Global Volunteer Month honors those whose dedicated service strengthens our communities. All this month, we will be shining a light on the collective impact of the more than 4,000 dedicated NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers across North Carolina!
As a transformative force in North Carolina, Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers nurture and improve their environment and local communities by sharing research-based gardening knowledge and cultivating connections that help people and plants thrive.
Through local EMG programs based in N.C. Cooperative Extension County Centers, these volunteers provide more than 200,000 service hours every year. Their efforts support education and outreach programs that translate sustainable gardening research into everyday solutions, helping North Carolinians learn and grow.
Throughout Global Volunteer Month (April) and National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), help us recognize the impact of volunteer service with these three simple actions:
- Shine a Light on Social Media: Engage with us on Instagram (@ncemgv) and Facebook (@NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers). We are sharing stories of the volunteer service and projects that inspire us—join the conversation and thank an EMG volunteer in your community!
- Find Your Inspiration to Serve: Are you ready to be a force for change? Learn how you can become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer and join our long-standing legacy of service.
- Connect with Local Experts: Use the Garden Help Directory to connect with the Master Gardener volunteers who are brightening landscapes in your county.
Expand your gardening knowledge using the resources our volunteers helped create and maintain:
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Find the right plants for your unique landscape.
- NC Extension Gardener Handbook: Access our comprehensive guide to gardening best practices free online, or purchase it as a hardback or interactive e-book.
- Public Education Videos: Watch practical gardening demonstrations on our YouTube channel.
Our Impact Stories: Explore our latest Annual Report to see how the spirit of National Volunteer Week lives on through the vital contributions of our volunteers.
