Catawba County News
Catawba County 101: Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Program
Published: September 01, 2025
What is its mission/purpose?
Extension Master Gardener is a volunteer program that is part of Cooperative Extension. The horticulture agent provides training and oversees this program. Extension Master Gardeners provide research-based information, educational programming, and community outreach that empowers citizens to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.
How do you achieve your mission – what services are offered?
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are involved in a variety of educational and outreach efforts. Master Gardener Volunteers must complete a minimum of 20 volunteer hours each year after initial education and volunteer training, but they can choose to volunteer in activities of most interest to them. Some volunteer activities such as youth educational outreach, Ask-a-Master Gardener clinics, leading educational programs in the community, and working with community gardens.
Who does this department serve?
If you want to learn more about plant science topics or have a project that could involve Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, contact the Horticulture Agent at Cooperative Extension. We are currently accepting applications for the next Extension Master Gardener Volunteer course that will start in early 2026.
How and where are services delivered?
Some recent Extension Master Gardener Volunteer projects have included:
- Leading youth gardening programs and working with children in the garden at Sipes Orchard Home Summer Camp.
- Supporting the butterfly garden exhibit at the Science Center
- Maintaining the demo garden at the Ag Resources Center and providing educational signage.
- Volunteering at the Extension office to answer gardening questions.
How many staff members are involved in delivering services?
The Extension Horticulture Agent manages the Master Gardener Volunteer program which currently involves just over 60 certified Master Gardener volunteers.
How does our community and/or organization benefit from these services?
Most recently, Master Gardeners have inspired and educated youth as they worked with the Sipes Orchard Home summer day camp. The volunteers led hands-on learning activities from the Jr Master Gardener curriculum and worked alongside the children in the Sipes Garden. Steps to Health grant funds secured from NCSU provided funding for the garden and some of the educational activities. Parent evaluations showed that 70% of the children were more interested in plants and gardening at the end of the summer. 83% of the children were eating more fruits and vegetables and were more willing to try new fruits and vegetables this summer, after having the chance to grow some of their own summer vegetables. Vegetables from the garden were harvested, cooked, and served as part of lunch served to campers. One parent said, “my child was more open to trying new vegetables, RAVED about the salads served at camp, and took more interest in helping with our garden at home.” Another parent said, “my camper loved the garden program. We have a garden at home and he is more willing to help now that he understands more about what is happening in the garden.”
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Extension Master Gardener is a national volunteer program that has been offered through Cooperative Extension since the early 1980’s. Each year, these volunteers extend the educational efforts of Cooperative Extension while learning more about plant science and natural resources.