Cooperative Extension Service | Master Gardener Program

What is the Master Gardener Program?

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who aid University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service staff by helping people in the community better understand horticulture and their environment. The class consists of 40 hours of instruction on different areas of horticulture and pest management. The payback of volunteer time is set at 40 hours, which equals the hours of training received. For more information, please also visit the main page for the statewide Master Gardener groups.

Tanana Valley Master Gardener Update

How do I become a Master Gardener?

You become a Master Gardener by attending 40 hours of the Master Gardener classes and then giving back 40 hours of volunteer time. Topics include: botany, entomology, flower gardening, fruit and vegetable gardening, lawn care, organic gardening, pesticide use and safety, plant pathology, soils and fertilizers, tree and shrub care, and volunteerism. Please view information about classes here.

The 2012 Spring Fairbanks Master Gardener Class is FULL.

We regret that no further registrations can be accepted.

If you are interested, click for more information or drop by the Tanana District Cooperative Extension Service office, located above the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. There is always limited space so make sure to sign up early next year! For questions call Taylor Maida, 907-474-2422, temaida@alaska.edu. If you are unable to attend the Master Gardener class in person, you can take it through an online course.

Who can apply? Anyone who:

Enjoys any type of gardening
Desires to teach others to garden

What does it cost?

The cost of training Master Gardeners varies. A fee in the Tanana District is charged to cover the cost of the supplies and literature used in training. These materials are the Master Gardener's to keep. Contact your district Extension office for cost information.

How do I enroll?

In Fairbanks: Taylor Maida, 907-474-2422, temaida@alaska.edu. Spring class is full.

For more information, you can also join the Fairbanks area AK Master Gardener listserv.

For contacts in other areas, please visit our All Course Contacts page.

How do I fulfill my volunteer obligations?

Master Gardeners assist me in reaching Alaskans with gardening information by:

Visiting garden sites
Working in information booths at community
events and malls
Maintaining demonstration gardens
Teaching horticulture to beginning gardeners
Using special talents, such as writing,
photography and drawing, to benefit others
Exploring environmental options
Helping to plant educational gardens