Community Horticulture Education Program

Launched in 2026, this program delivers reliable, research-based horticulture education in communities across Maine through trained Master Gardener Volunteers serving as community educators.

Volunteers who present through this program complete specialized training in effective teaching and audience engagement. Topics include communication skills, accessible and inclusive presentations, how adults learn, and more.

How it Works

Planning an event and need a speaker? We offer research-based presentations on a variety of gardening topics, reviewed by Extension experts and delivered by trained Master Gardener Volunteers.

To request a speaker:

  1. Review the presentation topics
  2. Read the host requirements
  3. Submit a request form

Available Presentation Topics

Presentation topics and locations are currently limited as we continue to train volunteers and expand offerings.

Soil Health for Gardeners

Learn the basics of soil health and how your actions in the garden make a difference. Explore practical, easy-to-apply methods to build and maintain healthy soil, and discover how to assess the health of your garden soil.

  • Length: 60 minutes
  • Format: in-person or virtual
  • Audience: Adult
  • Available in the Following Counties: York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagdahoc, Kennebec

All talks are delivered in English at this time. To request availability in other languages, please use email extension.chep@maine.edu.

Host Requirements

As a host, you agree to:

  • Provide an appropriate physical or virtual meeting space
  • Manage event registration (a minimum of 10 participants is required; low enrollment may result in cancellation)
  • Promote the event (priority given to events open to the public)
  • Ask permission before taking photographs. Recording of presentations is not allowed. 
  • Share speaker-provided resources with registered guests

For in person events, please also provide:

  • Projector with HDMI or VGA input and cord
  • Projector screen or white wall
  • Access to electricity

Please note: Amplification (microphone and speakers) is recommended for accessibility. Presenters will bring their own laptop and connectors. Reach out to us to discuss outdoor presentation requests.

Presentation Fee

  • Standard fee: $225
  • Discounted fee: $200 (if paid at least two weeks in advance)

We strive to keep programs accessible. If your organization has financial constraints, please indicate this on the request form. Priority for fee accommodations is given to events that are free, public events that serve underserved communities.

Refund policy: 

  • Host cancellations: We will do our best to reschedule; refunds are not available.
  • Presenter cancellations: We will attempt to provide a substitute. If not possible, a full refund or rescheduling will be offered.

Can’t Host Right Now?

Request a Presentation

Due to limited capacity, not all requests can be fulfilled. Requests are accepted up to six months in advance, and early submission is strongly encouraged. Requests made less than one month prior to an event are unlikely to be accommodated.

If you require additional accommodations (e.g., equipment or resources), please include those details in your request form.

Ready to Get Started?

Request form will be available June 1.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Community Horticulture Education Program or need to request reasonable accommodation, please contact Pamela Hargest at extension.chep@maine.edu or 207.949.4524.

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