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Master Gardeners of Nevada

 
 

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Overview

University of Nevada, Reno Extension's Master Gardener Program is an educational volunteer program designed to teach volunteers how to garden in our unique Nevada climates. In return, Master Gardeners volunteer their time to help the program reach more people and enrich the horticultural life of their communities. Master Gardeners contribute volunteer hours every year through a variety of projects, such as:

  • Answering telephone and email inquiries
  • Staffing booths at fairs and home shows
  • Consulting at school and community gardens
  • Providing educational presentations to the community

Master Gardener Intern (first-year) Commitments

The minimum hour commitments the during the first year as a Master Gardener Intern are:

  • 15 hours of continuing education (CE)
  • 35 hours of approved volunteer projects or activities

Master Gardener Annual Commitments

The minimum yearly hour commitments as a Master Gardener are:

  • 10 hours of continuing education (CE)
  • 20 hours on approved volunteer projects or activities

*Counties may require additional volunteer hours. Each county may also have hour requirements for specific types of volunteer activities, such as the help desk.

Training

Master Gardener volunteer taking a break after pruning roses.

In Clark County, Extension's Master Gardener volunteers maintain extensive Botanic Gardens that are open to the public.

People interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer must take the Home Horticulture Certificate course before being accepted into the Master Gardener Training Program. The training program is an integrated, practical training course in plant science and is statewide.

Both the Home Horticulture and Master Gardener courses are held online, annually in fall. The trainings feature videos, readings, discussion boards, quizzes, live question-and-answer sessions, and lab homework. Some counties require additional in-person activities during the training, as well as additional educational requirements. Additional reading materials will be suggested for participants to purchase on their own but are not required.

The total cost of the Master Gardener Training Program is $300 ($275 for the Home Horticulture Certificate Program, and $25 for the Master Gardener Training Program). The cost includes course materials and supports Extension's horticulture programs and staff.

Impacts

Master Gardeners standing in front of demonstration garden.

Extension's Master Gardeners in Southern Nye County give back to the program by volunteering in their local Extension demonstration garden.

In 2021, Master Gardeners continued to provide safe and quality horticulture education to Nevadans as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Master Gardeners began hosting in-person events and returning to their county help desks to continue serving their communities. 

  • Over 300 Certified Master Gardeners
  • 63 new Master Gardener Interns
  • 29,557 hours of volunteer time
  • $843,557 worth of volunteer time
  • 2,112 community horticulture questions answered
  • 36,959 Nevadans reached with horticulture education
 

Master Gardeners in your county

If you have questions about gardening in Nevada or are interested in learning more about your county's Master Gardener Program, let us know! Here's our information. We hope you reach out.

Master Gardeners of Southern Nye County
Email: ExtensionSNyeMG@unr.edu
Phone: 775-727-5532 ext. 2

Master Gardeners of Lincoln County
Phone: 775-726-3109

Master Gardeners of Washoe County
Email: ExtensionWashoeMG@unr.edu
Phone: 775-784-4848

Master Gardeners of Clark County
Email: ExtensionClarkMG@unr.edu
Phone: 702-257-5555

Master Gardeners of Douglas County
Email: ExtensionDouglasMG@unr.edu
Phone: 775-782-9960

Upcoming events

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Get involved

Do you like to grow plants, help people and support your community?

Ask a Master Gardener
Become a Master Gardener
Donate to the program

Featured publications and newsletters

horses in yard

Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife

This fact sheet discusses ways to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife, and focuses on vertebrate animals, or animals that have a backbone.

Roses blooming in spring.

Desert Gardening in Southern Nevada (2022-03)

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Southern Nevada provides horticultural information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of March 2022 is one of many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission.

Chicory flower

A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Chicory

Chicory grows up to 3 or more feet tall, with most of the leaves growing at the base of the plant. This gives a skeleton-like appearance to the upper part of the plant. The leaves have been used as salad greens, and the root as a coffee substitute. Learn more about Chicory in this fact sheet.

Explore our publications and newsletters

Meet the leadership team

Katelyn Brinkerhoff
State Wide
Katelyn Brinkerhoff
Lori Leas
Clark County - Las Vegas
Lori Leas
Jessica Gardner
Douglas
Jessica Gardner
Heather Freeman
Nye
Heather Freeman
Rachel McClure
Washoe
Rachel McClure