Within the Master Gardener Program you will be introduced to a large cast of characters.

👩🏻‍💻 Click on the blue plus signs to learn more about who’s who in the Master Gardener Program and how they interact.

You! The Master Gardener Volunteer

We are excited you want to volunteer and serve your community in collaboration with UW-Madison Division of Extension! By improving your community through science-based gardening, you are part of Extension and acting as its representative. You are considered by the UW to be in a Position of Trust, which creates additional responsibilities for you as a volunteer and may be different than other volunteer experiences. Master Gardener Volunteers often work with remote supervision and with vulnerable populations. Our volunteers must be screened and selected by UW staff, pass a criminal background check, complete mandated reporter training of child abuse and neglect, and agree to our volunteer guidelines and other requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, enjoy gardening, and want to make a difference in your community.

As a Master Gardener Volunteer you connect to a local and national networks of like-minded individuals contributing time and talent. Your experiences as a volunteer lead to personal growth. And, you directly contribute to meaningful change at the local, statewide, and national level.

There are different volunteer designations that we use to help explain what stage of the program you’re in. These are called “statuses”.  Here are the different statuses of Master Gardener Volunteers:

Certified Master Gardener Volunteers:

• These individuals have completed and reported a minimum of 24 hours of approved volunteer service in the specified time frame.
• Have completed a minimum of 10 continuing education hours in the specified time frame.
• Have successfully passed the MG exam and have completed all program requirements for participation.

Intern Master Gardener Volunteers:

• Are in the process of successfully completing the program requirements and the MG exam.
• Are in the process of completing and reporting a minimum of 24 hours of approved volunteer service within the specified time frame.

Exempt Master Gardener Volunteers:

• A volunteer can elect this status when unable to complete the minimum hour reporting for volunteerism and continuing education. This status is in place for when life prevents you from participating in the MG program.
• There are no minimum reporting activity requirements for a designated period of time, typically one year.

Honored Master Gardener Volunteers:

• This status is for individuals completing 10 years or 1000 hours; plus, significant accomplishments (typically leadership roles in the state or local program and projects).
• There are no minimum reporting activity requirements for perpetuity.
• Note: This status requires approval by the local coordinator and state program office.

In addition, volunteers in all categories must complete Extension enrollment and orientation requirements.

Extension Staff

Local Coordinator

Your local Master Gardener Program is county or multi-county based with oversight provided by Extension staff, referred to as your coordinator. This individual serves as your primary contact for all things related to this program.

Master Gardener Program (State Office)

The statewide staff in the Master Gardener Program office is responsible for the overall facilitation of the MG program. The Master Gardener Program serves as your secondary contact within the program.

Local Association

Local associations exist in many counties. They provide social support and camaraderie for volunteers. They can also conduct fundraising activities to help support approved projects. They also collect dues for local activities.  Local associations have a written agreement with Extension and can serve in roles to facilitate the local Master Gardener Program. The local associations work together to provide statewide representation through WIMGA.

Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association (WIMGA)

WIMGA is a statewide association which provides grants, an annual conference and a statewide newsletter to WIMGA members.

Participation in associations is optional.