Learn more about becoming a Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer at a free informational meeting on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Extension Center in 4-H Hall (7001 W. 21st St. North). The meeting will outline requirements and benefits of the program, and current Master Gardeners will be on hand to share their volunteer experiences and discuss volunteer opportunities within the community.
-----------------------------------
Planting a seed can do more than just grow a plant. It could change a life or even a whole neighborhood. Across the country, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are doing just that. Last year in Sedgwick County alone, the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers contributed over 28,513 hours to developing gardeners, promoting sustainable gardening practices, and improving communities across Sedgwick County, transforming communities one garden at a time. And the best part? You can join them.
The Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is now seeking more volunteers for the upcoming fall training program. Anyone who has a passion for gardening, enjoys learning and sharing knowledge, and is excited about volunteering in the community is encouraged to apply. A new volunteer training class will be held in the fall of 2025, and anyone interested in applying for the program is encouraged to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, July 17th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Extension Center in 4-H Hall (7001 W. 21st St. North). The meeting will outline the requirements and benefits of the program, and current Master Gardeners will be on hand to share their volunteer experiences and discuss volunteer opportunities within the community.
“Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers don’t just grow plants, they help our community grow by sharing research-based horticulture knowledge with family, friends, and neighbors throughout the county” says Matthew McKernan, Horticulture Agent for K-State Research & Extension - Sedgwick County, who oversees the program. “Our program turns gardening passion into action, and works to grow our community into a better, more beautiful place for all.”
Recruits for the Sedgwick County Master Gardener Volunteer Program must be residents of Sedgwick County and will participate in extensive horticultural training provided by K-State Research & Extension. Training classes are weekly and will begin Thursday, September 4th and run through Thursday, December 4th. Morning classes are held in person at the Extension Education Center and afternoon classes are held virtually on Zoom. Participation in both sessions is required. The cost for the class is $120.00 per person, and need-based scholarships are available to cover part of the cost. Applications for the fall training will be available at the information meeting and are also available online at www.sedgwick.ksu.edu/mastergardener, and must be returned by Thursday, July 24th, 2025 to be considered for this year’s training program.
In exchange for the continuing education provided, Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers devote a minimum of 48 hours of volunteer service in the community annually. “The Master Gardener program offers diverse volunteer opportunities that match the many interests and skills of our volunteers" McKernan says. “Whether you prefer inspiring kids or teaching adults, there are incredible opportunities to impact the community through the events, presentations, and services that the Master Gardener program provides.” Potential volunteer activities include:
Maintaining demonstration gardens and Arboretum
Volunteering at gardening-themed workshops and special events
Conducting classroom & after-school presentations for youth
Answering gardening-related questions via the Garden Hotline
Speaking on gardening and horticulture topics to local organizations
Assisting community organizations with gardening plans
Since 1987, 957 Sedgwick County residents have received Master Gardener training from K-State Research & Extension-Sedgwick County. In 2024, Sedgwick County Master Gardeners contributed over 28,513 hours of volunteer service, equivalent to 13.7 full time extension staff and a value of nearly one million dollars in service to the community. They also attended over 6,357 of continuing horticulture education and then shared that knowledge with over 97,748 community members through their various events and workshops.
View the Master Gardener Program Information Meeting flyer online at:
https://www.sedgwick.k-state.edu/news/documents/2025%20EMG%20Program%20Info%20Meeting%20Flyer.pdf
-----------------------------------
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting the event contact (Matthew McKernan) four weeks prior to the start of the event (June 19, 2025) at 316-660-0100 or
bWNrZXJuYW4gfCBrc3UgISBlZHU=. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.
Also check out other Workshops in Wichita, Meetups in Wichita.
