Are you passionate about plants and want to share that knowledge with your community?
The Nash County Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer (EMGV) program trains passionate gardeners to become volunteer educators in their community. Sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension at NC State University, Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers are trained in a wide range of horticultural topics and give back through teaching, community outreach, and hands-on demonstration.
About the Training Class
NC Cooperative Extension, Nash County Center offers Extension Master Gardener Volunteer training biannually. The next training class is scheduled to begin in January 2028.
Classes will meet weekly on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Nash County Agriculture Center.
During the course, participants will learn more about soils, fertilizer, pruning, propagation, and many other horticultural concepts, as well as how to diagnose insect and pest problems and make informed pest management decisions based on integrated pest management principles. Participants will also meet other engaged gardeners and learn about Extension Master Gardener Volunteer opportunities.
Following completion of the class, students transition to interns and complete 40 hours of volunteering with the guidance of an Extension Master Gardener℠ mentor and the Horticulture Agent. Activities include design and maintenance of the gardens at the Nash County Arboretum, propagating plants for the NCA & EMGV Annual Plant Sale, answering questions at the Nash County Farmers Market "Ask a Master Gardener" booth, manning the Nash County EMG Plant Clinic, hosting educational gardening workshops for children and adults, collecting materials for the holiday wreath-making workshops, and much more.
To apply, complete the application and return it via email to colby_griffin@ncsu.edu or mail/deliver to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Nash County Center, 1006 Eastern Ave, Nashville, NC 27856. The fee for the course is $150, due upon acceptance. Do not send payment with the application. This fee covers training materials and state fees.
Application deadline: TBD. For more information, contact Colby Griffin, Nash County Horticulture Agent, at colby_griffin@ncsu.edu or 252-459-9810.
Program Requirements
Student: Upon acceptance into the EMGV training course, participants are enrolled as students and complete 40 hours of in-class instruction covering a wide range of horticultural topics at the Nash County Agriculture Center.
Intern: Upon successful completion of the training course, students transition to intern status. Interns must complete a 40-hour internship under the guidance of an Extension Master Gardener℠ mentor and the Horticulture Agent.
Certified Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer: Upon successful completion of the internship, interns become certified Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers.
To remain an active Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer, certified participants must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education annually.
Contact the Nash County Horticulture Agent for more information.
Nash County Arboretum
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers play a vital role in the design and maintenance of the gardens at the Nash County Arboretum in Nashville, NC. The Arboretum serves as a living demonstration garden where volunteers share their horticultural knowledge and help create a beautiful, educational green space for the community.
The Nash County Arboretum hosts a variety of educational events and activities throughout the year, with Extension Master Gardener Volunteers providing guidance and expertise on sustainable gardening practices, native plants, and more.
Nash EMGV Greenline & Plant Clinic
The Nash EMGV Greenline & Plant Clinic is staffed by trained Extension Master Gardener Volunteers who provide research-based answers to plant and gardening questions. Whether you have a mystery pest, a struggling plant, or a general gardening question, our volunteers are here to help.
To submit a question or sample to the Nash EMGV Greenline & Plant Clinic, contact the Nash County Cooperative Extension office at 252-459-9810 or visit us at 1006 Eastern Ave, Nashville, NC 27856.
Annual Pollinator Symposium
The Nash County EMGV program hosts an Annual Pollinator Symposium featuring expert speakers, educational exhibits, and resources for creating and supporting pollinator-friendly landscapes. This event brings together gardeners, educators, and community members to celebrate and protect the pollinators essential to our local ecosystem.
Check back for dates and registration information for the upcoming event.
Program Management & Fundraising
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers support the program through two popular annual fundraising events that also serve as community engagement opportunities.
The Annual Holiday Wreath Workshop invites community members to craft their own holiday wreaths under the guidance of Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, using locally gathered natural materials. Proceeds support the EMGV program.
The NCA & EMGV Annual Plant Sale offers locally propagated plants — including perennials, annuals, vegetables, and herbs — grown by Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. The sale is a beloved community event and an important fundraiser for the Arboretum.
News from Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers
Published - February 26, 2026
Published - January 6, 2025