The University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension invites you to extend your gardening knowledge and become a URI Master Gardener volunteer. It's a prestigious designation given only to those who successfully train in various aspects of plant science and complete an internship of 50 hours of volunteer work as part of the URI Master Gardener program of the Cooperative Extension Education Center.

The Rhode Island program began in 1977. Through 2001, more than 1500 people have taken the training and 483 have earned the name "URI Master Gardener". These Master Gardeners have donated more than 113,000 hours of time to Cooperative Extension.

  
 

The URI Master Gardener
Application Form
can be copied
& mailed to us or requested from the CEEC by phone 401-874-2900
or e-mail.

 Training:
Faculty members, Cooperative Extension staff, URI Master Gardeners, and local experts will teach you the basics of plant science and home horticulture. You'll learn about soil and plant nutrition, plant physiology, pests and diseases, turf management, pruning, plant propagation, composting, pesticide safety, and fruit and vegetable production.

The training is offered each January through April for 16 weeks. Classes meet one night a week for two and a half hours. Tuition costs include an extensive Master Gardener Training Manual. Attendance at 12 or more classes qualifies you as a Master Gardener intern. Upon completion of your volunteer commitment and content competency requirements, you are then graduated and certified as a URI Master Gardener.

For gardening information call our Master Gardener Hotline: 1-800-448-1011
Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Volunteer Internship:
When you finish your training, you'll be expected to complete a 50 hour internship fielding questions of your Rhode Island neighbors at local exhibits or on the Cooperative Extension Gardening Hotline. Other choices include:  plant clinics, displays in shopping malls or garden centers. Master Gardeners speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden plots or work in several demonstration gardens. The program coordinator and the URI Master Gardener Association will coach you and support your efforts. How you use your volunteer time most effectively is a joint decision among you, the coordinator and the Association.
Certification:
You'll receive a certificate and name badge designating you as a URI Master Gardener once you have completed:
• the training program
• competency requirements
• completed your volunteer internship
URI Master Gardeners are agents of the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension. As such they are covered by the University's liability insurance. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners must follow the recommendations of the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension. The title "URI Master Gardener" can only be used by those who actually serve as agents of Cooperative Extension and complete the volunteer commitment. The title and certification may be used on employment applications as an educational achievement by active volunteers only.
  Other Benefits
Once you have become certified, you are eligible to attend other training programs and workshops. Think of it as getting your "Master's" in Master Gardening. These courses offer more technical information and may involve some lab work.

You will also qualify to join the URI Master Gardener Association. Along with the camaraderie, you will share their knowledge and expertise and offer help and assistance to the public through the Cooperative Extension Hotline and other educational and assistance programs. A bi-monthly newsletter, regular membership meetings, gardening seminars and tours are among the many activities sponsored by this group.
Is Master Gardening for You?
To help you decide if you should apply for URI Master Gardener training, ask yourself these important questions:
• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in the community?
• Do I have enough time to attend the training and to complete my volunteer work?
• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program?
• Do I want to learn more about plant care and gardening?
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