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All universities engage in research and teaching, but the nation's more than 100 Land Grant universities have a third critical mission — Extension. The word "Extension" means "reaching out". Along with teaching and research, Land Grant institutions extend their resources to the community by solving public needs with university resources through non-formal, non-credit programs. ����̽̽ Extension, with offices located throughout the state, links you to the University and provides timely, research-based information and education.

����̽̽ Extension mission is to integrate higher education, research and outreach to help Vermonters put knowledge to work in their families and homes, farms and businesses, towns and the natural environment.

The Extension Master Gardener program was initiated in 1972 in Seattle, Washington in response to the increasing number of home garden questions posed to Extension. David Gibby, an Extension Agent in King County, is credited for designing Extension Master Gardener (EMG) to meet this demand for reliable home gardening information. EMG was so successful in the state of Washington that it was adopted by many state Extension programs within a few years. Today, the program is active in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and some Canadian provinces.

In Vermont: The Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter programs are housed within University of Vermont Extension's Community Horticulture Program.

Mission Statement: We train volunteers and use research-based gardening information to help all Vermonters improve their gardening, leadership and environmental stewardship skills.

Vision: Our vision is to cultivate resilient and healthy communities and be the most trusted resource for horticulture education in Vermont.

History:
The program was established in Vermont in 1991 to assist ����̽̽ Extension in reaching the home gardening audience. The program provides interested individuals with extensive training in many aspects of gardening and integrated pest management. In return, participants dedicate volunteer time to teaching other home gardeners.

Some volunteers answer gardening questions through our Helpline. Others present workshops, lectures, and demonstrations to garden clubs, school groups, civic organizations, and the general public. They prepare home gardening articles, educational leaflets, and displays. Some volunteers serve special audiences such as vulnerable adults, children, and residents of correctional institutions. Once the training and intern volunteer requirements are met, Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter volunteers receive a certificate from the program. They also receive a permanent logoed ID badge to wear while volunteering (interns receive a temporary ID badge).

The Extension Community Horticulture program is overseen by ����̽̽ Extension's Plant Pathologist, and is managed statewide by two full-time ����̽̽ Extension staff--the Statewide Outreach & Education Program Manager and the Office and Program Support Generalist.

Unlike Cooperative Extension in other states, ����̽̽ Extension does not operate on a county-based system, therefore, there are no county staff for our Vermont program. Instead we rely on volunteer leadership to be our "eyes and ears" throughout the state. The program has a statewide advisory committee made up of volunteers that provides guidance on program direction and policies. Volunteer-run Chapters provide local leadership, networking, volunteer and public education, and fundraising.  

Staff Responsibilities 

• Plan and manage annual Certification Courses (Extension Master Gardener in the Spring and Vermont Master Composter in the Fall) and Advanced Trainings and Courses.
• Provide training materials and volunteer information guidelines.
• Secure funding through donations and grants and contracts -- our program is supported through program fees, gifts and grants.
• Manage the marketing of the Extension Master Gardener and Composter Courses and overall program.
• Manage the program business operations and financial recordkeeping requirements outlined by ����̽̽ Extension.
• Provide instruction and materials for the volunteer modules of the certification courses.
• Maintain the national eXtension Moodle website for Gardener and Composter courses and tracks student registration information
• Coordinate the approval and list of volunteer projects.
• Make final decisions on what does and does not qualify as volunteer hours.
• Maintain volunteer files, records of volunteer hours, and volunteer forms system.
• Maintain volunteer member listservs.
• Maintain a record of contacts, impacts, and affirmative action information.
• Award certificates of completion of training and volunteer hours.
• Maintain the database of current Active Extension Master Gardeners/Composters, Interns and Alumni.
• Provide temporary and permanent name badges for volunteers.
• Develop and distributes program promotional materials.
• Manage statewide Gardener Helpline operations, email, and website.
• Maintain the program website for public and volunteer use as well as social media accounts.
• Manage grant reporting at the state and federal level.
• Provide support and guidance to Chapter Steering Teams, Project leaders and volunteers at the local level.

The ����̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture Program also participates in both regional and national Extension Master Gardener conferences and the Program Coordinator actively networks with other Master Gardener/Composter programs across the United States.

Our Relationship to Other Programs

University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener/Composter volunteers collaborate with a wide variety of outreach projects such as: Extension, federal agencies, state agencies, many city and county agencies (e.g. city parks, water quality and conservation agencies, waste management and recycling agencies, etc.), plus numerous local organizations (e.g. community garden groups, schools, non-profits, etc.). The scope of volunteer involvement varies by project. These collaborators are viewed as volunteer “Partners” and are apprised of program policies as well as outreach criteria and expectations.

Funding

Funding for Extension Master Gardener/Composter programing comes from course fees, member dues, grants, business sponsorships, gifts from the public, and the often-significant contributions of volunteers. The ����̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture Program has exclusive sales rights to the book “Landscape Plants for Vermont”. Fundraising is an ongoing effort for the staff. Local chapters raise funds to support their chapter activities. A volunteer chapter treasurer oversees these funds at the local level.

