How to get Certified

How do I become a URI Master Gardener volunteer?

The road to becoming a URI Master Gardener begins with the core training, is followed by an internship, and continues longterm with continuing education and service. See the steps below for more information.

Step 1: Complete the core training course

The URI Master Gardener Program core training explores the science behind environmentally-sound gardening while honoring ancestral practices. Each class is taught by a different URI faculty, Extension staff member, or community subject matter expert.  The course is designed to be flexible for adult learners with busy lives.   Each participant receives access to an online class website and a Master Gardener mentor to guide you through the first year.  Pre-recorded lectures may be watched at your own convenience. Live webinars allow you to participate in engaging activities, interact with your classmates and instructors, and discover the practical application of course material.  By the end of the semester, you’ll be connected to a wide range of garden service projects that benefit the community.

The course runs from late January to the end of April and live webinars are held one evening per week from 6-7:30 pm.  Full course details are sent out upon acceptance. Learners from all walks of life with an interest in helping Rhode Islanders grow are encouraged to fill out the form ! Financial awards are available through a simple process embedded within the course application.

Step 2: Complete the volunteer internship

Upon successful completion of the core training, trainees become “Interns” and are required to complete 50 hours of volunteer service on an approved project to earn the title of certified “URI Extension Master Gardener”. This place-based, on-the-job training allows participants to extend their learning by working in teams with other volunteers at project sites throughout Rhode Island. Interns have at least two years to complete their internship hours. 

Step 3: Continue learning through our continuing education classes

Certified URI Extension Master Gardeners continue their process of lifelong learning through specially curated continuing education offerings. This includes online classes and in-person field experiences on sustainable gardening and inclusive community engagement. Dig into a topic of interest and build skills to bring back to your garden and community.

FAQ’s

1. When are core training applications due?

November 5 (extended).. The application opens in July. Please note that we do not make exceptions for late applications!

2. What topics are covered in the course? What is the format of the class? What are the expectations?

Topics covered include: Plant identification and botany, insects, diagnosing plant problems, soil science and plant nutrition, composting, regenerative landscape design, native and invasive plant species, site assessment, sustainable lawn care, perennials, trees and
shrubs, vegetable gardening, inclusive science communication, diversity, equity and social justice, and the gardener’s role in the food system.

Format/Course Expectations: You will spend 4-5 hours/week completing the following online activities:

1. Review ~two hours of course content (videos)
2. Attend a weekly webinar on Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. (Zoom)
3. Complete a learning content check
4. Complete a short knowledge assessment (every other week)
5. Complete a hands-on course project

Note: Optional in-person experiences include field sessions and meet and greet events.

3. What is the fee for the core training course?

The core training registration fee is $500. That includes all sessions and access to a course website where readings, class recordings, and other electronic resources are accessible. See below for information regarding financial awards that are available to assist with the cost of the program.

4. Is financial assistance available to cover the course fee?

Yes. A limited number of awards are available through a tiered system (awardees pay between $50-$150) to those who complete the application process and are accepted into the core training class. Financial award eligibility is based on financial need and racial/ethnic
identity. The financial award application is a simple process found within the course application.

5. Are there educational opportunities for individuals who are not seeking certification as a URI Master Gardener and are not interested in volunteering?

An alternative to the URI Master Gardener Program core training is available to individuals seeking to further their environmental horticulture knowledge through the URI Home Horticulture Certificate. See the table below for the differences between the two educational programs offered through URI Cooperative Extension.

6. How long should my answers on the core training application be?

The questions are open; we suggest 1-3 paragraph responses. We are trying to get to know you through your application! Please be descriptive and clear; bear in mind that the application process is competitive, and we would like to gain insight into your unique goals and interests. Please write enough to effectively and concisely express yourself, and fill in answers to ALL questions.

