Learn more about the NY State Master Gardener Volunteer Program by visiting their pages on the Cornell University website!

Through the Master Gardener training sessions and workshops, you'll become a more knowledgeable gardener. You will receive publications, seeds and other related material. You will be able to attend regular Master Gardener workshops around the state as well as state and national Master Gardener conferences. You will travel with other Tompkins County Master Gardeners to interesting gardens and nurseries. And finally, you will meet lots of people who share your love of gardening.

As a Master Gardener volunteer, you are expected to share the knowledge you gained in the training sessions with other gardeners in the community. You can do this by participating in a variety of ways. Every time you answer a gardening question from a friend, you extend the knowledge you have gained. The Cooperative Extension Horticulture Program offers many volunteer opportunities, or volunteers can design their own projects to benefit the community. Volunteer hours are flexible depending on interest and time available. Travel expenses are tax-deductible.