It is a volunteer leadership training program. Each week a different major topic area in horticulture is taught. After the participant successfully completes the 13 week course, there is a 40 hour volunteer commitment to provide outreach for MSU Extension. Once this initial community service is completed, the participant is awarded the certified Master Gardener Volunteer status. To maintain this status in succeeding years, re-certification is necessary by volunteering 15 hours and obtaining 5 education credits annually.
How often are classes held?
Twice a year.
A day class is held in the fall. This starts in August and runs for 13 weeks, meeting once a week for 4 hours (9:00 am to 1:00 pm).
An evening class is held in winter. The class starts in February and runs for 13 weeks, meeting once a week for 4 hours (6:00-10:00 pm). In the winter class we add a fourteenth week to the schedule to use as a snow day if needed.
There is a $25.00 application fee and $300.00 registration fee.
Are there any pre-requisites?
The only pre-requisites are a love of gardening and a belief in community service.
Where are the classes held?
Classes are held on the Oakland County Service Center campus, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341.
Do you have to be an Oakland County resident to participate?
No. Most participants are but we typically have students from surrounding counties in each class.
What type of volunteer work is done?
There are many options for volunteering from hands-on gardening in Plant-a-Row for the Hungry gardens to teaching youth/adults in a classroom setting to staffing information booths at various venues within Oakland County. Volunteering is done for non-profit organizations.
Do you need to do the volunteer work in Oakland County?
No, but volunteering must be done in Michigan.
Do I have to find my own volunteer sites?
No, we do that work for you. We issue a weekly electronic newsletter with up-to-the-minute volunteer opportunities.
How to I apply for this program?
To apply for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Oakland County, please contact Linda Smith at 248-858-0887.
