Broward County Master Gardener Volunteers

• 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 Volunteer Gardener do?

  
  Master Gardener Volunteers make an important contribution to the community through volunteering their time and learned expertise by assisting the Urban Horticulture Agent in several ways including but not limited to:

  1. At the Extension office, Master Gardener Volunteers help answer homeowner phone calls and emails by providing research-based scientific information to resolve problems in the landscape including deficiencies, diseases, pests, or other abnormalities
     
     
  2. Educating the public through demonstrations, lectures, tours, and displays virtually and in person at countywide events
     
     
  3. Give research-based educational programming to schools and nonprofit youth organizations, including 4-H and civic associations
• Master Gardener Volunteer Projects

  Broward County Master Gardener Volunteers are encouraged to participate in projects at the UF/IFAS Extension Building, throughout Broward County, and in their own neighborhood.  These projects are ways to educate the general public either directly or as examples. 

  Projects include:

  • Master Gardener Volunteer Help Desk
  • Plant diagnostic
  • Insect identification
  • Community gardening
  • Hydroponics
  • Demonstrational gardens
  • Event booths
  • School gardening assistance
• Residency and Volunteer Service

  While Broward County residency is not required, Master Gardener Volunteers must serve all of their 75 pre-approved hours (40 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.

• How Much Does It Cost?

  Each Florida Master Gardener Volunteer of Broward County pays $275 for inscription in the course, with an additional good-faith volunteer deposit of $200. The latter deposit is refundable if the trainee completes his/her 75 pre-approved volunteer hours, of which 40 are under the direct mentoring by staff or an approved Master Gardener Volunteer  Mentor, someone who is already certified. The 75 hours, with 40 in being mentored, must be completed one calendar year from the final examination.

• How Can I Apply To Be a Master Gardener Volunteer?

  UF/IFAS Extension Education Broward County is happy to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Course. The course will occur Wednesdays nights 6pm-9pm and Saturdays 8am-4pm. The cost of the course is $475 which includes a $200 refundable seat deposit.

  Ready to apply? APPLY HERE

  Master Gardener Volunteer Scholarship Application

   

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