2026 Training Program

We are excited to announce the opportunity to become a Gilmer County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer.

The Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) program in Georgia is a volunteer program designed to help University of Georgia Cooperative Extension staff transfer research-based information about gardening and related subjects to the public by training home gardeners to be volunteer educators. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers are active in many Georgia counties. Through this program, Extension is able to reach out and serve more citizens with educational programming and demonstrations.

UGA Extension Gilmer County is looking for MGEV Trainees to assist in the following consumer horticulture projects:
• Extension Office demonstration garden
• Youth gardening programs
• Help desk at the Extension Office
• Developing and delivering horticulture presentations to the community

Training will begin April 7, 2026. This will be a joint training between Gilmer and Fannin counties. You are expected to volunteer in the county which you apply in. There are eight total classes. The first four classes will be held in Gilmer County, and the last four will be held in Fannin County. Classes are held from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays. Cost to train is $275 and this covers program fees and materials. The training fee is due after you are selected to train. Applications are due February 13, 2026, but you can submit sooner! Class size is extremely limited.

Stop by our extension office today to pick up an application with more information! Our address is 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay GA.