How to Become an NC State Extension Master Gardener ℠ volunteer in Brunswick County

Interested in becoming a NC State Extension Master Gardener ℠ volunteer in Brunswick County? Fill out this interest form and read below for more information!

Next Class starts January 2027

Join a network of passionate gardeners in Brunswick County who are dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing the communities in which they live through horticulture, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening. Become a Master Gardener℠ volunteer in Brunswick County!

NC State Extension Master Gardener SM volunteers ("EMG") are essentially an “extension” of NC State Cooperative Extension and NC State University, a North Carolina land-grant institution.  They assist in our mission of public outreach and education.

The EMG volunteer training program for Brunswick County is offered once a year.

EMG volunteers:

• Represent NC State Extension.
• Promote the research-based recommendations of NC State Extension.
• May only use the title “Extension Master Gardener volunteer” when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.
• Follow the policies and procedures found in the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Guidelines
• Abide by the NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Code of Conduct

EMG volunteers complete the following steps to join the program:

Submit An Application

Becoming an EMG volunteer begins with an interview and an accepted application to our local county program.Upon acceptance into the program, the fee is $230, payable in advance through our Eventbrite site.  A hard copy of the textbook “Extension Gardener Handbook” and a companion workbook are included in the fee.

Complete Initial Volunteer Training

Initial training prepares you to be a EMG volunteer. The course introduces a wide range of horticultural topics, with a focus on finding research-based information and sharing the science behind sustainable gardening practices. Initial training includes: Visit the Extension Gardener Handbook online to explore more about the program and training curriculum.

• Minimum of 75 hours of in-person instruction and homework.
• The classes will be in-person at the Cooperative Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, Bolivia NC
• Class dates:  Tuesdays and Fridays, 9a-12p, beginning January 13th - March 10th
• Classes are mandatory and taught by Extension staff and other experts.
• Topics include, but are not limited to, soils and plant nutrients, turf, insects, diseases, Integrated Pest Management, food production, herbaceous, woody and native plants, wildlife, landscape design, and more.
• Weekly assignments and Quizzes
• Take-home or in-class, open-book exam
• Intern Project

Complete Volunteer Internship

Once initial training is complete, volunteers complete a minimum 40-hour Internship in Brunswick County, to learn even more about horticulture, our local program, and volunteer opportunities, and give back to the community.During the internship, volunteers rotate through a variety of required volunteer opportunities that support the educational outreach priorities of their local Extension center.

Become Certified

Once the 40-hour internship has been completed the volunteer is eligible to become a Certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer.

Maintain Certification

In order to remain active in the program, Master Gardener volunteers in Brunswick County must meet annual recertification requirements, with a minimum of:

• 40 hours of volunteer service in Brunswick County and
• 10 hours of continuing education.