Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Who are Extension Master Gardeners?
The Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Program is an educational volunteer program sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension and Sedgwick County.
Extension Master Gardeners come from a variety of backgrounds and share a passion for gardening, an enthusiasm for learning, and a commitment to helping others. Master Gardeners have successfully completed basic training in the discipline of horticulture and they share their time and expertise as volunteers in their community to promote Sedgwick County Extension's educational mission.
Become an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Master Gardener volunteer activities include:
- Answering telephone, email, or Walk-in Clinic questions about gardening
- Speaking on gardening / horticulture topics to local organizations
- Conducting workshops for youth and adults
- Maintaining the Demonstration Garden and Arboretum
- Volunteering at garden-themed special events
- Assisting with gardening projects in the community
Impact
Since 1987, 845 Sedgwick County residents have received Master Gardener training from K-State Research & Extension-Sedgwick County. In 2021, despite many program adjustments required due to the ongoing worldwide pandemic, Sedgwick County Master Gardeners were still able to contribute over 15,697 hours of volunteer service to the Sedgwick County community. Master Gardener volunteers also hosted a series of virtual gardening classes with the Wichita Public Library, participated in the Community Juneteenth Celebration, collected fresh produce donations for the community, maintained educational display gardens across Sedgwick County, and assisted over 3,407 clients with questions via the Master Gardener Hotline.
2021 marked the 34th year of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program in Sedgwick County. Throughout the year, a total of 325 Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners attended over 5,642 hours of continuing education and then shared that gardening knowledge with over 34,082 residents of Sedgwick County through various public events and workshops.
