coordinator for a
temporary leave of absence.
Time/Activity
Records:
Master Gardener
Volunteers are required to complete a monthly time log to report
their activities, time spent and contacts made. This minimal
record-keeping process helps the local Extension staff monitor the
progress and effectiveness of individuals’ outreach efforts.
Volunteer reports can have a great impact on future funding for this
program.
Pesticide
Recommendations:
Because Cooperative
Extension is liable for its advice, and because pesticide
recommendations for organic or synthetic products change constantly,
only Extension personnel may recommend pesticides when representing
Cooperative Extension. Master Gardener Volunteers are encouraged to
refer all requests for pesticide recommendations to the UMaine
Extension office in York County or to the UMaine Extension Pest
Management Office, 491 College Avenue, Orono, Maine 04473; Telephone
1-800-287-0279.
Fee:
There is a
fee for the basic Master Gardener Training course. This fee
includes an extensive reference manual, other publications,
supplies, meeting expenses and Maine Garden Day registration. The
fee is due on the first day of class following acceptance in the
program (if necessary, other payment arrangements can be made). If
the fee is a barrier to an individual, he or she may contact the
county Master Gardener Coordinator.
Limited scholarships are available.
Rev 11/08
back to top |