The Volunteer "Paycheck"

University of Vermont Extension depends on volunteers to help extend its resources and information to the public. As you know, volunteers are not paid with money but in ways that are special for each person. Certainly, the number of citizens to whom you teach will indicate that you and your knowledge are valued and needed. Additionally, continuing volunteer education is on-going to help you to learn more as you continue as volunteer educators. Involvement with your local chapter will bring new friendships into your life, and you will enjoy the educational programs offered by your chapter. Most importantly you will be part of this national education organization that promotes research-based, sustainable horticultural practices.

Official Logo

State trademark has been applied to the Extension Master Gardener logo. The logo may be used in either black/white or green. This logo should be used on all Extension Master Gardener/Composter newsletters, social media sites, approved promotional materials, etc. The office supplies logo materials at no charge to chapters and members: 5-foot banners, weatherproof lawn signs, event display boards with signage. Logo clothing is available for purchase by certified and active volunteers only.

State Trademark

In addition to the logo, University of Vermont also owns the appellation "University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener/Master Composter" and "Extension Master Gardeners/Master Composters.” ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener and Master Composter logos or any of the above appellations should be the only official identification used on letterhead, websites or banners. Digital versions of the logo are available to all active volunteers. Please contact the office before you order ‘branded’ products.

To achieve the title of certified “Extension Master Gardener" or "Vermont Master Composter" volunteer, every Intern must fulfill the following:

1. Successfully complete all requirements of the Course by the course deadline of that year. Course completion earns the student the title of “Extension Master Gardener Intern" or "Vermont Master Composter Intern”, as well as an intern name badge and certificate of course completion.
2. An Extension Master Gardener intern goes on to volunteer at least 40 hours and Vermont Master Composter intern earns at least 10 hours over the course of 2 years on approved projects established by the office. Interns must work under the direction of a certified volunteer or as directed by staff. Hours earned on on-going projects or one-time volunteer opportunities that are not on our approved list or sent out via the listserv will not be applied towards certification. 
3. Exceptions to working on approved projects include: If you live in a rural area and find there are few volunteer opportunities available, you may be eligible to start a new project with the guidance and support of our staff. These exceptions must be approved by the Program Coordinator BEFORE volunteer hours are accrued. 
4. The minimum number of service hours for Interns (earned over the course of 2 years or less) for Master Gardener Interns is 40 and Master Composters is 10. 
5. Because interns have recently participated in the course, they do not report additional continuing education hours during their internship. 
6. Interns submit their hours at the end of the year. The hours collection form is open for submission from December through the end of January.

Please note: The office mails certificates in the Spring of each year. Newly certified Extension Master Gardeners and Composters will receive a certificate and permanent name badge.

����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter volunteers are University of Vermont Extension representatives. When you accept a certified volunteer position you commit to the following:

