Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

Photo of a yard in fall with trees and shrubs grouped in a woodchipped space in the midde of grass

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGVs)

What is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer?

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGVs) are trained volunteers who work in partnership with their county Extension office to extend information throughout their community. They receive yearly, in-depth training, enabling them to provide accurate, research-based information to answer clientele's gardening questions.

The first Master Gardener program was started by University of Washington Cooperative Extension in 1972. The concept quickly spread throughout the US and Canada.

Find a Nebraska EMGV Training Site
image of master gardeners working on planters

About the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) Program

EMGVs are people — experienced gardeners and beginners — who love plants and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.

At Nebraska Extension, we teach adults and youth about plants, gardening, and the environment in many different settings, including: client phone calls, county fair, schools, community events and demonstration landscapes. And our EMGV volunteers help us do that.

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program’s goal is to provide Nebraskans with the knowledge they need to create and maintain bountiful, healthy, sustainable gardens and landscapes, all while protecting the environment and water resources.

Why get involved in the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program?
First, because you love gardening. Each Master Gardener Volunteer has their own special area of interest; a particular type of gardening or type of plant that they love to grow, whether it is roses, herbs, water plants, wildflowers, fruit trees or vegetables. Through the program, you will meet many great people who share your love of gardening and are always happy to share knowledge with you. And as a volunteer, you'll be making a contribution to your community, creating beautiful, sustainable greenspaces.

Volunteer Opportunities
In exchange for 40 hours of training, Master Gardener interns are required to volunteer 40 hours of their time to Nebraska Extension programs and activities. Some of these opportunities include:

  • Assist with 4-H horticulture and other youth programs.
  • Present or assist with educational programs to adults or community groups.
  • Answer telephone and/or email gardening questions.
  • Staff garden festivals, clinics or garden shows.
  • Help establish and maintain community beautification projects.
  • Become a resource to your neighborhood or community.
image of master gardeners working in garden

Diagnostic & Reference

EMVG Resources

Image of question mark and magnifying glass.

BECOME AN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER

There are two active EMGV programs for those in the Lincoln area — the Lancaster County and East Campus programs.

The programs are very similar with each offering initial training using hybrid, virtual and in-person, sessions.

Lancaster County program in-person sessions are held during the day, while the East Campus program in-person sessions are held at night.

Lancaster County Program

Encompasses gardeners primarily from Cass, Lancaster, Otoe, Seward and York counties.

Program structure:

  • 40 hours of training required for interns, followed by 40 hours of volunteer service.
  • Self-paced online training for new interns, plus
  • Weekday, daytime in-person sessions for interns and veteran EMGVs.
  • Program cost - $250.00 (non-refundable) 
  • Scholarships are available if financial assistance is needed.  
  • Application deadline — January 17, 2025
Apply Online

East Campus Program

Encompasses gardeners from Lancaster county.

Program Structure:

  • 40 hours of training required for interns, followed by 40 hours of volunteer service.
  • Self-paced online training for new interns, plus
  • Weekday, evening in-person sessions for interns and veteran EMGVs.
  • Program cost — $250.00 (non-refundable)
  • Scholarships are available if financial assistance is needed. 

Applications for the 2025 training season are currently open.

Apply Online

Impacts

IN 2022
5,400 +
questions were answered.
EMGVs and horticulture staff answer phones, emails and assist walk-in clients, providing research-based gardening information.
IN 2023
3,539
hours were volunteered.
Based on the 2023 Independent Sector volunteer valuation for Nebraska of $31.07/hour, which is an almost $110,000.00 value to their communities.
IN 2023
3,200 +
pounds of vegetables and herbs were donated.
EMGVs donated to Lincoln Nebraska City Mission and other local food pantry sites. At $1.99/pound, based from an average from the USDA, this is an almost $6,400 value.
IN 2023
9,239
adults were reached.
EMGVs delivered 10 programs, including 3 East Campus Discovery Days.

Request EMGV Assistance

Master Gardeners are a remarkable group of volunteers, trained by Nebraska Extension, who participate in horticulture programming & projects throughout Lancaster County. Master Gardener Volunteers are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

To submit a request that your project be considered for Master Gardener involvement, please review the garden project guidelines and complete the project request form below.

Garden Guidelines

Project Request Form (PDF)

Online Submission Project Request Form

Request a Speaker

We Teach ... Composting | Tree & Flower Selection | Turfgrass Management | Growing Wildflowers

All speaker requests are subject to availability. Please note that due to the volume of requests received, groups are limited to one horticulture program request per year. A minimum of 30 days notice are required for all speaker visits. Staff will contact you with a confirmation call or email.

Program cost:

  • $45.00 per 30 minute program
  • $75.00 per 60 minute program

There may be an additional fee involved for supplies with certain programs.

Speaker Request Form