Become an Extension Master Gardener in Dakota County

The Extension Master Gardener calendar year is January 1 to December 31.  If  you have a love of gardening, a desire for learning and a will to share your knowledge with others, consider becoming a University of  Minnesota Master Gardener in Dakota County.

Apply – Contact the Dakota County Extension office for an application packet.  Click on this link for further contact information.   Or click on this link to download an electronic version.  Return the completed and signed application by October 1.

Selection – You will be asked to participate in an interview with our selection team and you must complete a volunteer background check.  We may not be able to select all applicants.

Internship – Those selected begin a year as a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Intern.  Interns must complete the Extension Master Gardener Core Course that begins January 2017.  The course is taught online or in-person at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  Instructors are University of Minnesota Extension educators and faculty.  Topics include soils, entomology, gardening resources, diagnostics, trees, herbaceous plants, lawn care, plant pathology, and more. All selected interns must register for the Core Course by December 1. 

During the year, interns must complete 50 hours of approved volunteer work on educational projects, usually together with other active Master Gardeners.  Through the year interns report their volunteer hours online into the Extension Master Gardener database.  All hours must be reported by December 31. Upon successful completion of the internship year, the intern becomes a certified Extension Master Gardener, receiving a certificate and official badge.

Remaining Certified – Once certified, Extension Master Gardeners in Dakota County must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive at least 5 hours of approved continuing education each year in order to maintain their certified, active Extension Master Gardener status.

If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, come grow with us! Remember, a formal education in horticulture isn’t necessary.  We provide the training and resources to help you teach others.