National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize the people who make a difference every day, and across North Carolina, NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers are doing just that.

More than 4,000 trained Master Gardener volunteers work under the leadership of Extension professionals in local N.C. Cooperative Extension centers to expand access to trusted, research-based gardening knowledge. In 2025, they contributed over 244,000 hours of service, helping Extension reach more than 335,000 North Carolinians.

But the impact of this work goes far beyond the numbers. Extension Master Gardener volunteers answer questions, cultivate demonstration gardens, lead workshops, support community gardens and connect people to science-based solutions that empower and equip them to grow healthier plants and more sustainable landscapes. Along the way, they build relationships, inspire confidence, and strengthen community resilience.

Help Us Celebrate!

This National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), you can help recognize the impact of Master Gardener volunteers' service in a few simple ways:

• Engage with us on Instagram (@ncemgv) and Facebook (@NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers).
• Learn how you can become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer and join a network of community members dedicated to sharing research-based information, gardening education, and community outreach.
• Use the Garden Help Directory to connect with volunteers and get answers to your gardening questions.
• Read our latest Annual Report to learn how Master Gardener volunteers empower North Carolinians with research-based knowledge and practical solutions.

You can also explore NC State Extension resources supported by Extension Master Gardener volunteers to grow your own gardening knowledge:

• Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Find the right plants for your landscape.
• NC Extension Gardener Handbook: Access this comprehensive guide free online.
• EMG YouTube channel: Expand your gardening knowledge by watching recordings that volunteers helped caption.

This week, and every week, we celebrate the dedication, knowledge, and generosity of Extension Master Gardener volunteers and the Extension professionals who support them. Together, they are cultivating healthier plants, ecosystems, and communities across North Carolina.