Extension Master Gardener volunteers teach Durham County library staff how to install a pollinator-friendly garden designed to educate residents. Image credit: Allie Mullin, Master Gardener volunteer
NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers in Durham County received international recognition for their innovative and community-centered work in gardening education and outreach.
The team was honored through the International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Awards, which celebrate outstanding volunteer-led projects across the United States, Canada, England, and South Korea. Durham County volunteers earned this prestigious award for their native pollinator demonstration garden, a project that educates the public and supports local ecosystems.
A Garden Rooted in Community
Located at the Stanford L. Warren Branch Library in Durham’s historic Hayti neighborhood, the garden was planted in late 2023 and has quickly become a vibrant, welcoming space for learning and connection.
The project is the result of a strong community partnership among Extension Master Gardener volunteers, the Durham County Library, and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Together, they transformed the space into a thriving pollinator habitat that demonstrates how native plants can support biodiversity while enhancing community spaces.
In addition to creating a beautiful, sustainable green space, this project has also empowered library staff and Master Gardener volunteers to be champions of native plant gardening and ecological stewardship within their communities. Learn more about the collaborations and volunteer efforts that brought this garden to life.
A Legacy of Excellence
Durham County’s recognition builds on a strong tradition of excellence among NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
In recent years, projects recognized by the International Search for Excellence program have included:
- Innovative digital outreach efforts in Durham County
- A container demonstration garden at Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham County
- A stormwater demonstration garden in Orange County
- A tomato grafting education project in Durham County
These projects highlight the creativity, dedication, and impact of volunteers working to deliver research-based education in meaningful and accessible ways.
Extension agent Ashley Troth (center) and Extension Master Gardener volunteers Melinda Heigel (left) and Deborah Pilkington (right), all from Durham County, display the Search for Excellence awards received during the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference.
Recognizing Volunteer Impact Worldwide
The Search for Excellence Awards are named in honor of Dr. David Gibby, founder of the Extension Master Gardener program. Established in 1973, the program was built on a simple but powerful idea: trained volunteers can extend the reach of research-based education to meet growing public demand for reliable gardening information.
Today, that vision continues through projects like the Durham pollinator garden—demonstrating how volunteers can address community needs while advancing environmental stewardship.
The awards program is held every two years and recognizes projects that deliver significant educational impact across categories such as demonstration gardens, youth education, community service, and innovative programming.
Celebrating Impact and Inspiration
The Durham County project was recognized during the 2025 International Master Gardener Conference, held virtually August 25–28.
The award highlights the success of this specific project and the broader impact of Extension Master Gardener volunteers, who are creating spaces that educate, inspire, and strengthen communities across North Carolina and beyond.
Join, support, or connect with Extension Master Gardener volunteers in your community and be part of growing a healthier North Carolina.
