Volunteering and Certification
As a service organization we ask all Master Gardener volunteers to donate a portion of their time to volunteering in their communities. Each Level of Montana Master Gardener is required to provide a number of service hours in order to earn their Montana Master Gardener certification. The criteria for achieving certification are listed below, broken out by each level.
For more information on where and how to log your volunteer hours and food donations, please visit the Reporting page by clicking on the "Reporting" button in the sidebar on the right.
Master Gardener Certification Requirements
Level 1:
- attend 16 hours of in-class training
- pass open book exam with 80% or better
- 20 horticulture related volunteer hours within 1 year of end of class
Level 2:
- attend 16 hours of in-class training
- pass closed book exam with 80% or better
- 30 horticulture related volunteer hours within 1 year of end of class
Level 3:
- attend 16 hours of hands-on training at "Master Gardener University"
- 40 volunteer hours directly assisting county/reservation agent with Master Gardener courses or horticulture projects within 1 year of class completion.
Volunteer Projects
To become a certified Montana Master Gardener you are required to fullfill a volunteer commitment. Your county or reservation Extension agent can help direct you to approved Master Gardener volunteer projects. In order to be valid, a project must:
1. be horticulturally related,
2. not be for profit (Master Gardeners are not to accept payment or do volunteer work for any entity that operates to make a profit),
3. give back to the community
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting your local Extension office with Master Gardener classes, demonstrations or workshops
- Staffing a Master Gardener information booth at your local farmer's market or county fair
- Working with local schools on youth education and school gardens
- Working with local retirement or assisted living communities on adaptive gardening for the elderly and physically challenged
- Providing office assistance to your county or reservation Extension office
- Staffing your local plant clinic
- Working at your local food bank
- Writing or contributing to Master Gardener newsletters, news articles, local press or other materials
- Assisting with trial research projects, demonstration gardens, plant sales or garden tours
- Collaborating with your city Parks Department to help beautify and maintain public spaces in a sustainable manner
Most important is that you enjoy your volunteer time and feel you are making an impact. If you have other project ideas that better utilize your talents, please mention them to your county or reservation Extension agent.