The 2024 Master Gardener Intern class receives their official certification and permanent title of Alabama Extension Master Gardener. (Kira Sims)
CULLMAN, Ala. – On July 31, the Cullman County Extension Office celebrated the achievements of its 2024 Master Gardener Intern class, marking the end of a year-long journey to certification. Twelve interns officially traded in their temporary badges for the permanent title of Alabama Extension Master Gardener. To earn the title, participants completed a 13-week training course last fall, all while logging at least 50 hours of volunteer service in horticulture projects across the community.
“A certified Master Gardener is a volunteer for Alabama Extension with training in horticulture topics and the opportunity to share that information with the public through educational outreach,” explained Cullman County Extension Director Dr. Kira Sims. “The training course and volunteer hours are completed within one year of starting the course. After full completion, we celebrate the journey and bestow on the intern the title of certified Alabama Extension Master Gardener volunteer and their official name tag.”
The graduation ceremony was a meaningful milestone for many, including newly certified volunteer BJ Morgan, who described the accomplishment as a “20-year dream.” Sims said hearing stories like Morgan’s is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
“It is such a joy to teach the Extension Master Gardener training because these folks have such an interest in learning more about plants,” Sims said. “Many of the participants have waited years, like BJ, to participate because work or life duties previously hindered them. This desire to learn is inspiring — not only to learn, but to take that knowledge and give back to the community through service.”
In addition to celebrating those who earned their new titles, the Extension Office welcomed its latest group of interns — the 2025 Master Gardener training class. This class will follow the same journey as the 2024 cohort, with hopes of one day earning their permanent titles as well.
“A new class always brings enthusiasm, but they also bring so many different life experiences to the table. Each class is so different — what plants they like, what they did professionally, where they live or are from — so to get to know each class is fun,” she added. “Anyone interested in joining the next training should reach out to the Cullman County Extension office so we can add them to the interest list and stay tuned for information next June to register.”
The Cullman County Extension Office typically hosts a Master Gardener training class each fall. For more information, contact Dr. Kira Sims at kira.sims@auburn.edu or call the Extension office at 256-737-9386.
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