Volunteers

Awardees at 2013 Master Gardener conference

Since 1979, Master Gardener volunteers have been actively involved in serving Florida residents through volunteering with the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

In return for training, Master Gardener volunteers serve 75 volunteer hours assisting extension agents in providing research based horticulture education to Florida residents. Master Gardener volunteers can renew their certification by participating in 10 learning hours and completing 35 volunteer hours each year. They must also adhere to the Master Gardener policies.

Volunteer Hours

The state office provides guidelines as to what qualifies as a volunteer hour, but the county coordinator provides finally approval of volunteer hours.

Guidelines for Reporting Master Gardener Volunteer Hours (PDF)

Better Impact

Florida Master Gardener volunteers use "Better Impact," a volunteer management system (VMS) to record hours, sign up for events, and receive documents. 

If you have questions about using Better Impact, contact your county coordinator for help. 

The Master Gardener Legacy Fund

The Master Gardener Legacy Fund was created to provide financial support to Master Gardener programs throughout Florida.

As the Master Gardener Legacy Fund endowment grows, so grows the financial support we will be able to provide to County Master Gardener projects across the state.

Please consider donating. Learn more by contacting Caylin Hilton, Director of Development at 352.392.5432 or send her an email to learn more about planned giving options.

Counties can apply annually to receive grants for new or continuing educational projects. Money will be awarded by the UF/IFAS Florida Statewide Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and a review committee.