Maine Master Gardener Volunteers
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The University of Maine System is beginning a state-wide gradual reopening process with new COVID-19 protocols and modifications in place. UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are also beginning a gradual restart process, which initially will focus only on Maine Harvest for Hunger. All other in-person Master Gardener Volunteer related activities remain suspended until further notice, including (but not limited to) plant sales, in-person meetings, and demonstration garden maintenance. As we restart in-person Maine Harvest for Hunger county programs and projects, all Master Gardener Volunteers who wish to become involved, must complete all Covid-19 Volunteering Requirements as Outlined with this Link, and follow all CDC guidelines and protocols. Master Gardener Volunteer trainees who are currently working towards their certification will continue to receive additional time to complete their initial 40 hours of volunteer service. Currently, active certified Master Gardener Volunteers will still not be required to complete their annual 20 hours of volunteer service in order to maintain their certification. However, individuals may, with approval, continue to volunteer as they are able. Please report those hours in a timely way so we can track our impact within our communities. For more information about our updated policy, please visit our COVID-19 MGV Policy website. Updated: 9/3/2020 |
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research-based information from UMaine Extension educators and industry experts. In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities.
Last Year:
919 Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) gave more than 33,800 hours for educational and food security projects!
Who can become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
We strive to offer Master Gardener programs that are inclusive of and represent the communities in which they serve. Master Gardeners are people who want to use their gardening skills to create positive change in their communities. Whether working with students on a school garden, teaching a workshop on making great compost, growing and donating produce to Maine Harvest for Hunger or beautifying a public space, Master Gardener Volunteers take an active role in making things happen!
Everyone who successfully completes the 40+ hours of training and volunteers 40 hours towards community gardening programs and activities can become a Master Gardener Volunteer.
For additional information or questions, please contact us at extension.mastergardeners@maine.edu.
