Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide educational information to Cooperative Extension clientele. Coconino County Master Gardener Volunteers support the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension by providing researched-based information on environmentally responsible gardening and landscaping to the public.

To become a Master Gardener in Coconino County you must complete a semester long course in Coconino County, and then complete 50 volunteer hours within 13 months to become certified. After that there is an annual requirement of 12 volunteer hours and 6 continuing education hours to remain certified.

The Master Gardener program is a nation wide certification program offered through the Cooperative Extension network for those interested in learning more about the specific gardening and horticulture needs in their geographic areas. The Coconino Master Gardener program emphasizes the needs of high country gardening. Each Master Gardener program involves both classroom learning experience and a hands-on volunteer commitment to share gardening skills with the community.

Master Gardener Training

Training is offered in Flagstaff twice a year. The fall class is offered in the evenings and runs for 13 weeks. The spring class is held in the afternoon and is 14 weeks long. If you would like to be notified of upcoming classes, contact us by phone at 928-774-1868 x170 or by e-mail at hbraun@cals.arizona.edu.

Classes are taught by University of Arizona Extension professionals, Coconino County Master Gardeners and other horticulture experts. The Coconino program covers the challenges specific to high altitude gardening. Topics covered include:

• Botany
• Pruning
• Soils
• Vegetables
• Tree Fruit and Small Fruit
• Plant Propagation
• Native Plants
• Ornamental Plants
• Plant Problem Diagnosis
• Insect Identification and Control
• Urban Forestry

Commitment

Coconino County's Master Gardener program has two expectations and requirements:

• Completion of the classroom course requirements
• Completion of the volunteer service component within 13 months of classroom participation

Upon completion of both, you become a certified Master Gardener. To maintain your certification, you must contribute 12 hours of volunteer service and 6 hours of continuing education each year after becoming certified.

Benefits of being a Master Gardener

Help educate your community by:

• Helping other gardeners solve their plant problems
• Promoting environmental responsibility through water conservation and managed pest control
• Beautifying your community by teaching about appropriate plants for our climate
• Working with schools, community gardens and local organizations to improve their knowledge and skills about gardening and horticulture

Education for you by:

• Participating in Master Gardener projects
• Joining Extension educational workshops
• Attending statewide gardening conferences
• Sharing your knowledge with others by teaching and responding to their questions

Fun and friendship by:

• Working with some of the most talented and interesting gardeners in your community
• Participating in team projects in your community

Who may participate?

Anyone interested in horticulture may participate. All you need is an interest in improving your gardening and horticulture skills and the desire to work with and share your knowledge with others.

Volunteer Service

The volunteer service component of Master Gardeners is your opportunity to share your newly learned knowledge through "hands-on" community involvement. You can participate in a wide variety of volunteer gardening opportunities of your choosing and time schedule. Past Master Gardener participants have chosen to:

• Improve the landscaping at nearby State Park
• Volunteer with the Arboretum at Flagstaff
• Design and complete the landscaping for local agencies and churches
• Volunteer at the NAU greenhouse
• Teach gardening skills to young people
• Be involved with environmental community boards

Completion of the volunteer service is very flexible to meet your personal schedule and needs. You have 13 months after the last class to complete the 50 hour commitment.

LINK TO REPORTING: Coconino Master Gardener Volunteer Hours

Why become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

As a Master Gardener you can help to educate and advise home gardeners in your community. Many newcomers and inexperienced gardeners in the high country are in great need of gardening advice. Our climate has unique and challenging growing conditions. Our informative training will give you the knowledge and skills not only to make you a better high country gardener, but the ability and confidence to share your skills and knowledge with your neighbors and community.