• Volunteering Requirement: To remain active, certified Extension Master Gardeners must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours per year with the option of completing up to 5 of those hours on continuing education on gardening topics taught by credible researched-based sources. Certified Vermont Master Composters must volunteer a minimum of 5 hours per year with the option of completing up to 1 of those hours on continuing education. This requirement is based on an honor system. Our small staff does not want to or have the capacity to police your volunteer activities. We simply ask that you take this program goal seriously.
• Local Chapter Meetings: We ask that volunteers set a goal to attend 2 or more local chapter meetings or events per year. This helps you to stay connected with other Extension Master Gardeners & Composters, learn about volunteer projects in your area, and provides important local continuing education opportunities to help you stay up to date on the latest research and information available. 
• Ask A Master Gardener /Composter Outreach Tables: We ask that volunteers set a goal to volunteer at 2 "Ask a Master Gardener/Composter" informational booths per year. Outreach is the most important thing volunteers do and answering the public’s questions about sustainable gardening and backyard composting practices is the main activity we promote as a program. Volunteers can staff event tables that are organized as projects or they can set up a table at a demonstration garden or another type of project (community garden, school etc.) and invite the public to have their questions answered. This requirement is based on an honor system.
• Reporting Volunteer Hours: Volunteers are required to report your volunteer hours online annually and Certified Extension Master Gardeners are required to pay the certification renewal fee of $25 to remain an active member (no annual fee for Vermont Master Composters) and receive the related benefits of membership in our program network. The hours form is open for submission from December thru January 31.
• Active vs. Alumni Policy: If you are unable to volunteer the full 25 hours for a two-year period, you will transition from active to alumni status. As an alumni status, you will be removed from our volunteer listservs. You can choose to re-join later by reactivating your status by completing the steps.
• Canceling your Commitment: We understand that emergencies or other life priorities may conflict with a volunteer commitment you have made. When these occur, please notify the project leader as soon as possible and offer to find a replacement when needed/appropriate. Please avoid not showing up and not contacting anyone as this reflects poorly on the reputation of the ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener program as well as the project leader, and other volunteers.
• No volunteering on private property: The goal of Extension is to provide information to the public in a way that is accessible to everyone across the state. Therefore, as representatives of Extension, and when serving in a volunteer capacity, Extension Master Gardener and Composter volunteers should not provide private consultation services. This includes garden consulting, designing, planning etc. If the activity is something that could be provided otherwise by a private landscaping or gardening company for a fee, then we ask that volunteers do not take part. The goal of this program is to educate, and not to replace the services and jobs associated with the green industry. You can refer people looking for landscaping or gardening businesses or services to the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association.
• No volunteering for other organization’s fundraising efforts: While serving in a volunteer capacity for Extension, Extension Master Gardener and Composter volunteers should not provide fundraising or engage in fundraising activities for other organizations. This includes office support, phone calls, committee work, staffing sales tables (even if they are selling plants). These activities do not qualify for volunteer hours.
• No personal solicitation: Extension Master Gardener and Composter volunteers are not allowed to solicit for an individual business or organization during any volunteer meetings, trainings, or public program-sponsored events (chapter or state). If you are speaking at an event as a hired professional, you may mention that you are an Extension Master Gardener or Composter volunteer. However, if you are speaking at a volunteer event that you are counting as volunteer hours, you may not solicit your business.
• Avoid Conflicts of Commitment and Interest: Following the University’s Conflicts of Commitment and Interest Policies (PDF), program volunteers must avoid ethical, legal, and financial conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment that may compromise their abilities in carrying out our program’s mission and goals. Therefore, Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter volunteers and interns shall not derive personal profit or gain by reason of their participation as a volunteer with the ����̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture programs. This applies to individuals and their business or nonprofit affiliations, family and/or significant others, employers, and close associates who may stand to receive a benefit or gain. Volunteers shall disclose to the State Program Coordinator any conflicts-of-interests or conflicts-of-commitments which volunteers/interns may have in any matter concerning the program and shall refrain from participating in program activities which involve any discussion or decision on such matters.   
• No product endorsement: As representatives of non-biased university developed, research-based information, Extension Master Gardener and Composter volunteers are not allowed to name or endorse any specific business or product. For example, volunteers can say, “solar digester” but avoid commercial names of the product (eg., "Green Cone"). If totally unavoidable, volunteers should provide at least three commercial sources and emphasize that no endorsement is intended and is for informational purposes only. You can refer people looking for landscaping or gardening businesses or services to the .
• No lobbying or advocacy: EMG and VMC volunteers are representing the University when volunteering for our program, and so when you have your EMG or VMC “hat” on, you do not advocate or lobby. Our role is to educate and ����̽̽ Extension employees and volunteers do not support or criticize particular policy positions, pieces of legislation, etc. This includes election year politics and hot button topics like neonicotinoids. See ����̽̽’s policy at: Political Engagement, Advocacy, and Campaign Related Activities (PDF).
• Generative AI Policy: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field that presents some exciting uses. Common generative AI models like ChatGPT and DALL·E have been gaining in popularity across all disciplines. However, this technology is not without risks in terms of privacy, legal, and ethical concerns. Because of the way Generative AI models work, they are not always accurate and staff investigation of their use for our program in 2023 revealed significant gaps in accurate, unbiased and relevant information for gardeners. Therefore, until further notice, we have a Generative AI ban on developing written and visual content for public use. This includes responses to Helpline questions, Garden Columns, videos, and other gardening and backyard composting content developed for the purpose of distributing to the general public.

This section outlines the areas that EMG and VMC volunteers should avoid when they are volunteering for the program.  

Commercial Farm and Business Questions

The ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener and Composter programs are geared toward home and community-based gardening and composting practices. Therefore, EMG and VMC should not answer questions from commercial growers or questions related to commercial production. Rather, volunteers can refer commercial questions to ����̽̽ Extension agricultural specialists.

Limits on Advice that Has Implications on Human Health

Occasionally, someone from the public may seek your advice that could have implications for human health. Examples include: bed bugs, spiders, suspected arthropod-caused skin lesions, pesticide poisoning, poisonous plants, etc. Extension Master Gardener volunteers are not permitted to offer medical evaluations, diagnoses or advice on treatment. Instead, the client should be referred to a trained professional for these services.

Marijuana Policy

����̽̽ and its programs (including the Extension Master Gardener program) are recipients of federal funding. Our programs are also governed by the federal Controlled Substances Act, the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. Thus, to guard against risk of losing Federal funding and to adhere to the federal laws that govern our activities, ����̽̽ Extension Faculty, Staff and Volunteers do not provide advice or referrals on the culture, care and/or use of marijuana. ����̽̽’s policy has been adopted in compliance with federal law, and the University’s obligations as a recipient of federal funding, irrespective of Vermont’s recent legislation regarding small amounts of recreational marijuana and the state’s therapeutic use (e.g. Medical Marijuana) statute.

Mushroom Identification

Extension Master Gardeners are not permitted to identify mushrooms due to liability concerns.

Pesticide Recommendations

Since Extension Master Gardeners do not have pesticide applicator licenses, EMGs should not be recommending pesticides to the public. If someone from the public requests chemical recommendations, please have them complete an Ask Extension Helpline inquiry. Further, we can only recommend products that are registered for the use for which they are intended. This means, for example, that we cannot recommend the use of castor oil for moles or even dish soap for controlling aphids. No exceptions! Recommending products for uses other than that which they are listed is illegal. Please remember that the label is the law and encourage members of the public to read and follow all label directions.

