The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program benefiting UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and giving back to their communities. With training from UF/IFAS Extension, Master Gardener Volunteers are active in their communities, offering leadership and guidance in gardening projects of all types and sizes.
The training period is anticipated to run from August 2025 through October 2025. The cost is approximately $175.00 (subject to change). Interns will receive 60+ hours of training, student handbook manual, EDIS publications and reference books. Enrollment in the program is limited and can be highly competitive.
This is a training class for extension volunteers. After successful completion of the training interns are required to volunteer a minimum of 75 hours the first year to achieve Master Gardener Volunteer certification. Thirty-five volunteer hours and ten continuing education units are required in subsequent years to maintain an active status with the program.
Qualifications – Ideal applicants are:
- Committed to volunteering and able to communicate horticulture knowledge with diverse people in Alachua County.
- Available to spend time volunteering, attending monthly meetings, field trips and training sessions.
- Love gardening and have a desire to learn and practice environmentally friendly horticulture methods and share this information with others.
- Eager to learn horticulture by actively participating in an intense training program and committed to lifelong learning continuing education activities.
For further information contact Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary, Master Gardener Coordinator, cnazarioleary@ufl.edu or call 352-955-2402. Also visit these websites: and http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/ to learn more about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/alachua/ to learn more about Extension.
