The SDSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides university training to volunteers to prepare them to serve their communities through horticulture extension activities. Volunteers answer questions at their local extension offices or other venues, speak to local groups, assist with demonstration gardens, assist with youth projects, write newsletters or newspaper articles, and/or a wide variety of other projects that help to increase the horticulture knowledge of the public. Over the past ten years, MG volunteers have contributed over 80,000 hours of service in South Dakota.
Training:
The SDSU Master Gardener Volunteer Program features the following components:
- Apply to the program. Please note that the application period is open only once per-year.
- Complete online and in-person coursework.
- Successfully pass the Master Gardener course test at 80% or better.
- Successfully contribute 40 hours of volunteer service as an intern within one year.
Volunteers receive over 60 hours of training to prepare them for horticulture outreach through the SDSU Extension Master Gardener (MG) program. Before you can become a “Certified Master Gardener” and in return for your education, you must volunteer at least 40 hours in service as a “Master Gardener Intern” within one year immediately following your training.
Once your 40 hours of volunteer service as an intern is fulfilled, you receive a certificate and Master Gardener name badge. To maintain certification, volunteers must log 20 hours of service and 10 hours of training every year. Training opportunities will be shared throughout the year.
More information can be found at the Master Gardener page under the Garden & Yard section of the SDSU Extension web site.