No House Calls

Master Gardener and Composters volunteers do not provide personal site visits to home gardens (EMG chapters do, however, offer garden tours, education and networking for volunteers at fellow EMG gardens).

Non-Gardening Inquiries

Since the ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener and Composter programs focus on home horticulture and home and community-based composting, volunteers should refer non-gardening inquiries elsewhere. Contact master.gardener@uvm.edu or debra.heleba@uvm.edu if you have questions about referrals for non-gardening questions.

We recommended that you are mindful of how many of your volunteer hours each year are spent educating the public directly with an aim for at least 5 hrs/per year minimum. The primary purpose of our program is to train you as volunteers to reach the public with unbiased research-based information that protects our environment and creates healthy communities across Vermont. Please honor this mission by educating the public directly about sustainable gardening techniques, plant, wildlife and soil biodiversity, clean water and pesticide reduction. 

1. The first type of volunteer opportunity is for an "On-Going" Master Gardener or Composter project. These are on-going projects run by a Certified Master Gardener or Composter who is serving as the site's project leader/volunteer organizer. On-going projects require a project application to be filled out by a certified Master Gardener before they are approved. These projects receive final approval by the State Coordinator. Please see “Criteria for Projects” and “Project Approval Process” for more information.
2. The second type of volunteer opportunity is a "One-Time" volunteer opportunity. These are requests that come to the program by nonprofit partners around the state. Typically, a partner organization is looking for a volunteer to help with a "one-time" project. These opportunities are approved by the state office and then sent out via the Master Gardener / Composter Listserv, and Master Gardener / Composter volunteers may choose to respond if they are interested. A Master Gardener / Composer volunteer may also request pre-approval for a "one-time" volunteer opportunity by filling out this same form.
3. The third type of volunteer opportunity is supporting your local volunteer chapter. Both Active Certified Master Gardeners/Composters and Interns can participate on the Chapter Steering team, which does count toward volunteer hours. Other Chapter activities include developing chapter education events, plant sales, garden tours, and fund-raising for local chapter projects. Interns should work directly with the Chapter Chairs to become involved in chapter activities.

EMGs and VMCs (and interns) earn volunteer hours when they educate other Vermonters. These are hours that volunteers spend preparing for and delivering education to others and may include time preparing articles, presentations, and/or working on approved project teaching/demo gardens; delivering education to Vermonters; responding to volunteer opportunities from the listserv (including citizen science projects like Downy Mildew monitoring and CoCoRaHS); staffing EMG tables & exhibits; staffing the Helpline; and planning/administering Chapter steering committee activities.

As an Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter volunteer or intern, you are expected to report your volunteer hours on an annual basis to gain or maintain your certification. This is a requirement of the program. To report your volunteers hours, use the online "Volunteer Hours Form" commonly referred to as the “Hours” form. The "Hours" form is available under Forms on the website and is only open for submitting hours from December 2 thru January 31.

To track your hours you can use the "Personal Hours Record." This form does not need to be turned in and is provided for your convenience in tracking hours.

• All volunteers and interns should submit hours via the online “Hours” form.
• The annual Extension Master Gardener certification renewal fee ($25 ) is due at the end of the calendar year.
• The deadline is January 31st of the upcoming year. If you contributed more than your required volunteer hours - please include all the extra hours.
• Please submit the completed form and annual re-certification payment online via the ����̽̽ Foundation. (This fee is tax-deductible to the extent provided by current law and ����̽̽ mails a receipt to you for tax purposes.)

Why Reporting Volunteer Hours is SUPER Important

You may think to yourself, why should I use my valuable time to report my volunteer hours?  I do enough paperwork as it is for other things and I'm so busy! We totally understand because we feel the same way about paperwork. It's not super fun for anyone to do. However, we want you to know that reporting your volunteer hours and contacts is essential to the continued success of Extension Master Gardener/Composter volunteer program, so we really need your support on this!!! This data helps our program to leverage funding from grant sources, corporate sponsors, and private donors and is required by the ����̽̽ Extension administration.

While gardening is a common bond among volunteers, ����̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture is about much more than gardening. Like all Extension Volunteer Programs, our primary purpose is community service through education. In the case of this program, we serve the community through the education of gardeners and potential gardeners. In return, we hope  volunteers find enrichment from educational and personal growth, and the volunteer service opportunities provided them.

University of Vermont’s investment in Extension volunteers has created grassroots educators that leverage the resources of the university. It extends the services of the university to all while advancing the "principle of true education to teach people to think for themselves."

If master gardener and composter volunteers just want to garden or compost on their own, citizens and politicians will see the program as just another garden club and not worthy of their support. But if they see master gardener volunteers addressing critical issues and really making an impact, they will hold up the program as a model of efficient and effective community educators, and the program will continue to receive strong support.

Reporting your volunteer hours helps the Coordinator complete the necessary grant and University required reports. Maintaining complete records strengthens our ability to communicate the important contributions our volunteers make to communities across Vermont.

