Extension Master Gardener Expectations Agreement
I wish to become a Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener volunteer and would like to be accepted for the Albemarle/Charlottesville training course taking place in January 2025. I understand the following expectations, should I be accepted into the program:
Expectations:
- There is a $190.00 fee for the class which covers the Virginia Master Gardener Handbook, background check, & other expenses associated with the class. Need-based scholarships are available; please contact Nick Saylor at the Extension Office to inquire.
- Our 2025 Master Gardener training classes will be a hybrid mix of in-person and online sessions beginning in January and ending in April. We will host online classes from 6pm-9pm on Tuesdays and in-person classes from 9am-12pm every other Saturday.
- Participants may not miss more than 2 classes/workshops, and any classes missed must be made up by attending a comparable class in another county. In extenuating circumstances, an alternative method of learning the information may be approved by the Master Gardener Coordinator in advance.
- Upon completion of the training course, participants are expected to complete 50 hours of volunteer service work no later than Dec. 31 of the following year. The 50 hours of service includes:
- a minimum of 20 hours in a Horticulture Help Desk situation - whether at the Main office, at a Farmers' Market, or an outreach table event.
- a minimum of 1 Healthy Virginia Lawn site visits.
- volunteer hours in VCE approved Piedmont Master Gardener projects.
I understand and agree to all the expectations above. I also agree to all the expectations below, should I be accepted into the program.
As a fully certified Extension Master Gardener, I will:
- Pledge to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours of my time with the Piedmont Master Gardeners toward educating the public, and an additional 8 hours of my time pursuing continuing education for myself as an Extension Master Gardener volunteer. I also agree to abide by the job duties and policies of the Extension Master Gardener program, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia State University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. I understand that if I fail to meet the minimum requirements, I will not be eligible for renewal the following year.
- Record and submit my volunteer hours regularly in the Better Impact database at least 3 times a year: by April 1, October 1, and December 1.
- Attend all VCE required trainings.
- Share only unbiased, science- and research-based information with the public.
- Refer questions that I am not qualified to answer to VCE staff.
- Record the demographics of the people I serve through the Extension Master Gardener programs, to help monitor how well the program is serving our community.
