Welcome to the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program in New York State! Here you can find information on the mission and how to join us.
For current volunteers and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Staff, check out the pages below:
How to join
Interested in being a Master Gardener in NY? Contact your local county office. Not every CCE county office in New York has the resources to support a program.
About
Mission: We prepare volunteers to be peer educators who build relationships with community audiences to integrate local experience and research based knowledge in planning for and initiating steps to manage gardens, lawns, and landscapes with an emphasis on food security and environmental stewardship.
The Extension Master Gardener program in New York State prepares individuals for volunteer roles in garden-based learning activities that support the educational mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and the CCE Master Gardener Program Mission, Vision and Values. All CCE Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) program opportunities are managed by the County CCE office who locally recruit volunteers as needed through an application process. Active Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers commit a minimum number of hours per year in support of county program community activities.
Why be a Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer? The documented benefits of gardening are numerous and include: lifelong learning, environmental/scientific literacy, a sense of accomplishment, physical exercise, improved health, stress relief, physical rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation, economic success, enhanced social relationships, community building and direct access to nutritious fresh food. Garden-based learning can serve as a catalyst for addressing food security and hunger; climate change; childhood obesity and nutrition; food safety; and youth, family and community development. The widespread appeal of gardening provides opportunity to use gardens to connect with diverse audiences.
Find more on the Benefits of Garden Based Learning and Research that Supports Our Work.
Looking to advance your gardening knowledge without a volunteer commitment?
Explore opportunities with…
- Cornell Horticulture Distance Learning
- Learning at Cornell Botanic Garden
- Cornell Cooperative Extension County Offices
- National Extension Master Gardener Program – State Programs
- Landscapes for Life
Check out this video of CCE Monroe Master Gardener Volunteers in action!