It is also important that the community, state, and university decision makers realize the valuable contributions volunteers make to their community and the important role they play in Extension's mission of helping "people develop leadership skills and use research-based knowledge to improve their economic status and quality of life." Thus, volunteer hours reports are an important component of maintaining a strong and effective volunteer program.

Volunteers earn continuing education hours when they educate themselves. These are hours that volunteers spend learning to increase their own knowledge. Continuing education may be gained from activities like horticulture-related lectures, workshops, demonstrations, guided garden tours, symposiums given by educators, professionals or Master Gardener volunteers. These should include science-based educational content and may include events at EMG Chapter meetings, EMG advanced trainings, Garden Clubs, libraries, nurseries or greenhouses, colleges & universities, museums, state agencies, online modules and webinars, etc.

All continuing education topics must relate to one of the program’s current Outreach Focus Areas:

• Horticulture or Composting Skills - Teach current research-based horticulture principles that incorporate
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to reduce pesticide use
• Plant Biodiversity - Promote invasive species management and native species conservation and restoration in landscapes
• Pollinators & Wildlife - Education on ways to help wildlife, native bees, and other pollinators thrive in home and community landscapes
• Local Food - Promote the use of sustainable techniques for growing local food on multiple scales at various locations
• Climate Change - Teaching ways to create resilient landscapes that are adapted to our changing climate
• Soil Biodiversity - Teaching ways to maintain healthy soil ecology and composting techniques that support a diversity of soil life
• Clean Water - Promoting water-wise gardening and landscaping to conserve water and minimize polluted runoff
• Nearby Nature - Partnering with local community and school groups to create access to plants and green space for health and wellbeing

A few guidelines:

• The educational topic should also be transferable to home and community gardeners since they are the target audience of Extension Master Gardener volunteer outreach.
• Certified Extension Master Gardeners have the option to earn up to 5 of their volunteer hours on “Continuing Member Education” per the calendar year. 
• Certified Vermont Master Composters have the option to earn up to 1 of their volunteer hours on “Continuing Member Education” per the calendar year.
• Interns do not accrue continuing education hours during their tenure as interns because they have recently acquired educational hours in the course. 

 Activities that do not qualify for Continuing Education hours are listed below:

• Social time at chapter meetings.
• Driving time.
• Self-guided garden tours & visits to garden centers, or compost facilities with no particular educational component.
• Volunteer activities in other states.
• Guided EMG or Compost tours that do not have an educational component.
• Garden crafts or non-research based topics.

The requirement for Certified Extension Master Gardeners to be in good standing (called ‘Active’) is by reporting 25 volunteer service hours each year. Five (5) of these hours may be continuing education. Many of our amazing EMGs contribute well beyond the required 25 volunteer service hours. To maintain your certification, active volunteers must submit a completed online “Volunteer Hours Form” and $25 certification renewal fee to the office by January 31st each year. Member hours are reported following each year’s end. Certification renewal fees are applied in January for that upcoming year, ie: fees paid with a 2020 hours form are applied ahead to the year 2021. The hours form is open for submission from December thru January 31.

The requirement for Certified Vermont Master Composters to be in good standing (called ‘Active’), is by reporting 5 volunteer service hours each year. One (1) of these hours may be continuing education. 

If you find that unforeseen circumstances (illness, family or job related) prevent you from volunteering for a period of 2 gardening seasons or failure to report requisite hours annually, then you will no longer be considered a certified and active volunteer. You will then be automatically transferred to alumni status, and removed from the volunteer listserv, and will no longer receive the benefits of active membership.

You may request to return (re-activate) at any time by filling out and submitting the volunteer application and background check. 

The ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener/Composter Dismissal Policy delineates the circumstances and procedure for the rare cases in which a volunteer, student or intern must be asked to step down. The following policy is based on similar policies for Master Gardener programs in other states. 

Our program is considered an at-will volunteer program. This means that a volunteer can resign at any time. It also means that the program can end the volunteer relationship at any time if breaches in the University's Our Common Ground agreement or any of the following occur. Dismissals are considered in the most extreme cases, and dismissible offenses are clearly defined in the policy. For the sake of transparency, consistency and clarity, it is an important document for the protection of all EMG volunteers.

Dismissal of an Extension Master Gardener or Composter Volunteer

A volunteer may be reassigned or dismissed at the discretion of University of Vermont Extension Community Horticulture Program Staff in consultation with ����̽̽ Extension Dean’s Office.

Disregard for the policies and guidelines established by the ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener/Composter Volunteer program are grounds for dismissal of a program volunteer. 

Volunteer conduct that may lead to disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal from the program, include but is not limited to: illegal activity; behavior that compromises the health and safety of volunteers, Extension employees, or clientele; being habitually disruptive to the overall program; unwilling or unable to work amicably with program staff and/or volunteers; and/or conduct that is harmful to the Master Gardener/Composter Volunteer program’s reputation.

The nature and seriousness of the infraction or violation will determine whether the option of a probationary period or dismissal should be considered. A volunteer may be placed on probation, removed from steering team or project leader positions, or dismissed from the program depending on the severity of the offense. Past volunteer contributions will be considered as part of the decision-making process as will any indications that the volunteer plans to discontinue policy violations or misconduct.

