Welcome to the UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences works collaboratively with all 67 counties in Florida to offer 'Solutions for Your Life'. If you are interested in providing our community with research-based landscape best practices and 'growing a greener community together', please consider applying to our volunteer program. Volunteers can expect to participate in a number of activities including; offering educational programs, working with community and school gardens, analyzing soil and water samples, answering diagnostic landscape concerns, and many more. See the list below for some examples of projects.
Applicants selected for the program complete a 12-week training class, including online modules and weekly in-person activities. Following graduation, students become MGV Interns and are required to contribute 100 volunteer hours (working with veteran MGVs) plus 10 CEUs within one year. Once certified as an MGV, the required hours are 50 plus 10 CEUs per year.
The UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteer Program has been providing outstanding horticultural information to the community since 1979. We strive to meet the needs of our community while encouraging research-based, environmentally-conscious landscape choices.
