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master gardener volunteer program
Master Gardeners dedicating the new pollinator memory garden for Alzheimer's.
Image by Shannon Rinow

Master Gardener pollinator Memory Garden dedication.

Master Gardener training class of 2023!
Image by Shannon Rinow

Master Gardener class of 2023!

Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Are you interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer? Our next class will start on Tuesday, March 5, 2024!

Please complete the Master Gardener application online: HERE , print and mail, or stop by the office for a paper application.

Classes will take place in-person at 28 Parkside Drive Ellicottville, NY. Zoom option is available. Classes will take place every-other Tuesday evening 6:00pm-8:00pm starting Tuesday March 5, 2024- Tuesday, June 11, 2024. 

Graduation will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024 8:30am-noon.

You must reside in Cattaraugus or Chautauqua County. 

What is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program?

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a nationwide educational program and in New York State, consists of a corps of volunteers who are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening. Master Gardener Volunteers are individuals from the community who enjoy gardening, and use their horticultural skills and expertise to educate others. 

In return for their training, Master Gardener Volunteers donate their time teaching the community about gardening and the environment. Each volunteer agrees to give back 50 hours of service over a one-year period, and then continue in the program as a certified Master Gardener Volunteer.

Subjects included in the training program:

  • Garden Botany
  • Culture and Maintenance of Herbaceous and Woody Plants
  • Garden Design
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Lawn Care
  • Nuisance Wildlife Management
  • Native Plants
  • Soils, Fertilizers and Composting
  • Pruning
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Invasive Plants and Pests
  • Any much more!

  • What Does A Master Gardener Do?

  • Teach gardening to children, adults, educators and community groups
  • Staff horticultural booths at shows and fairs
  • Provide horticultural advice to the public at farmer’s markets, garden centers and other venues
  • Give lectures to garden clubs and community
  • identify pests and answer horticulture inquiries
  • Write gardening articles for CCE- Newsletter
  • Design and maintain demonstration gardens for the benefit of the public
  • Work with schools to provide garden based learning programming
  • Act as a mentors and give technical guidance to school and community gardening projects

  • What are the qualifications to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

  • A basic interest and knowledge about gardening
  • Enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing horticultural knowledge and skills
  • Interest in teaching others
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
  • Understanding of CCE- educational mission
  • Flexible time schedule to allow participation in the program
  • Willingness to volunteer time on horticultural projects and to help meet the goals of the county’s CCE Program.
  • Is there a cost for the Master Gardener training class?
    • Yes, the class for 2024 is $125 and includes all training materials. There is an additional text book cost, optional.

    Last updated November 30, 2023