Presenting oneself as an Extension Master Gardener or Composter in an unauthorized role and attempting to implement management/policy decisions that are inconsistent or in direct violation of program policies are considered serious violations and are grounds for immediate dismissal. Before any official action is taken, the staff will counsel with ����̽̽ Extension Dean’s Office, and the volunteer(s) whose probation or dismissal is being considered. If dismissal is taken, communication with the volunteer(s) will be done in confidentiality. Individuals dismissed from the program are not eligible to reactivate with the program.

What is a listserv?

A listserv is an electronic mailing list software which allows a sender to send one email to the list, and then transparently sends it on to the addresses of the subscribers to the list.

If you receive an email from the ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener listserv and hit reply, your reply goes to everyone that is a member of that listserv. In other words, it goes to every active master gardener or composter in the state. (Hundreds of people). 

Please note: If you wish to reply only to the sender of an email that went out to the listserv, please hit the FORWARD BUTTON and type in the sender’s email address.

Listserv Purpose and Guidelines

It's a common misconception that the Master Gardener Program listservs function as a forum for master gardeners or composters to ask each other gardening or composting questions, but it is not used for that purpose. The purpose is to share volunteer opportunities and educational events so volunteers can connect across the state and participate. The steering team listservs are for the leaders of the local clubs/chapters to communicate with one another about local events they are organizing. If you should become a Helpline volunteer, a Master Composter or join as a leader in your local club/chapter steering team then you will also be added to those lists. (See all listserv addresses below).

The listservs should never be used for the promotion of a personal business or financial interests, or activities that are not part of the master gardener or composter volunteer program. Our staff tries to keep emails to a minimal. We ask that volunteers commit to this as well and only send out emails about upcoming volunteer opportunities and events. Please note: It is also possible to submit a volunteer or educational event to our online calendar on the website.

How our listservs are maintained

The yearly volunteer hours report lets our staff know which volunteers are still interested in being an active Master Gardener or Composter volunteer for the upcoming season. When two years have passed and no volunteer hours report is received, (due in January every year) the assumption is that the master gardener or composter volunteer has stopped participating and is no longer involved in the volunteer program. At the end of each FEBRUARY the inactive members are moved to the “Alumni” listserv, as well as marked Alumni in our database. At this point they will no longer receive or be able to send emails through the active volunteer listserv. Alumni will however still receive our monthly program e-newsletter through MailChimp and occasional updates from program staff via the Alumni listserv, but will not be able to send emails out to the other members on this listserv. This action is guided by policies in the EMG Volunteer Handbook regarding requirements for active volunteer status and does not reflect upon you personally. The option of staying active and on the volunteer listserv is always available, and we want you to stay active! Submitting the past year’s hours form in January will keep you current and keep the volunteer emails and educational notices coming.

Should an extenuating health or life circumstance occur, volunteers may also choose to go “on-hold” status for up to two years by continuing to fill out the annual hours form each January and paying the $25 certification renewal fee. Unfortunately, after the two-year period is up, a volunteer must either re-join or you will be moved to the alumni list and taken off the volunteer listserv. Volunteers may still come back to the program at any time by filling out the RE-ACTIVATION form, but for the time being the volunteer will be considered inactive or an “alumnus.” Please let our staff know should you choose to become inactive. For additional information on how to use commands in a listserv please read below.

Program Listservs

• Master Gardener Listserv - ����̽̽EMG@list.uvm.edu
• Master Composter Listserv - COMPOSTERVTMG@list.uvm.edu

How do I manage my subscription?

When you are added to one of our listservs you will receive a welcome message that includes the subscription instructions for the listserv you were added to. Please keep that email for your reference.

Subscription commands using email

You can also manage your subscriptions by sending commands to listserv@list.uvm.edu, placing your command in the body of the message. Make sure your from: address is the one you want to use with the list.

                      To do this:                                                     Send this command:
Subscribe to the Master Gardener list Subscribe                ����̽̽EMG Myfirstname Mylastname
Unsubscribe from the Master Gardener list                        Unsubscribe ����̽̽EMG

In some cases, you will receive a confirmation message from LISTSERV asking you to verify your identity. Just follow the instructions in the message to confirm.

How to set Digest Mode

(Receive one daily email combining all the emails sent to the listserv)

To receive messages in digest mode, send the command for your listserv in the body of an email to the LISTSERV email address. (Listserv@list.uvm.edu) See the example below.

To:  listserv@list.uvm.edu
Subject: SET DIGEST

SET ����̽̽EMG DIGEST

NOTE: The ����̽̽ listserv system will automatically prompt you with an email to click on a link to confirm the changes. You must do this final step for this to work.

Digest Commands:

SET ����̽̽EMG DIGEST
SET COMPOSTERVTMG DIGEST


Attachments in Digest Mode

If you are having trouble getting attachments in digest mode.

>GO to Email & Password)

OR if you haven’t logged in previously use your email associated with the listserv and create a new password . 

>CLICK on “Subscriber’s Corner” in the top middle.

