Local Programs
Join a dedicated team of more than 5,000 volunteers who work in communities throughout Virginia to promote research-based horticulture. Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) provide vital public education related to creating and managing home landscapes, vegetable gardening, turf management, and more!
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Master Gardener Volunteers work specifically towards these goals:
- Enhancing the environment through sustainable landscape practices
- Using horticulture and landscaping to positively impact youth
- Using horticulture and landscaping to promote community development and economic growth
- Producing food in public and private gardens to improve human nutrition and food security
- Using horticulture to improve the overall quality of life for Virginia's citizens
Requirements to Become a Virginia Cooperative Extension – Master Gardener Volunteer
- Receive 50 hours (minimum) of training
- Complete 50 hours (minimum) of volunteer service within horticultural education programs. Exact hour requirements vary by county. To remain an active Extension Master Gardener, you must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of continuing education each year.
(These 100 hours must be completed within the first year. Then you earn the title of Virginia Cooperative Extension - Master Gardener Volunteer)
To maintain the title of Master Gardener Volunteer you must complete the below annually:
- Must contribute at least 20 hours of volunteer service each year to remain active
- Must participate in at least 8 hours of recertification training
For more information on the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program, please visit their website Virginia Master Gardener Program.
Engaging with Communities
Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.
Do you have a question about Community Viability?
Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system.