Extension Master Gardeners
Extension Master Gardener (EMG) is an educational volunteer program sponsored by K-State Research and Extension.
EMGs come from all walks of life but their common bond is a love of gardening and sharing information throughout the community. EMGs receive a basic training in the disciplines of horticulture. They then volunteer in projects to help Extension promote its educational mission.
Educational Projects include:
- Becoming an Extension Master Gardener (EMG)
- Biennial Public Garden Tour
- Demonstration Gardens
- Gardening Hotline
- Scholarships for Horticulture Students
- Speakers' Bureau
Mission Statement
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners volunteer to preserve and beautify the environment and improve the quality of life in the community by providing current research-based horticultural information to the public. EMGs promote horticultural practices, sustainability, and environmental initiatives supported by K-State Research and Extension. The organization embodies the horticultural education objectives of the Johnson County Extension Council cooperating with Kansas State University and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Learn more about the International Master Gardener Conference in 2023.
2018 Extension Master Gardeners Statistics:
Extension Master Gardeners (EMG):
- Total number of volunteer hours: 54,758 hours
- Our donated/volunteer time is equivalent of 26 full-time employees
- Value of volunteer time = $1,352,000
Vegetables Donated to Food Pantries:
- 4,000 + pounds (2 tons) of fresh produce
- Our donated food is equivalent to 12,000 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables for local families in need.
EMG contacts with the public (thru classes, gardens, hotline calls, etc):
- 57,064 people
