Extension Master Gardener Program
The Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program was started in 1973 in Washington state. Dr. David Gibby trained volunteers with a passion for gardening to assist Extension with consumer horticulture education in the community. This unique volunteer program has become internationally recognized and often duplicated as a model for other volunteer programs. Today, Extension Master Gardener programs exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, several Canadian provinces, and South Korea.
Extension Master Gardener National Committee
The Extension Master Gardener National Committee (EMGNC) provides a national focus and contact point for the nationwide Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program and the various state efforts in Extension Consumer Horticulture.
The EMGNC facilitates inclusion of county and state gardening information in eXtension; provides a channel for contacting, funding, and training EMGs to be front line detectors/information providers on national, critical issues related to home yards and landscapes; facilitates national collaboration to avoid redundancy in development of educational materials, and expedites collaboration with federal agencies, funders and professional organizations for input and funding for national issues and priorities.
The EMGNC is comprised of EMG state coordinators elected to represent five geographical Cooperative Extension regions (Northeast, North Central, Northwest, Southwest, South Central and Southeast) and the directors of nationwide projects. Northeast, Southwest and Southeast regions are elected in even years; North Central, Northwest and South Central are elected in odd years. Each elected representative can serve up to two consecutive two year terms.
Mission
We foster a national support network for EMG professionals that cultivates excellence in Extension programming and volunteer engagement.
Vision
Growing Extension professionals who inspire EMG volunteers to create positive change in their communities through education and outreach.
Core Values
- Collaboration
- Inclusivity & Belonging
- Discovery & Innovation
- Transparency
- Trustworthiness
Tagline
Growing people, plants and partnerships.
