By Mary Jane Frogge, Horticulture Extension Associate and County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator
Extension Master Gardeners are volunteers trained through University Extension programs across the United States, to provide research-based horticultural information to the public. They complete intensive training in horticulture science and, in exchange, volunteer their time to educational outreach to their community.
HISTORY
The Washington State University Extension Master Gardener program began in 1973 in King and Pierce counties, created by Agents Dr. David Gibby and Bill Scheer to address surging public demand for gardening information. Facing high volumes of plant-related calls, they developed a volunteer training program that became a national and international model for research-based, sustainable horticultural education.
In Nebraska, Extension professionals were facing the same issues and a similar plan for training volunteers was underway. Nebraska Extension organized their own Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) program statewide in 1976 and it has been growing ever since.
TRAINING
When accepted into the Extension Master Gardener Program, interns receive 40 hours of training from Nebraska Extension professionals.
Core training topics include botany, turfgrass, soil science, plant pathology and integrated pest management.
VOLUNTEERING
In exchange for 40 hours of training, Extension Master Gardener interns are required to volunteer 40 hours of their time to Nebraska Extension programs and activities. Some of these opportunities include:
• Teaching composting demonstrations.
• Planting community gardens.
• Answering telephone gardening questions.
• Teaching youth how to garden.
• Hosting a booth at local events, such as garden shows.
• Raising vegetables at donation gardens.
• Judging exhibits at the county or state fair.
EDUCATION OUTREACH
In 2025, 91 EMGVs participated in the Lancaster County program and volunteered for 4,656 total hours! As a result of this commitment to education and volunteering, they become a valued resource to their neighborhood and community.
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ASK A MASTER GARDENER
You can ask Master Gardeners yard & garden questions during the growing season via phone (402‑441‑7180) or walk-in at the Extension office, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln). You can also bring in specimens for plant or disease identification and management recommendations.
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MASTER GARDENERS SHARE WHY THEY VOLUNTEER
“My favorite part about volunteering with Nebraska Extension is having the opportunity to do different things. Such as building raised garden beds and educational game boards; interacting with people at events and education sessions; and utilizing my organizational skills as a committee chair.”
—Gary Wells
“Volunteering is an educational experience. I’m always learning new things, either through training, answering the phone at the Extension office, from my fellow volunteers or even the kids I work with. It feels good to share your knowledge and to work alongside others who have a similar interest. It feels good to know you’re helping others in your community!”
—Shari Bitney
“My favorite volunteer opportunity is working with children, especially the younger ones. Their excitement and curiosity energizes me and reminds me how much I enjoy gardening. It’s such a pleasure to be able to share my passion and to continue to learn myself.”
—Lori Swiatek
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Photo captions:
• (Upper left) Extension Master Gardener Volunteers help at Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens. Pictured is Rita Beck planting annual flowers.
• (Right) Members of the youth education committee staff a booth at Discovery Days on UNL East Campus, providing education and hands-on activities.
• (Lower left) New and returning Extension Master Gardener Volunteers receive training each year. Pictured are participants learning about integrated pest management in a small group discussion.