Extension Master Gardener volunteer service adds the equivalent of 113 additional full-time positions to Extension outreach.
Through education and outreach, the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program connects people with the benefits of gardening and empowers North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities. Our network of trained, passionate Extension Master Gardener volunteers work under the leadership of Extension professionals based in N.C. Cooperative Extension county centers across North Carolina.
Explore stories that celebrate our work to help North Carolinians improve their lives and grow our state.
Growing Impact Across North Carolina
In 2024, over 4,000 Extension Master Gardener volunteers shared their passion and expertise with nearly 300,000 North Carolinians—growing gardens, building community, and delivering trusted, research-based education across the state. Their 236,000+ hours of service helped people grow smarter, greener, and healthier while supporting the mission of N.C. Cooperative Extension. Read more.
Cultivating Community: Volunteer Service Across North Carolina
From teaching classes and tending demonstration gardens to supporting youth programs and therapeutic horticulture, Extension Master Gardener volunteers serve their communities in countless ways. Guided by local Extension professionals, they share their gardening expertise to help North Carolinians grow healthier gardens, landscapes, and lives. Read more.
Counting for a Cause: Volunteers Power Pollinator Conservation
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are helping North Carolinians protect pollinators and the ecosystems that depend on them—by planting pollinator gardens, hosting community events, and sharing research-based advice. Learn how volunteers are turning curiosity into conservation and inspiring others to take action through the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Read more.
Volunteers Support Research to Track Invasive Fruit Fly and Natural Predators
By collecting monthly fruit samples across urban areas in North Carolina, Master Gardener volunteers are helping NC State researchers explore sustainable solutions for Spotted Wing Drosophila, a devastating pest of small fruits. Learn how their work is shaping the future of pest management! Read more.
Volunteers Help Cultivate the Plant Toolbox
The Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox is a free, comprehensive resource with over 4,600 plant profiles, design ideas, and helpful features to help you make sustainable gardening choices. In 2024, dedicated Master Gardener volunteers played a key role in keeping this tool accurate and up-to-date, ensuring it's a valuable resource for gardeners across North Carolina. Read more.
EMG College 2024: Growing Knowledge, Connections, and Community
Extension Master Gardener College 2024 brought together volunteers and educators from across North Carolina for three days of hands-on learning, inspiration, and connection. With record-breaking attendance, expert-led sessions, and powerful takeaways, the event helped volunteers grow their knowledge—and their impact—in communities statewide. Read more.
Growing a Legacy: The NC Extension Master Gardener Endowment
Extension Master Gardener volunteers grow more than gardens—they’re building a legacy! Learn how the EMG Endowment is fueling scholarships, statewide training, and lasting impact across North Carolina. Read more.
Download our 2024 Impact Report!
Download our one-page impact report for a quick, visually inspiring look at how volunteers across North Carolina are growing knowledge, gardens, and communities.
Join Us!
Learn how to become a Master Gardener volunteer in your community. Contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension Center to find out when the training course will next be offered and how to apply.
Donate!
The North Carolina Extension Master Gardener endowment is a fundraising initiative to ensure the NC State Extension Master Gardener program will continue to grow and serve North Carolinians for many years to come. Support the Extension Master Gardener endowment through a gift or by purchasing an EMG license plate.
Gardening Questions?
Use our Garden Help Directory to connect with Master Gardener volunteers and Extension experts in your community.
