Transferring into Maine’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Please select the scenario that applies to you. For any other questions, email extension.mastergardeners@maine.edu

  1. Transferring from the Maine Gardener or Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training to the Maine Master Gardener Volunteer program
  2. Master Gardener Volunteers trained in other states
  3. Inactive Maine Master Gardener Volunteers
  4. Active Maine Master Gardener Volunteers looking to switch counties

Transferring from the Maine Gardener or Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training to the Maine Master Gardener Volunteer program

If you have completed the Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training or Maine Gardener Training and want to become a Master Gardener Volunteer, you can apply to join the program the next time the training is offered. Accepted applicants may receive credit for relevant prior training, completed within the last 5 years.

Next steps: 

  1. Learn More: Visit the Master Gardener Volunteer Training webpage for details and application information.
  2. Apply: If you are accepted, you will need to register, pay program registration fee, complete a background check, and finish Module 1 along with MGV training specific requirements including county volunteer orientation sessions, a volunteer internship proposal and other assignments. To be certified you will need to complete a 40 hour volunteer internship.
  3. Credit: You may receive credit for Modules 2-5 based on your previous training, possibly exempting you from retaking those modules and quizzes. You will have access to review the material if you choose and you may find it helpful to complete the required module reflections.

Master Gardener Volunteers trained in other states

Master Gardener Volunteers trained in another state must apply for and complete the Maine Master Gardener Volunteer Program the next time it is offered to transfer to Maine:

Next steps: 

  1. Learn More:
  2. Apply: If you are accepted, you will need to register, pay program registration fee, complete a background check, and complete all training requirements including a 40 hour volunteer internship.
  3. Credit: You may receive credit towards your lifetime hour total for hours transferred from another state.

Inactive Maine Master Gardener Volunteers

If you are a certified Maine Master Gardener Volunteer whose certification has lapsed (due to failure to re-enroll or complete required hours for a year without an approved sabbatical), you may regain your active status by:

Inactive Less Than 5 Years:

  • You may begin volunteering again, with coordinator approval, upon completion of an updated enrollment and background check.
  • You will also need to complete other orientation as directed by your local MGV coordinator.

Next steps:

  1. Schedule a time to meet with your coordinator for a brief orientation and to review relevant program information (reporting hours, local projects etc).

Inactive More Than 5 Years: 

  • Apply for and complete the current version of the Master Gardener Volunteer training the next time it is offered.

Next steps: 

  1. Learn More: Visit the Master Gardener Volunteer Training webpage for details and application information.
  2. Apply: If you are accepted, you will need to register, pay program registration fee, complete a background check, and complete all training requirements including a 40 hour volunteer internship.
  3. Credit: You will receive credit towards your lifetime hour total for any previous hours completed.

 

Active Maine Master Gardener Volunteers looking to switch counties

Active Certified Maine Master Gardener Volunteers may change counties at any time, contact your local coordinator or extension.mastergardeners@maine.edu for more information.