the following opportunities are for master gardeners who have completed their coursework.
volunteer with MAMGA
There are many ways to support our programs — from one-time tasks to seasonal or ongoing roles.
Explore the options below and let us know what feels like a good fit for you right now.
Low-Impact Volunteer Opportunities for Early 2026
At MAMGA, we know that our love of gardening and our desire to give back to the community don’t fade as we get older—but our bodies sometimes need a gentler touch. That’s why we’re highlighting volunteer opportunities that are perfect for members who prefer lighter, low-impact activities.
Below is a list of activities where you can get involved at your own pace during the first quarter of 2026. In the March newsletter, we will include a list of low-impact volunteer activities for the second quarter.
January–March 2026
Propagating coleus, working on a stool in the greenhouse*
Winter sowing plants for the Teaching Garden, working on a stool in the greenhouse*
Seed starting, working on a stool in the greenhouse*
Creating a template in Canva for plants offered at the plant sale and starting to create signs (can be done at home)
Volunteering at the MAMGA booth at Garden Expo, February 13–15 (look for sign-up in this newsletter)
* This activity requires certification as an Extension Horticulture Volunteer (EHV). Contact Sarah Cowen soon to learn about the process for becoming an EHV at cowen.sarah@danecounty.gov.
Interested in other opportunities?
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Supports MAMGA’s educational programming and learning opportunities.
You could help by:
• Reviewing one program proposal (30 minutes)
• Helping summarize a presentation
• Assisting with event logisticsTime commitment: Seasonal / flexible
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Support schools and community garden projects through MAMGA’s grant program.
You could help by: Reviewing applications and scoring them with a standard sheet (winter)
Help recruit or volunteer as a grant sponsor. Work with an applicant to refine their application (fall) and visit the site once during the growing season. (Summer)
Help summarize end of season reports (fall)
Assist with communications
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Helps make MAMGA’s public events run smoothly.
You could help by:
• Volunteering for an event shift
• Helping with setup or check-in
• Assisting with follow-up emailsTime commitment: One-day or short-term
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Share MAMGA’s stories, events and impact.
You could help by:
• Proofreading articles
• Writing short blurbs
• Posting on social media
• Updating website contentTime commitment: FlexibleYou could help by:
• Proofreading articles
• Writing short blurbs
• Posting on social media
• Updating website contentTime commitment: Flexible
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If you have technical skills with these or other applications let us know.
Volunteers are contacted based on current needs and availability.
Not all inquiries may receive immediate follow-up.
Volunteer at one of our 2025 Grant Sites. Click Here.
More volunteer opportunities follow!
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volunteer at the uw ag research station
Adopt-A-Garden program
Where: UW West Ag Research Station, 8502 Mineral Point Road, Verona, Wisconsin (near West Towne Mall)
When: Throughout the growing season
Time Commitment: 3 hrs per month minimum for Adopt-a-Garden program; 10 to 25hrs for the growing season
Ready to volunteer? Contact Janet Hedtcke
For more info visit their website.
VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY
UW-Extension is in the process of building a volunteer portal. It is accessible through the Online Reporting System (ORS). Organizations in need post details about opportunities and who to contact. It is not fully populated yet, but this should be an excellent source in the future.
