Advanced Master Gardener

Calling Master Gardener Alumni

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Along with the changes in temperature and color brought with Fall, graduation season is upon us! As our new cohort of interns are joining the ranks of seasoned Master Gardener’s, we would love to hear from our Alums – even if you have not participated in Master Gardener events in a while.

We encourage you to take a break from your Fall cleanup tasks to check in with UConn Extension and let us know how the Master Gardener program shaped or augmented your horticultural knowledge. Who where your favorite guest lecturers? What community service activities did you get to participate in? Did anything on the final practical leave you stumped and reaching for your MG handbook after the exam? Community service and community connection are such an integral part of being a Master Gardener, and we would love to hear what you have been up to since participating in the program. Please reach out on our MG Alumni Form so we can stay connected.

While you are at it, if you would like to reconnect or refresh your skills, make sure to check out all our advanced master gardener classes scheduled this Fall and level up your badge! Recertification is always available for our Master Gardener alums and we have more events to join than ever.

A woman is shown pruning a plant, with the words "Are You A UConn Master Gardener Alum" and a QR Code displayed, leading to the Alum Form.

Master Gardener Volunteer Recognition

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As part of the national celebration of the 100th anniversary of Cooperative Extension in 2014, the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is honoring the substantial contributions of its Master Gardener volunteers. This marks the commencement of an ongoing recognition program for the sizable volunteer time that Master Gardener volunteers invest in their communities. This recognition applies to all active certified master gardeners, regardless of whether they pursue further education levels through Advanced Master Gardener training.

working in garden
Hartford County Master Gardener Coordinator Sarah Bailey and a Master Gardener volunteer work in Burgdorf. Photo: Chris Defrancesco.

MG hours

 

Active certified Master Gardener volunteers are currently being recognized for 100, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,500 and 2000 cumulative hours of service. Starting with the 2014 year, volunteers will be recognized for their service, provided they maintain active certified status. To maintain active certified status, a UConn Extension Master Gardener volunteer must provide 20 hours of outreach each year, at least 10 of which must be in a Master Gardener office, attend one Hot Topics class, complete and submit the recertification form, recording their hours on the UConn Master Gardener website. Hours and active status will be tallied as of September 30 each year. UConn Extension Master Gardener alumni who are not currently on active status can contact their county coordinator to ask about attaining active certified status.