Master Gardener Volunteer Program

• Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program Mission

  "To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents."

• What is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program

  The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities.

• What does a Master Gardener Volunteer do?

  Broward County Master Gardener Volunteers help with projects at the UF/IFAS Extension Building, around Broward County, and in their own neighborhoods. These projects teach people about gardening. Volunteers either work directly with people or create gardens and displays that show good gardening examples. This helps the community learn how to grow plants better and take care of their yards.

  Here are some ways you can help as a Master Gardener Volunteer:

  • Work at booths to share gardening information at community events and festivals.
  • Help answer gardening questions from people who call, walk in, or send emails to the Extension office Help Desk.
  • Help with gardening activities for kids, like 4-H and school gardens.
  • Help create and take care of teaching gardens at the Extension Office.
  • Help set up and run workshops, including making packets, checking people in, doing surveys, and sharing information.

  Other Volunteer Projects:

  • Give talks on gardening as part of the Speakers Bureau.
  • Give presentations at garden clubs.
  • Teach workshops about special gardening topics to other Master Gardeners or to the community.
  • Help with programs at Flamingo Gardens or Bonnet House.
  • Join the Extension Vegetable Team.
  • Help with the Extension Butterfly Demo Garden.
  • Join activities with the Rare Fruit and Vegetable Council.
  • Volunteer at the Miramar Community Garden or the Coral Springs Community Garden.
  • Join the Snyder Park Circle of Life project.
  • Help remove unwanted plants with the Broward County Parks Invasive Plant Removal Team.
  • Be part of the Extension Landscape Team.
  • Work in the K.I.N.D. Garden.
  • Help with the Native Orchids Program.

   

   

   

   

• Residency and Volunteer Service

  While Broward County residency is not required, Master Gardener Volunteers must serve all of their 75 pre-approved hours (45 while being mentored at a MGV Public Service Center) doing nonprofit volunteer work in Broward County.

  Volunteering with Broward County is subject to satisfactory completion of a background check, including but not limited to: verification of education, previous employment, criminal records, and driving records history as recorded in the personnel or other records of any previous employer, law enforcement organization, state or federal agencies, or any school that you have attended. Further, a volunteer will be required to enter into a waiver, release, and such indemnity agreement releasing Broward County from any liability whatsoever in connection with such background check verification, use of the results in the volunteer screening process, and from any liability to third persons caused by the direct or indirect actions of the volunteer. Since the ability to volunteer is a requirement for the course, those who do not qualify as a volunteer may not take the course.

• Master Gardener Volunteer Course

  Master Gardener Volunteers are trained by a team of scientists and educators, including faculty from  University of Florida professors, horticultural professionals, and Extension Agents.

  The course covers many topics. Some things you will learn about include:

  • Learn the basics of gardening successfully in Florida’s unique climate.
  • Understand how plants grow and thrive.
  • Discover Florida-friendly plants and how to start new plants from seeds and cuttings.
  • Gain skills in planting, watering, and maintaining healthy gardens and landscapes.
  • Learn care techniques for lawns, palm trees, vegetables, fruit trees, and butterfly gardens.
  • Identify and manage weeds, pests, plant diseases, and invasive/problematic plants.
  • Understand safe use of pesticides and herbicides.
  • Explore soil health, plant nutrition, and proper pruning methods.
  • Learn about beneficial and harmful garden insects, worms, and other animals.
• Scholarship Opportunity

  If attending the Course would present a financial hardship you may also apply for a scholarship. A very limited number of scholarships are available every year. 

  If appropriate, please download the Master Gardener Volunteer Scholarship Application and submit it along with your application to the program.

  Questions about the Master Gardener Volunteer Course can be directed to Lorna Bravo (LBravo1@ufl.edu)