Through education and outreach, NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers connect people with the benefits of gardening and empower North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.
Across the state, trained and passionate Extension Master Gardener volunteers work under the leadership of Extension professionals in N.C. Cooperative Extension county centers, sharing research-based sustainable gardening knowledge in their communities. More than 4,100 Extension Master Gardener volunteers expanded Extension’s reach in 2025 by contributing 224,248 service hours, equal to 117 additional full-time staff positions and valued at more than $8.5 million in support of Extension’s mission.
Explore these stories that celebrate how our work is helping North Carolinians improve their lives and grow a healthier, more vibrant state.
Growing Impact Across North Carolina
From community gardens to plant clinics, Extension Master Gardener volunteers are growing impact across North Carolina—reaching over 335,000 people with research-based gardening education. Explore how their work is strengthening communities, ecosystems, and access to trusted gardening resources statewide. Read more.
Powering Pollinator Conservation Through Community Science
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are helping lead a statewide effort to protect pollinators by engaging thousands of North Carolinians in hands-on community science. Discover how the Great Southeast Pollinator Census is turning curiosity into conservation action. Read more.
Growing Knowledge, Strengthening Communities
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are committed to lifelong learning—completing over 58,000 hours of continuing education in 2025 alone. Discover how this dedication strengthens their impact and brings the latest research-based gardening knowledge to communities across North Carolina. Read more.
From Input to Impact: Setting Priorities for Greater Effectiveness
Input from over 570 volunteers and Extension professionals is shaping the future of the Extension Master Gardener program. See how these priorities are guiding new tools, training, and a statewide speakers bureau to expand impact across North Carolina. Read more.
Volunteers Help the Plant Toolbox Bloom
Extension Master Gardener volunteers help power the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, a free online resource with research-based information on more than 4,600 plants that grow in and around North Carolina. In 2025, volunteers contributed over 1,250 hours to expand and improve this trusted tool for gardeners, educators, and landscape professionals. Read more.
Durham Volunteers Earn International Honor
Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Durham County earned international recognition for their pollinator demonstration garden. Discover how this award-winning project transformed a community space into a hub for education, biodiversity, and connection. Read more.
Growing a Lasting Legacy: The NC Extension Master Gardener Endowment
Thousands of Extension Master Gardener volunteers give their time to strengthen communities across North Carolina—but their impact grows even further through the power of giving. Discover how the NC Extension Master Gardener endowment is building lasting support for sustainable gardening education and learn how you can be part of this growing legacy. Read more.
Download our 2025 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.
In communities across North Carolina, volunteers with the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program work under the leadership of Extension educators to strengthen and expand Extension’s delivery of research-based knowledge to North Carolinians.
Through education and outreach, we connect people with the benefits of gardening and empower them to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, 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.
