The Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains volunteers for Ohio State University Extension in their county to help further the mission of engagement and outreach. The OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested Ohio residents, who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local OSU Extension county office. Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!
People interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer follow a volunteer selection process.
- Fill out an online application found here.
- Pay your $165 program fee. Check, credit and cash are accepted.
- Make checks payable to: Champaign County OSU Extension, 1512 South US Hwy 68, Suite B100, Urbana, OH 43078.
- You will be contacted to schedule an interview with your county coordinator. After completing a background check, you will begin the coursework. After completing all required coursework, interns may begin volunteering with the program.
This course will be completed in a hybrid format. Part of the training will be online, at your own pace, and the other part of your required 50 hours of horticulture education will be obtained through attendance at seven laboratory sessions. A minimum of 50 hours of volunteer time on Master Gardener county projects is required within the first year unless otherwise arranged with your coordinator.
Master Gardener Volunteers become leaders and educators in the community tasked with sharing their new knowledge and gardening experience with the public through presentations, informational booths, offering workshops and fun events, and always providing research based, unbiased reliable information.
If you have questions about the Champaign County Master Gardener Volunteer Program, call our office at 937-484-1526 to obtain additional information on joining the MGV team.