>CLICK on the orange tab that says,
“My Settings”

>CHECK the box at the top that says, “MIME” (See picture to the right).

Although our program has accomplished great things, we cannot rest on our laurels. We face many challenges such as tighter budgets, "down-sized" Extension staff, adopting new electronic technologies, greater scrutiny from elected officials and competing interest groups. To survive and grow stronger, we must address the following:

• Clear Purpose As part of Extension and the Land-grant University (i.e. ����̽̽), the program mission is education. Volunteers are trained to be grassroots educators. When considering a new project, volunteers must ask: Is there a strong educational component to this project?
• Serve Diverse Audiences. Vermont’s population has become more diverse in recent decades. Extension Master Gardeners and Composters must serve various audiences. The land-grant system was built on the principles that all people should have access to education and that universities "should serve the needs of the common person." EMGs must continue that tradition.
• Address Critical Issues. As a public service, "Extension Master Gardening or Composting" must be relevant to the larger issues facing society--protecting environmental quality, addressing hunger and obesity, building strong neighborhoods, and growing healthy children. Lacking this relevance, the program will be viewed as little more than a glorified garden club, and not worthy of faculty support.
• Publicize Successes. ����̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture volunteers must let citizens, lawmakers, businesses, and, last but not least, the university community know about the great work they do. Volunteers are encouraged to develop pieces for radio, newspapers, TV and other media to report their successes. Each local Chapter should look for ways to illustrate the relevance of their work. They should also pass these reports to their state coordinator for even more widespread distribution.
• Emphasize Quality. The goal of our training is to produce quality volunteers through quality training and support. It is not to produce a given quantity of volunteers. The Extension Master Gardener title was derived from Germany's "gartenmeisters," who were highly respected horticulturists in their communities. That is the legacy to which Extension Master Gardeners must aspire.

"The Extension Master Gardener program has been diversifying from the start as volunteers, and Extension staff find creative ways to address new challenges. Extension Master Gardeners and Composters now design and present proactive educational programs that tackle critical issues such as water quality protection, safe pest management practices, yard waste management, native plant regeneration, and the welfare of youth, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities."—Van Bobbitt, a previous Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Coordinator, and published in Hort. Technology in 1997

*This section is taken, in part, from an article written by Van Bobbitt, a previous Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Coordinator, and published in Hort. Technology in 1997. It is included because the message remains important for the Extension Master Gardener programs of today.

Question: What's the difference between volunteer hours and continuing education hours?

Answer: In a nutshell, Volunteer Hours = Time Educating Others and Continuing Ed Hours = Time Educating Yourself. As a certified EMG, up to 5 hours of the total annual hours you contribute (minimum of 25) be continuing ed hours. For VMCs, up to 1 hour of the minimum of 5 annual hours you contribute can be continuing ed time. Since interns have just receiving significant continuing education through the course, they do not claim continuing ed hours. 

Question: If I donate time doing volunteer gardening with other organizations, can I count those hours towards my volunteer certificate?

Answer: Not usually. If the service project was not listed as an on-going project on our website or as a one-time volunteer opportunity, it likely is NOT approved. If you are unsure, please contact the state office before volunteering. Hours volunteered to non-approved agencies will not be approved retroactively.

Question: I like to volunteer behind the scenes, such as fundraising, serving on committees, etc. If this type of work is performed for an approved partner organization that we already support, can I count these types of things towards my volunteer certificate?

Answer: No. The ����̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture is a volunteer-dependent organization. Please offer your skills and time directly to your Chapter or the program coordinator. They always appreciate the support from skilled organizers and “behind the scenes”  members. Volunteering with other organizations for fundraising, office support, committee work does not qualify for volunteer hours.

Question: Who should obtain supplies for partnering projects?

Answer: It is preferred that organizations that benefit from volunteer expertise and support should be responsible for securing their own project materials. However, sometimes volunteers share this effort and in that case, a small project materials fee is required of the partnering organization. Time spent soliciting plants, mulch, or other hard goods do qualify as volunteer hours. Follow ����̽̽ protocol for accepting material or service donations, known as “in-kind” donations. 

Question: How should volunteers handle project publicity that involves a partnering organization?

Answer: All publicity created by the partner about the project and its volunteers must acknowledge the efforts of ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener and/or Vermont Master Composter volunteers. This also applies to photos sent to newspapers or used in newsletters. Volunteers should be included and named in such photos, and the program should be referred to as, “����̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture Program" or "����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Program" or "Vermont Master Composter Program". When referring to yourself or another volunteer, please do not leave out the word “volunteer” in your acknowledgments, and please be sure to use the full program name. Please share it with your partner organization and encourage their staff to write something on their website about the project and the volunteer program.

Remember: When in doubt about which tasks within another organization qualify for ‘Volunteer Hours’, ALWAYS ask program staff for approval BEFORE contributing your time. This is the responsibility of every volunteer.

Our  Youth Protection Policies are  in place to ensure to the best of our ability, that the ����̽̽ Community Horticulture program does its part to provide a safe environment for youth engaged in our gardening programs. The program's policies and procedures are informed by . Our policies are in place to guide us in carefully selecting and supporting our volunteers.

