About  

The UVM Extension Community Horticulture program trains volunteers on science-based gardening and backyard composting principles and techniques. These volunteers--Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) and Vermont Master Composters (VMC)--are then available to provide education and related support in local communities across Vermont. Our volunteers typically respond to requests for a "one-time" educational opportunity or short-term need. They conduct educational programs and provide assistance to the public to meet our program mission of using research-based gardening information to help all Vermonters improve gardening, composting, and environmental stewardship goals.

Requests typically come from nonprofit organizations like public libraries, schools and youth organizations, faith groups, and other community groups.

Requests We Accept:

Your request should align with the science-based educational mission of our program. Examples of volunteer opportunities include:

• Ask-a-Volunteer Info Table. Volunteer to display research-based gardening/composting information and answer public questions at a partner event for a day, a few hours, etc. (i.e. at farmers markets, garden shows, community events and celebrations, etc).
• Speaker for a workshop (or series of workshops) held at libraries, schools or in collaboration with other community groups or non-profits.
• Speaker at schools or community groups to deliver a class or series on a gardening or composting topic.
• Coaching/consultation on rehabilitation or new garden installation for non-profits (community organizations, schools, faith communities, etc.).
• Coaching/consultation on establishing composting systems for non-profits and community gardens.

Requests We Do Not Accept:

• Volunteers are prohibited from volunteering at any fundraising events for other non-profit organizations - they may volunteer by providing an informational home horticulture table, but cannot collect monies or set up for things such as plant sales, etc.
• Volunteers do not conduct garden maintenance.
• Volunteers may not be paid for their time and services.
• We typically cannot honor requests for long-term projects (however, volunteers may submit to lead a project of their choosing).
• Our volunteers do not engage in topics outside of gardening and composting. 

Request a Program Volunteer