The Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program is celebrating 50 years of cultivating knowledge and community impact across the state. Volunteers are dedicated to sharing research-based horticultural knowledge and strengthening their communities with education and stewardship. We look forward to celebrating this milestone and our valued volunteers throughout the year.
If you have a strong interest in gardening and enjoy helping others, you are invited to become a Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer and be a part of this vibrant program.
To become a Master Gardener volunteer, you must attend all online and in-person training sessions, pass an examination and volunteer for Extension educational programming. Many fun and educational volunteer opportunities are available, including answering gardening questions from the public, teaching youth how to garden, assisting at the county or state fair, hosting a booth at a community event and many others.
Instructors are Extension Specialists, Educators, Associates and horticulture professionals. This training will increase your knowledge and understanding of horticultural topics such as:
• Best cultural practices for growing flowers, trees, vegetables and turf.
• Plant disease and insect pest identification and control.
• Helping beneficial insects, wildlife habitats and more!
The cost for the 2026 training class is $250 per person. Apply online at https://go.unl.edu/ne-emgv-app.
There are two options for Master Gardener training in Lincoln.
Daytime Training — The Lancaster County Extension training program will begin in February, training hours are during the day. For more information, call Mary Jane Frogge at 402‑441‑7180. Application deadline is Friday, Jan. 16.
Evening Training — The campus-based training program will begin in January, training hours are during the evening. For more information, contact Terri James at 402‑472‑8973.