I. MASTER GARDENER LEVEL

 

After successful completing Level 1 Training plus the minimum trainee volunteer hour requirement, you will be recognized as a Master Gardener with a certificate and Master Gardener name badge.

 

All hours in the year the Master Gardener status is reached are part of the hours towards eligible service hour pins. See MG Recognition Programs.

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II. RECEIVE YOUR MASTER GARDENER BADGE & CERTIFICATE

 

After the successful completing the Level 1 Training plus the minimum trainee volunteer hours, to receive your name badge, complete the following steps:

• Send an email to the membership lead when requirements are completed.

• In the email, provide how you want your name to appear on your badge (spelling of your name, first & last or nickname preferred as first name)

 

After receipt of the email, the membership lead will then confirm your hours and order your badge. Once your badge is printed and available, the badge and Certificate will be presented to the new Master Gardener at the next monthly meeting.

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III. ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN YOUR STATUS AS AN ACTIVE MASTER GARDENER

 

The annual commitment is: o 20 volunteer hours (minimum) - with a minimum of 5 hours in the demonstration gardens; o 6 continuing education hours - See our website for details on Continuing Education Hours requirement

 

The annual hour commitment for Master Gardeners begins the January of the year following receipt of the MG badge.

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IV. MASTER GARDENER CLASSIFICATIONS

 

a. Master Gardener Trainee--An individual accepted into the Master Gardener core course program who is currently attending classroom and training sessions and is in the process of completing the first-year volunteer requirement of at least 30 hours.

b. Active Master Gardener--A certified Master Gardener who annually completes at least 20 hours of volunteer service in regionally approved programs and at least six additional hours of continuing education within that calendar year. The local or regional program coordinator or the Master Gardener Leadership Team may grant exceptions to these requirements.

c. Advanced Master Gardener--An Active Master Gardener who has completed an additional 30 hours of research-based training beyond basic core training  (See Continuing education and advanced training section at

d. Master Gardener Emeritus--An individual who has been an Active Master Gardener for a total of 10 years will be granted emeritus status upon request to the local or regional program coordinator or the Master Gardener Leadership Team. Master Gardeners Emeritus shall receive all benefits of membership and are encouraged to participate in Master Gardener programs. While there are no minimum service requirements, all volunteer hours should be reported using the reporting system.

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It is important for Master Gardeners to report their volunteer hours and contacts as this demonstrates to the St Charles County Council, who provides funding to the St Charles Extension Center, of the value of the program. All hours should be reported using the state Online Reporting Database.