Master Gardener

Master Gardener Volunteer Training

Applications for the 2026-2027 Master Gardener Volunteer training program open August 18th!

The deadline to apply is September 12th.

Please note that not all applications will be accepted.

Any questions about the training or application can be emailed to Laura Trudell at ljt92@cornell.edu

The Master Gardener Volunteer Training is an 18 week course that starts at the beginning of October and ends at the end of February, with breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. 

It is a hybrid course, most weeks are virtual with one in-person meeting a month. Virtual sessions are two hours on Wednesday evenings. In-person sessions are five hours long on Saturdays. 

The training costs $100 with an additional $50 deposit that is returned after completing the core course and the required 20 hours of volunteer service within the first year (October 1, 2026 - September 30th, 2027). Full and partial scholarships are available.

Trained MGVs volunteer to teach classes and workshops, provide information, and work with partners on community gardening projects.

To remain an active MGV, one must volunteer 20 hours per year.

REGISTER HERE - https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/20262027MGVTraining_216

2026-2027 Training Schedule

September 26^th Saturday – Course Content Opens

Week 1

October 1^st Thursday - Optional Pre-Course Zoom for Questions

October 3^rd Saturday – 5hr In Person Class

Week 2

October 7^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

October 10^th Saturday – Online Content Due

Week 3

October 14^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

October 17^th Saturday – Online Content Due

Week 4

October 21^st Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

Week 5

October 28^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

October 31^st Saturday – Online Content Due

Week 6

November 4^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

November 7^th Saturday – 5hr In Person Class

Week 7

November 11^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

Week 8

November 18^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

November 21^st Saturday – Online Content Due

Week 9

December 2^nd Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

December 5^th Saturday – 5hr In Person Class

Week 10

December 9^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

Week 11

January 6^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

January 9^th Saturday – 5hr In Person Class

Week 12

January 13^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

January 16^th Saturday – Online Content Due

Week 13

January 20^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

Week 14

January 27^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

January 30^th Saturday – Online Content Due

Week 15

February 3^rd Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

February 6^th Saturday – 5hr In Person Class

Week 16

February 10^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

February 13^th Saturday – Online Content Due

Week 17

February 17^th Wednesday – 2hr Zoom

Week 18

February 24^th Wednesday – Optional 2hr Zoom

February 27^th Saturday – 5hr In Person Class

Master Gardener Volunteer Position Description 

The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Master Gardener Program educates New Yorkers about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. The Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) role is to support CCE Franklin, to build relationships with community audiences, and to integrate local experience and research-based knowledge in the area of horticulture, home gardening, food security, and environmental stewardship. MGVs report to the Horticulture Educator, Laura Trudell.

Responsibilities may include:

Answer telephone inquiries and assist office visitors with plant/insect identification or diagnosis.

Assist with establishing and maintaining community gardens or community garden plots.

Assist teachers, volunteers and/or children with gardening education projects in school or club settings.

Interpret information from CCE bulletins and fact sheets for the general public.

Distribute CCE and Extension approved research-based information to the public.

Assist with CCE educational programming, such as talks, workshops, and trainings.

Represent CCE within the community.

Assist with CCE fundraising activities.

Serve as a horticultural resource for the CCE Association.

Training and Support:

Orientation to CCE, local county and the MGV Program.

Access to CCE Advance Training and continuing education opportunities, field trips, and workshops.

Time Commitment and Reporting:

To remain ‘active,’ MGV are expected to contribute and report on a minimum of 20 hours a program year (October 1- September 30). Professional Development and/or Continuing Education must account for 10 hours annually.

MGVs are expected to maintain records and report on time devoted to MGV activities within each program year

Qualifications:

Completion of the Cornell Garden-Based Learning Library (CGBLL) Core Preparation curriculum.

Completion of Master Gardener Intern requirements per the Master Gardener Volunteer Program Guidelines (determined by local county).

Basic interest in and knowledge about ornamental horticulture, flora, and food gardening.

Passion for acquiring, sharing, and teaching horticultural knowledge and skills.

Willingness to help meet the goals of the CCE Franklin MGV Program.

Benefits:

Satisfaction of serving one’s community through the educational mission of CCE.

Interaction with people with shared interests in community horticulture and home gardening.

Deeper understanding of the horticulture, the allied sciences, and the art of gardening.

Last updated August 17, 2026