All active volunteers, regardless of their interaction with youth during their volunteerism, are required to complete our  (as of Feb 2023, we are asking volunteers to take the training just once -- subject to change based on University protocols).

All volunteers must also complete a  (as of Feb 2023, this is a one-time request for active volunteers).

All volunteers must also complete a Background Check (if you are new to Vermont, have lived in the state for less than 1 year, you must also complete federal Fingerprinting) -- these are completed every three years.

See below for forms and instructions.

Note: All transfer and re-activating certified Master Gardener/Composter volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application, Minor Protection Training, and a Background Check (plus fingerprinting for new Vermonters) through ����̽̽ before starting in a volunteer position.

Working with Youth

• All ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener/Composter projects and activities directly engaged with youth must always have at least two adults present at all times.
• If a project partner is not able to ensure a proper staff/volunteer adult ratio or ensure that all volunteers have gone through a background check then that project will no longer be able to serve as an official volunteer project that counts for volunteer hours.
• All Master Gardener/Composter Volunteer Project Site Partners are responsible for making sure that any Gardener or Composter volunteers who have not completed a background check DO NOT under any circumstances volunteer on a youth master gardener project without another adult present, (Staff, Teacher, Parent).
• Projects that are "directly engaged with youth" are defined as projects where volunteers will be supervising 1 or more youth without their parent or guardian present.
• Project leaders are responsible for making sure that youth activities have at least 2 adults present at all times.
• Project leaders are responsible for making sure that all Extension Master Gardener/Composter volunteers working with youth have gone through the background check process and are up to date on renewal.

Volunteer Application

All students, transfers and re-activating volunteers are required to .

Minor Protection Training

Instructions to Access the ����̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Program Minor Protection Training 

• You will need to Log In to access the training. Press continue or log in.
• If you have taken any Extension Master Gardener or Master Composter courses on the Extension Foundation online campus in the past, you should have an account. If not, follow the instructions under “Is this your first time here?” to create an account. (Note: since we do offer a number of courses and trainings through the Extension Foundation Online Campus, this step is time well spent).
• Once logged in, select “Enroll Me”.
• Follow the instructions in the training – there are three steps to take (1. Familiarize Yourself with our Youth Protection Policy, 2. Take the two Training Modules, and 3.) Determine If you need a Background Check). You will select “Mark as Done” as you complete each step and when all steps are complete, you will receive a certificate of completion you can keep for your files.

Background Check Consent Form

For Volunteers who have lived in Vermont for 11+ months

Beginning in 2020, all volunteerism with the program is contingent upon completing fingerprinting or a background check through the Vermont Criminal Investigation Center (VCIC), Sexual Offender Registry, and Child Abuse Registry. ����̽̽ does not accept background checks completed through partner organizations.

• All volunteers who who lived in Vermont for 11+ months MUST complete the form before volunteering. If you have lived in Vermont for less than one year, please complete the fingerprinting process below.

• Fill out the .

• Please fully complete all questions on the form -- be sure to include your full address with town and state, etc. If items don't apply to you, enter "NA".

• Print and have the form, dated and stamped by a Notary Public. You can find a Notary Public at your local Post Office or Town Clerks Office, or contact the Secretary of State office @ 802-828-1505. Program staff can also verify the form remotely -- look for dates/times when remote verification is scheduled or contact staff directly to schedule a time. 
• Once complete, follow the instructions located at the bottom of the Consent form to send to the office.

Federal Fingerprinting (For New Vermonters)

If you live in Vermont but have only been in the state for 11 months or less, you must complete the Federal Fingerprinting process outlined below, in addition to the Background Consent Form (see link above).

Step 1: Fill Out and Sign These Two Forms Below:

1.

2.

Step 2: Get Fingerprinted

Take the signed Fingerprint Authorization Form  (#1 above) when you go to your county ID center (see locations below). Call ahead to make an appointment. The cost to you will be up to $35. We do not pay for your fingerprinting processing.

Step 3: Contact the Office

Please scan or photograph & email the Fingerprint Date/Location Form (#2 above) to Lisa @ master.gardener@uvm.edu. If necessary, you may mail the form to: ����̽̽ Master Gardener Program, 63 Carrigan Dr, Jeffords 206, Burlington, VT 05405. Please notify Lisa if you plan to mail the form.

Additional Information and Tips for Fingerprinting:

• You may go to any county ID center, regardless of where you live.
• It is best to call ahead for an appointment; in case they are busy and to ensure someone will be available.
• It is recommended you leave children and infants at home, as it will be difficult to watch the children while you’re being fingerprinted. You will need at least two pieces of identification, one of which must be a current government-issued photo ID. In addition to the photo ID (driver’s license, non-driver ID, government ID card), other acceptable forms include a passport, credit card with signature, student ID with signature, or check-cashing card with a signature.

FBI Fingerprinting Locations in Vermont

Providing Fingerprints While Outside of Vermont

If you live out of state and need to get fingerprints done in a state other than Vermont there are special instructions also attached below. This may be necessary due to COVID travel restrictions that do not allow out-of-state residents to come to Vermont for fingerprints.