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Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Updated February 12, 2025
Professional headshot of Prairey Walkling

Prairey Walkling

SDSU Extension Master Gardener Field Specialist

SDSU Extension’s Master Gardener program develops gardening enthusiasts into expert volunteers who share their research-based knowledge with community members across the state. Each year, Master Gardeners volunteer thousands of hours answering citizen questions and hosting community programs. Like the SDSU Extension Master Gardeners Facebook page to stay up-to-date on webinars and workshops open to the public, or use the navigation below to contact us for more information.

Contact Us

Important Information

Group of volunteers working in a garden center.

Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer

Interested in becoming an SDSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer? Learn more about our program requirements, volunteer expectations and how to apply.

Woman browsing a digital tablet in her garden.

SDSU Extension Master Gardener Program Volunteer Policy Guide

This guide offers current and prospective SDSU Extension Master Gardeners information on: applying for the program, maintaining certification, categorizing and reporting service hours, understanding the various levels of volunteer service and much more!

Woman with clipboard instructing a group of volunteers in a community garden.

SDSU Extension Master Gardener Templates

A suite of templates that can be used by currently active and registered SDSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers as they engage in service to their community.

Gardener re-potting several seedlings that were started indoors over winter.

SDSU Extension Master Gardener Advisory Council

The Master Gardener Advisory Council supports the work of Master Gardener Volunteers across the state.

An adult and several children's hands at a table planting a seedling in a container.

Grow Getters: Garden-Based Education for Preschool-3rd Grades

The “Grow Getters” series consists of lessons and resources to engage youth and families in hands-on, at-home activities related to gardening—even without a garden!

fruit and vegetable garden with raised beds

Garden & Yard

Flowers, vegetables, trees, and lawns - learn how to improve your landscape, control weeds and insects and bring the bounty of your garden to your family’s dinner table.

Master Gardener Online Reporting System

SDSU Extension Master Gardeners use an online reporting system to report their volunteer hours.

Report volunteer hours

Upcoming Events

A group of succulents
Apr 24

Bloom and Grow

SDSU Extension will host a series of workshops teaching horticulture techniques from January to October at McCrory Gardens.

Several visitors examining plants at the McCrory Gardens perennial trial gardens.
Jun 26

SDSU & NDSU Extension Master Gardener Retreat: Gather, Grow and Give

SDSU Extension and NDSU Extension will host a Master Gardener Retreat from June 26-27, 2025, at McCrory Gardens (631 22nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006).

Related Topics

Master Gardener