Volunteering or simply lending a hand to the community is an act of kindness that ripples outward, creating a lasting positive impact. In the UC Master Gardener Program, we say, 'volunteers are the heart of the program,' and it’s true—across California’s 53 counties, the passion and dedication of UC Master Gardener volunteers make it possible to share the joy of gardening and the gift of horticulture knowledge with thousands of people.
The 2024-2025 program year has already been a tremendous success in welcoming new UC Master Gardener Volunteers to our programs. Each new class brings fresh energy, diverse experiences, and a shared passion for gardening that strengthens our community impact.
Before residents can become a certified UC Master Gardener volunteer, they participate in a 15-week (50-hour) training course that combines home horticulture education, hands-on learning, and a qualifying exam. Volunteers-in-training explore a wide range of topics, including fundamentals of botany and plant physiology soil, fertilizer, and water management safe pest control through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), entomology, plant pathology, and other region-specific horticultural subjects. Once a trainee cohort reaches graduation, they have grown into close-knit groups within the larger UC Master Gardener community—eager and ready to share their new knowledge with residents. The training experience not only prepares them to serve as volunteers but also fosters friendships and sparks new ideas that help the program continue to grow and evolve.
This year, several programs proudly welcomed new volunteers who are beginning their journey with the UC Master Gardener Program. From Humboldt-Del Norte, thriving beneath the redwood forest, all the way to the sun and surf in San Diego, graduation is a meaningful milestone—one that recognizes months of dedication and learning, while family and friends cheer on their loved ones who are often joyfully immersed in the world of gardening.
Together, these new volunteers represent the growing passion for gardening and community service across California.
Humboldt–Del Norte celebrated 23 new graduates, doubling the number of volunteers within their program.
San Diego, the second largest program in the state, welcomed a dynamic class of 50 new volunteers. Here is a new volunteer getting her very first UC Master Gardener Badge.
Santa Clara also introduced a dedicated group of 49 volunteers eager to lend a hand in local demonstration garden projects.
As we celebrate these new volunteers, we also want to highlight that many programs are currently accepting applications for upcoming training programs.
To learn more about your local UC Master Gardener Program’s New Volunteer Training, we encourage you to visit your county’s program website. Every new volunteer brings fresh energy and helps us grow a stronger, resilient future for California communities.
Find your local program here: https://ucanr.edu/program/uc-master-gardener-program/find-uc-master-gardener-program-0