Maine Master Gardener Volunteers

Oxford Street Community Garden

Every year, more than 500 Maine Master Gardener Volunteers extend the reach of University of Maine Cooperative Extension, reaching over 100,000 Mainers through community-based horticulture projects. Through food security initiatives, educational programs, demonstration gardens, and community outreach, volunteers share research-based horticultural knowledge while working alongside local partners to address community needs. This reciprocal partnership amplifies impact by creating lasting benefits for both volunteers and the communities they serve.

Program Mission Statement:

Foster sustainable gardening practices and enrich the lives of our Master Gardener Volunteers by educating and mentoring gardeners in the community through opportunities to learn, connect with other gardeners, and support community service projects.

I  designed and installed a pollinator bed at the local
elementary school as well as helped fund a school garden and greenhouse.
This has been hugely successful.  People are always dropping by to sit
and watch the pollinators (butterflies) and the school children are
loving the vegetable garden. They plant, harvest, and have their classes
and lunches there.
— Elly Andrews, Hancock County MGV

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 designing and installing a native pollinator garden, Master Gardener Volunteers take an active role in making things happen!

Maine residents may apply to the Master Gardener Volunteer Program where it is offered. Program availability varies by county. Applicants who are accepted into the program and successfully complete the online training course and a 40-hour volunteer internship become certified Master Gardener Volunteers.

For additional information or questions, please contact us at extension.mastergardeners@maine.edu