Master Gardener Interest Form for Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie and Shelby Counties.
This is the first step in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer in Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, or Shelby County. If you live outside of these five counties, please contact your local extension office for more information. Interest forms completed by individuals who live outside of these counties will not be forwarded to other county program coordinators.
Please look over your county's website to learn about the Master Gardener volunteer program before submitting the interest form.
Once you submit this interest form,
1. The Master Gardener Program Coordinator will contact you to provide more information about the program and instructions on how to apply through the online Volunteer Gateway System.
2. Once the background checks are complete, a meet and greet will be scheduled. There, you will receive final registration and course information. The hybrid training fee is $250, while the online training fee is $300. Financial assistance may be available.
3. Course completion and 40 hours of volunteer time are mandatory in order to become a certified active Master Gardener. Volunteer time can be completed within 2 years of taking the course.
4. To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually.
The hybrid option is held in February annually for all counties.
Online classes are offered in February (if there is interest) and June for Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie and Shelby counties.
Submit this form by December 1 for next year's course.