ALEXANDRIA
— If you’ve ever found joy in planting a seed, watching a pollinator dance across a bloom, or helping a neighbor troubleshoot their tomato troubles, the University of Minnesota Extension
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
might be your next great adventure.
Master Gardeners are more than plant enthusiasts — they’re community educators, environmental stewards, and connectors of people and place. Across Minnesota, these volunteers are improving lives by sharing research-based gardening knowledge in ways that are practical, inclusive, and deeply rooted in local needs.
From teaching kids how to grow their first carrots to helping seniors create pollinator havens, Master Gardeners are making a difference. In 2024 alone, 3,283 certified volunteers contributed over 195,000 hours of service and reached nearly 148,000 residents. Their work supports clean water, biodiversity, climate resilience, and food security, one garden, one conversation, one workshop at a time.
Interested in joining this vibrant network? You’re invited to an informal info session at the
Douglas County Library
on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 5:15 p.m. Come meet local Master Gardeners, hear their stories, and learn how you can get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, there’s a place for you in this program.
Applications to become a certified Master Gardener are open now through Oct. 1. New volunteers begin with online training that covers core horticultural topics, followed by a hands-on internship. Interns complete a minimum of 50 volunteer hours in their first year, working alongside experienced Master Gardeners on community projects, educational events, and outreach activities.
The program is designed to be flexible and supportive. Volunteers come from all walks of life — teachers, retirees, farmers, artists, engineers—and bring their unique perspectives to the work. What they share is a passion for plants and people, and a commitment to making science accessible and actionable.
Master Gardeners don’t just teach — they listen, adapt, and build relationships. They help communities respond to challenges like invasive species, stormwater runoff, and pollinator decline. They also celebrate the joy of gardening, encouraging lifelong learning and curiosity.
Learn more and apply:
z.umn.edu/becomeMG.
For questions about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Douglas County, contact Robin Trott,
UMN Extension
Educator, Douglas County 320-762-3890, or email trot0053@umn.edu.
Let’s grow something great together!
Robin Trott
is a horticulture educator with University of Minnesota Extension.
Robin Trott
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