Think globally, act locally. It’s a phrase that applies well to the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners in Mille Lacs County. We are the University of Minnesota on the ground—often literally—delivering science-based practices to our communities. As volunteers, Master Gardeners learn not only from scientific research, but from one another and the communities we serve.
Many are familiar with Master Gardeners as reliable resources for questions about flowers, vegetables or grass because horticulture skills are a cornerstone of our work. But did you know that Master Gardeners also focus on local foods and sustainability, and that we teach about practices that restore Minnesota’s native prairies and protect our precious water? Or that volunteering as a Master Gardener gives people a chance to spread their wings in photography, writing, community speaking, and more?
Master Gardeners come from all ages and backgrounds. We are especially excited to see a new generation of Master Gardeners embracing opportunities with enthusiasm.
If you have an interest in plants and gardening and would enjoy sharing that interest with others, apply to become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer. Applications are being accepted for the Mille Lacs County Extension Master Gardener Program now until Oct. 1, 2026.
Individuals joining the program begin an internship that starts with the Master Gardener core course training in Jan. 2027. The course is taught online at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Instructors are University of Minnesota Extension educators and faculty.
Following the course, interns will complete 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year, working with local Master Gardener volunteers on a variety of projects that educate the public about gardening and horticulture. Some examples of recent projects and activities by the Mille Lacs County Master Gardeners include a spring plant sale, the ongoing renovation and improvement of display gardens at the Princeton Historical Depot, educational talks at the Princeton Library, monthly newspaper articles with gardening information, and an educational display and answering questions at the Mille Lacs County Fair.
After completing the internship, you become a certified University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener. To remain certified, Master Gardeners must contribute at least 25 hours of volunteer service annually.
For more information about becoming a certified Master Gardener Volunteer, or to fill out an application, visit https://extension.umn.edu/master-gardener/become-master-gardener. You can also contact the Mille Lacs County University of Minnesota Extension Office directly by phone at 320-983-8317, or by email at mnext-millelacs@umn.edu.
Sandy Bronson is a Mille Lacs County Master Gardener. You can find them on Facebook at @MilleLacsCountyMasterGardeners.
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