Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Iredell County provide research-based information that empowers North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.
In 2025, the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program engaged volunteers and Extension professionals across North Carolina to help shape its future. Through a statewide priorities survey, participants identified the most pressing community needs, effective outreach strategies, and key resources needed to strengthen volunteer impact.
A total of 571 Extension Master Gardener volunteers and Extension professionals shared their perspectives. Their input is helping guide statewide priorities and inform how investments, including support from the NC EMG Endowment and Day of Giving, can be used to maximize impact.
Survey feedback also played an important role in refining the program’s mission to better reflect its purpose and the essential role of volunteers. The updated mission—empowering North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities through volunteer service that delivers research-based information, educational programming, and community outreach—captures the impact volunteers are making every day across the state.
Addressing North Carolina’s Most Pressing Needs
Survey results highlight a strong, statewide focus on environmental sustainability and education—areas where Extension Master Gardener volunteers are uniquely positioned to make a difference.
The highest-ranked priorities were:
- Pollinator health and conservation
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health
- Sustainable gardening and integrated pest management (IPM) education
- Climate-resilient gardening practices
These priorities reflect how volunteers are helping communities cultivate healthier ecosystems through research-based education and practical solutions.
Additional priorities included improving access to fresh food, protecting water quality, and supporting human health and well-being. While fire-resilient landscaping ranked lower overall, it emerged as an important regional priority in areas facing increased wildfire risk—highlighting the importance of locally responsive outreach.
A bumblebee moth pollinates phlox. Pollinator conservation and ecosystem health were among the top needs identified by volunteers. Image by Charlotte Glen.
Delivering Education That Communities Value
Volunteers emphasized the importance of hands-on, in-person learning experiences as the most effective way to engage communities and share knowledge.
The most needed outreach methods included:
- Hands-on workshops and demonstrations
- In-person classes and presentations
Volunteers also identified strong demand for:
- Plant clinics and gardening helplines
- School and youth programs
- Demonstration and community gardens
At the same time, digital outreach—including social media, online content, and virtual classes—was recognized as an important way to expand access and extend the reach of educational programming.
Strengthening Volunteer Skills and Knowledge
To continue delivering high-quality, research-based information, respondents identified advanced training as a top priority—particularly in topics aligned with community needs, such as pollinator conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable gardening.
Volunteers also expressed interest in building skills that enhance their effectiveness as educators and community partners, including:
- Using the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Digital tools to support outreach
- Finding and applying research-based information
These priorities reflect a commitment to both deepening horticultural expertise and strengthening the ability to deliver impactful education.
Master Gardener volunteers from Lenoir County present during a demonstration garden workshop focused on youth engagement. In response to the survey, the state program is developing customizable, research-based gardening presentations that can be adapted for local audiences. Image by Charlotte Glen.
Investing in Tools That Expand Reach
Survey participants also identified opportunities for the state program to better support volunteer-led outreach through shared tools and resources.
The most requested resource was customizable, research-based gardening presentations that can be adapted for local audiences.
In response, the state program is preparing to launch a speakers bureau library that will equip volunteers with ready-to-use presentations, marketing materials, and evaluation tools, expanding their ability to deliver impactful, research-based programming and to measure outcomes in their communities.
Other high-priority resources included:
- Opportunities to share ideas and successful programs across counties
- Resources to support plant clinics, infolines, and outreach events
- Guidance for designing and using demonstration gardens
Together, these tools will help volunteers deliver educational programming more effectively and connect with communities across North Carolina.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The priorities identified through this survey reflect the strength of the Extension Master Gardener program’s collaborative network and its shared commitment to serving communities across the state.
By aligning training, resources, and outreach with these priorities, we are well-positioned to expand the program's impact and empower even more North Carolinians with the knowledge and tools to cultivate healthier plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.
Join, support, or connect with Extension Master Gardener volunteers in your community—and be part of growing a healthier North Carolina.
