Master Gardeners collecting data for the Pollinator Preferences Program
Who we are
Master Gardener volunteers support Penn State Extension's educational programs in consumer horticulture. They develop their horticultural expertise through participation in educational training classes conducted by Penn State University faculty and Extension staff. Candidates must be 18 years old or older.
A Penn State Extension Master Gardener not only learns research-based and sustainable horticultural practices, but also develops life-long friendships with others who have similar gardening interests.
After completing their training, Master Gardeners help Extension better serve the home gardening public by answering questions, speaking to groups, writing gardening articles, working with youth, gardening in the demonstration gardens, participating in the Penn State pollinator research program, and in many other ways.
Mission Statement
The Penn State Master Gardener volunteer program supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate the public and our communities on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship.
The Penn State Master Gardener Program was established to assist Cooperative Extension in providing horticultural knowledge and skills to local communities and the gardening public.
In 1982, Penn State Extension adopted the Master Gardener program. Currently, there are more than 3,500 Master Gardeners volunteering in all of the 67 Pennsylvania counties.
Through their local outreach, Penn State Master Gardeners educate both youth and adults in communities throughout Pennsylvania.
