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Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties

Credit: Barth Bailey (Cropped from original)
Menu [Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties]

How to Join

Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Master Gardener™ Volunteer Programs of Linn and Benton Counties!

This is a dynamic program that will increase your gardening knowledge, encourage you to help others by volunteering in the community, and build new friendships.

Here’s an overview of the program requirements:

  1. Asynchronous online learning modules run February through April. The online learning modules are taught by OSU experts and provide fundamental horticulture knowledge. The online portion of our training is best done on a computer or tablet with a good internet connection. If needed, you may complete online modules at the County Extension office – please get in touch with us at the soonest opportunity to request this option.
  1. In-person training sessions are scheduled for February through April. Three outdoor and five indoor training sessions have been planned to expand your technical knowledge and provide hands-on learning opportunities. There will also be an indoor meet and greet to give you a chance to dive deeper and start getting connected with other program participants, Association members, and staff.
  1. Volunteer hours are the third key learning experience to become an OSU Master Gardener volunteer. We require 40 hours of volunteer service in your initial program year. All volunteer experiences are carefully selected to help you learn and connect with the community. The Linn County Master Gardener Association (LCMGA) and Benton County Master Gardener Association (BCMGA) are OSU’s nonprofit partners in offering volunteer experiences in support of the Master Gardener program. More on this partnership and how you’ll get involved is in the included welcome letter from the BCMGA and LCMGA Presidents and in our online classroom!

Applications for the 2024 program are now closed.

Questions about the program?

Otillia Schreuder, Agricultural Master Gardener Coordinator

[email protected]*

Credit: Ali van Otterloo (Cropped from original)

Curious but not sure what to expect?

Smiling woman with glasses posing with onion harvest.

“I decided to become a Master Gardener because I have a passion for growing food and I want to teach people with limited access to fresh, organic produce the skills to grow their own. This process has been everything that I hoped Master Gardening would be.”
—Emily Herb

Image courtesy of Emily Herb
Smiling woman with glasses and hat in a garden.

"Becoming a certified Master Gardener allows me to realize one of my values, community activism, which is built into the program."
—Pashalle Johnson

Photo courtesy of Pashalle Johnson
Smiling woman with shovel in a rose garden.

“Being a part of the gardening community was like finding my way home. I have loved every minute of being a Master Gardener. Giving back to the community through public service is the core of the program and is personally rewarding.”
—Paula Lupcho

Photo courtesy of Paula Lupcho

Meet our team

Laurie Gibson
Office Specialist, Ag./Home Horticulture/Tech Support
Otillia Schreuder
Agricultural Master Gardener Coordinator

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