Master Gardeners are volunteers for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. To become a Master Gardener, you must complete 40 hours of horticultural training and in return, volunteer 40 hours of time. The prerequisites for becoming a Master Gardener include a familiarity with Alaska gardening conditions and a commitment to return 40 hours of volunteer service. The Master Gardener Course is offered online. Keep an eye on our calendar to see when we offer gardening courses.

Click here to visit the statewide Master Gardener Program page.

MG Volunteer Service

Master Gardeners provide gardening information to others. Once you have completed the course, the Anchorage Cooperative Extension Service agent will help provide direction for your volunteer work. Examples of volunteer activities include the following:

• Teaching garden classes
• Working with groups, such as 4-H, horticulture therapy groups and community gardeners
• Staffing garden clinics and displays
• Using talents such as writing and photography to benefit others
• Answering phone inquiries on horticultural topics
• Providing expertise for Alaska Botanical Garden's educational activities
• Giving elementary school presentations