The NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program is proud to celebrate Durham County Horticulture Agent Ashley Troth, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Early Career Award from the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) National Committee.

The award recognizes Extension professionals with less than 10 years' experience who demonstrate outstanding leadership, measurable program impact, innovation, collaboration, and commitment to the Extension Master Gardener mission.

In just eight years with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Ashley has distinguished herself in all of these areas—strengthening the Extension Master Gardener program in Durham County while contributing ideas, leadership, and expertise to the statewide program.

Since joining N.C. Cooperative Extension in 2018, Ashley has led the Extension Master Gardener program in Durham County through significant growth while serving one of North Carolina’s largest and fastest-growing urban communities.

In 2017, the year before Ashley arrived, 107 volunteers, interns, and students reported 7,185 service hours. By 2025, the program had grown to 156 volunteers, interns, and students contributing 13,458 hours of service. Ashley has also strengthened program evaluation and reporting, helping to more than double documented educational contacts in a single year and better capture the reach and impact of volunteers’ work.

That commitment to excellence is reflected in the accomplishments of Durham’s volunteers. Under Ashley’s leadership, they have earned multiple International Master Gardener Conference Search for Excellence Awards for innovative research, demonstration gardens, communications, and community outreach.

Innovation has been a hallmark of Ashley’s leadership. She has expanded public access to research-based horticulture education by recording and sharing educational classes and developing new ways for volunteers to connect with their community.

In 2024, Ashley launched the educational Master Gardener Plant Festival to complement the county’s annual plant sale. She has expanded pollinator education and demonstration gardens and recently co-developed the Hattie Meadows Gardening School, which has introduced hundreds of residents to sustainable gardening practices.

Ashley also recognizes that lasting community impact depends on strong relationships. She has cultivated partnerships with Duke Gardens, Keep Durham Beautiful, the City of Durham, local libraries, and other organizations to reach new audiences and create meaningful opportunities for volunteer service and education.

“Rather than creating barriers,” said Extension Master Gardener volunteer Deandra Hill, “Ashley acts as an advisor who clears the path for our success. A prime example of this was our recent installation of a native plant offering table at the historic Geer Cemetery. This project required clear coordination between Master Gardener volunteers and community stakeholders, including historians and an archaeologist, which was made possible by Ashley’s guidance and advocacy.”

Ashley’s impact extends across North Carolina. She has served on the NC State Extension Master Gardener Advisory Team since 2019, mentors new Extension agents, contributes to statewide educational resources, and generously shares ideas and expertise with colleagues.

Her leadership of an Advisory Team effort to identify and reduce barriers to participation in the Extension Master Gardener program helped inspire the creation of a statewide scholarship program for Extension Master Gardener College, making advanced training more accessible to volunteers.

“One of Ashley’s greatest strengths is her ability to see opportunities where others see challenges,” said Charlotte Glen, NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Manager. “She combines creativity with a deep commitment to research-based education, meaningful partnerships, and volunteer development. In just eight years, she has made a lasting impact not only in Durham County, but also across our statewide program.”

Ashley’s work exemplifies what the Distinguished Early Career Award celebrates: professional excellence, measurable impact, initiative, collaboration, and dedication to the Extension Master Gardener mission. Through her leadership, she has helped volunteers grow their skills, expanded access to research-based gardening education, strengthened community partnerships, and contributed to a stronger Extension Master Gardener program across North Carolina.

Please join us in congratulating Ashley on this well-deserved national recognition and thanking her for the creativity, leadership, and commitment she brings to N.C. Cooperative Extension and the NC State Extension Master Gardener program.

Join, support, or connect with Extension Master Gardener volunteers in your community and be part of growing a healthier North Carolina.