The concept of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program is not complicated. County Extension staff members determine a need for assistance in teaching home horticulture, specific projects are identified, selected volunteers enter a training program in horticulture and plant science, and trained volunteers donate their time to assist Extension county staff with educational efforts in home horticulture. In return, volunteers are required to teach gardening information in their locales under the guidance of county Extension personnel. Master Gardener Volunteer Interns are expected to fulfill 40 hours of volunteer service within one year of completing the basic training program. When this minimum volunteer commitment has been fulfilled, volunteers are certified by the Mississippi State University Extension Service as Master Gardeners.
Advanced training is offered to encourage long-term commitments.
Most certified Master Gardeners serve 5-7 years. The Master Gardener approach helps the local Extension office reach a broader audience than is possible with 1 or 2 agents. It also provides the local office a way to serve the public and, at the same time, develop a supportive clientele group. Master Gardener programs currently exist in 27 Mississippi counties. Name some possible projects.