Continual learning is at the heart of the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program. Every year, Extension Master Gardener volunteers complete at least 10 hours of continuing education, keeping them up to date with the latest sustainable gardening practices and research. They bring this knowledge back to their communities—strengthening local gardens, educational programs, and partnerships through their volunteer service with N.C. Cooperative Extension.

One of the most impactful in-person learning opportunities is Extension Master Gardener (EMG) College—a statewide conference held every other year. EMG College connects volunteers and Extension professionals from across North Carolina with NC State faculty, Extension specialists, and each other, offering a powerful platform for education, inspiration, and collaboration.

EMG College 2024 by the Numbers

Held September 24–26 at the James B. Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, the 2024 event embraced the theme: “Growing Healthy Plants, Pollinators, and People.”Over three days, attendees explored how gardening benefits human health, supports pollinators, and builds resilient ecosystems. The program featured:

• 16 hours of educational content
• 3 pre-conference tours
• 3 keynote sessions
• 5 lightning round presentations
• 11 concurrent workshops and hands-on sessions
• 26 expert presenters, including NC State faculty, Extension staff, Master Gardener volunteers, and other specialists

EMG College 2024 set new attendance records, with 130 Master Gardener volunteers and 24 Extension professionals from 41 counties joining the event.A follow-up survey showed powerful outcomes:

• 96% said the conference would make them more effective as volunteers
• 85% gained new ideas for community outreach and programming
• 84% improved their knowledge of Extension resources
• 82% learned new strategies to support pollinators, people, and plants

Participants shared plans to adopt practices like:

• Creating bee nesting habitat by leaving open ground and plant stems
• Expanding pollinator-friendly plantings
• Using ergonomic tools and techniques to garden for a lifetime

Expanding Access and Growing Support

For the first time, scholarships funded by the NC Extension Master Gardener Endowment helped 15 volunteers attend who might not have been able to otherwise—making this valuable training more accessible. In addition, seven generous sponsors contributed $3,375 in support of the event.

Huge Thanks to the EMG College 2024 Planning Team

This incredible event was made possible by the dedication of a hardworking planning team of Extension agents and Master Gardener volunteers:

• Extension Agents: Matt Jones, Marshall Warren, Sam Boring, Cody Craddock, Taylor Jones, Cyndi Lauderdale, Andrew Pfeifer, Rhiannon Goodwin, Alison Arnold, Payton Berry, Matt Collogan, Krys Ochota, and Julie Flowers
• Master Gardener Volunteers: Sallie Cune, Jackie Allen, Kristen Klett, Joan Barber, and Diane Goodwin

To everyone who planned, presented, supported, or attended—thank you for making EMG College 2024 a success! We can’t wait to see what you grow next.

Join, support, or connect with Extension Master Gardener volunteers in your community.