7. When will I hear back about my application?

You will receive a confirmation message stating that your application was successfully received immediately after you submit your application. If you are accepted, you will receive email notification by November 15th after all applications have been reviewed. If you do not hear from us by November 15th, please contact us at coopext@uri.edu.

8. What are the Internship Expectations?

In order to become a certified URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer, you must complete 50 hours of volunteer service on affiliated projects within a suggested period of two years. Opportunities are varied and include the following:

• Hands-on gardening to grow food and educate Rhode Islanders in environmentally-sound gardening practices
• Partnering with local schools and nonprofit organizations serving young people, elders, the disabled community, and other underinvested populations, to support their gardening goals
• Educational events such as providing gardening advice at events, testing soil or staffing the Gardening Hotline
• Harvesting excess crops from local farms to donate to local hunger relief agencies with Hope’s Harvest RI
• Behind the scenes computer related tasks to support program operations (social media, photography, leadership roles)

Volunteer opportunities may either be longer term commitments (such as when you join a garden team) or one-time commitments where you sign up to help staff an event or glean at a local farm.

9. Is the program accessible? 

We believe that everyone should have access to the opportunity to garden, to learn with fellow plant lovers, and to give back. Much like in the plant world, a diversity of individuals engaged in our program indicates resilience and richness. This concept drives our persistent focus on accessibility, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Core Training Accessibility: Closed captioning is provided on all recorded lectures.  These have been edited for accuracy by a dedicated group of URI Master Gardener volunteers. Live webinar recordings will be posted for those who missed class or want to review the content with closed captioning.  Live annotation can be requested in Zoom for those who wish to watch captioning during the live webinars. Alternative descriptive text has been provided where applicable.

The University of Rhode Island encourages all people to participate in its programs and activities. 

If you anticipate needing any accommodation or have questions about accessibility inclusion, please contact Vanessa Venturini at vventurini@uri.edu. If you speak a language other than English as your primary language and require interpretation or translation services or require a reasonable accommodation contact Vanessa Venturini at vventurini@uri.edu. 

Contact should be made as soon as possible in advance of the date of required services or anticipated participation. Interpretation and accommodation services are offered at no cost and are available upon request with sufficient notice. If requests are received too close to the date of required services or anticipated participation, we might not have enough time to make the necessary arrangement

Volunteering Accessibility:  We strive to have a variety of volunteer opportunity locations and types that are educational, meaningful and accessible to people of all abilities.  Our opportunities are geographically accommodating and are in-person and virtual. You can contribute as an educator teaching groups of individuals about sustainable gardening at events or workshops, or with hands-on gardening growing food for hunger relief agencies. You’ll be paired with a mentor, invited to meet and greets, have access to a searchable database and a collection of videos to help you find the best project to suit your needs and interests.

Program Accessibility Efforts: At its core, the Master Gardener program motivates people to engage in gardening for the ecosystem, to learn constantly, and to make a difference in their community. The URI Master Gardener Program maintains a persistent focus on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. The initiatives detailed here, begun proactively in 2020, show the strides we’ve made toward these goals. 

10. I have participated in the Master Gardener Program in another state and would like to transfer to Rhode Island. What is the transfer process?

We encourage and welcome Master Gardeners certified in other states to participate in the URIMGP. To transfer affiliation from another state to the URIMGP, the following documentation should be provided to the State Program Leader (vventurini@uri.edu):

1. Letter of recommendation from Extension staff at institution where initial certification was earned
2. Evidence of participation in horticultural service activities/projects as a certified Master Gardener.

The above documentation will be reviewed by the State Program Leader; and one of the following recommendations will be made:

1. If the transfer Master Gardener is current with their continuing education and service requirements or has participated in a Master Gardener Program in the past ten years, they may be asked to audit select core training classes as determined by the URI State Program Leader; or
2. If the transfer Master Gardener has not fulfilled their continuing education or service requirements for over 10 years, they will be asked to complete the full URIMGP core training and pay a reduced (50%) registration fee.