Oxford County Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Maine’s Master Gardener Program provides participants with approximately 60 hours of in-depth training on a variety of gardening topics, including soil, composting, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, pest control, and more. Trainees receive current, research-based information from UMaine Extension educators and industry experts.
In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise for community projects. This training is intended for people who wish to become new volunteers or existing volunteers who want a refresher. To become certified, participants must complete 40 hours of volunteer work within the first year. Trainees will be connected with service projects that are best suited for their interests, skill set, schedule, and location.
As part of a national Cooperative Extension effort, Master Gardeners are recognized as well-trained practitioners who serve their communities.
Master Gardener Projects might include:
- teaching children about the environment
- developing school gardening projects
- designing and building barrier-free gardens for persons with disabilities
- developing demonstration gardens to test different plant varieties
- planning and conducting educational workshops
- designing and constructing displays for special events
- Maine Harvest for Hunger program, a program to assist in feeding the homeless and hungry
For more information, contact University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Oxford County at 207.743.6329 or 1.800.287.1482 (in Maine), email: extension.oxford@maine.edu or contact Jenni Cappello-Ruggiero at email jennifer.cappelloruggiero@maine.edu.
September 2025: The sign-up form for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course is coming soon!
We welcome donations to support Master Gardener Volunteers’ activities.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Jenni Cappello-Ruggiero at 207.743.6329 or 1.800.287.1481 (in Maine) to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 14 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request; however, all requests will be considered.