How does the program work?
In southern Nevada, the Master Gardener Program is part of the social horticulture programming of Extension. The Master Gardeners celebrate 27 years of volunteer service to the community in 2020.
How does the program work? The first step is training. Extension staff, state Extension specialists and local gardening professionals teach a series of classes to train volunteers in research-based home horticulture practices. There are 80 hours (20 classes) of instruction.
NEW for 2020! Gardening on the Surface of the Sun: fulfills the requirements for Level 1 of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program training
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis we are making changes to the delivery method of our annual Master Gardener Training. We have begun the "Gardening On The Surface Of The Sun" Program which will fulfill the requirements for the first 25% of the Master Gardener training program. Participants from Southern Nevada are invited to take this basic horticulture science course as a pre-requisite to the complete Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program. There is no volunteer requirement associated with this course but those participants who successfully complete the course will be invited to apply to the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and complete the required level 2 training if they wish to continue on with the program.
Eight weekly online classes will be presented live on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Recordings of the lectures will be available to participants. All quizzes and surveys will be due before the next class.
To enroll in this program follow the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gardening-on-the-surface-of-the-sun-tickets-115812200409
For updates on the transition and additional Master Gardener Program updates, email Lori Leas, Master Gardener Program coordinator in Clark County, to sign up for the digital email/newsletter list.
A fee is charged to offset program operating expenses. Upon completing the full Master Gardener training, you will be expected to volunteer community service time each year through Extension.
What is a volunteer commitment?
When you enter the Master Gardener Program, you will be asked to sign a contract. In essence, you agree that in return for the training you receive, you will volunteer at least 50 hours yearly back to Extension. Upon completion of your training, you will meet with the program coordinator to discuss your talents and the needs of Extension. You will choose a placement that will best use your knowledge and skills while helping Extension meet community needs.
When can I use the title "Master Gardener?"
After you have completed your training and fulfilled your first-year volunteer requirement of 50 hours, you will become "certified" and earn the title "Master Gardener."
This title belongs to Extension and may only be used in Extension activities. Although volunteering for the Master Gardener Program is a great horticultural experience, it may not be credited to personal enterprises.
To maintain certification and be considered an active Master Gardener, you must agree to volunteer at least 50 hours annually on approved Master Gardener Projects.
What are some volunteer placements?
Answering telephone requests for home gardening information and staffing "Ask a Master Gardener" information booths at community events are popular placements. Master Gardeners also work with community partners (usually governmental or non-profit organizations).
Some examples of volunteer work are:
- Staffing the Home Gardening Help Line: 702-257-5556
- Offering "Ask a Master Gardener" informational tables at farmers markets
- Serving as docents at area demonstration gardens
- Hosting public horticulture education events
- Giving presentations to the community on gardening and other consumer horticulture topics
- Assisting with horticultural research at the Center for Urban Water Conservation
- Helping with community gardens and school gardens
- Hosting local horticultural conferences and workshops
How do I qualify?
All you will need is a desire to expand your knowledge of home gardening and some time to give to the community. In southern Nevada, the Master Gardener Training Program is aimed at residents who have an interest in gardening and a desire to help others. Prior expertise in gardening not required!
- Call the Master Gardener Helpline at 702-257-5556 to be put on the community newsletter/email list. All registration notices will go out to those who subscribe to the newsletter.
Interested parties who work in the commercial horticulture industry may wish to attend a separate Extension training designed specifically for them. Call 702-222-3130 for more information.
Why do we need a Master Gardener Program in Las Vegas?
Southern Nevada is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States, with a population that has topped 1 million. Our temperature extremes, scarcity of water and desert soils combine to give us one of the harshest growing climates in the world. Home gardeners are thirsty for information. Our Extension office receives about 4,000 phone calls each year!
Master Gardeners provide a valuable service to the community by helping Extension meet this demand for information. For more information about becoming a Master Gardener, please email Lori Leas.
To find the nearest Master Gardener Program in areas outside of Nevada, call or write to your state or county Extension office.