FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAMGA and the MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

WHAT IS the UW - Extension Master Gardener Certification?

The Master Gardener Program overseen by the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program under UW Madison Department of Extension is designed to train volunteers who can extend science-based gardening information to the public. Certified Master Gardeners are those who have completed the “Foundations in Gardening” curriculum and an Onboarding process administered by the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program and who annually certify their status by completing and officially recording at least 24 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of continuing education during a calendar year (Januaray 1-December 31). Certified MGs may also be required to complete additional training if mandated by the UW, such as “Mandated Reporter” training for child abuse and background checks.

You may maintain your certification by volunteering in the many of the opportunities offered by Dane County Extension such as Dane County Extension Teaching Garden or greenhouse, answering gardening questions at Farmers’ Markets, participating in the Speakers Bureau and more under the guidance of Lisa Johnson, Extension Horticulture Educator for Dane County, you need to also undergo a background check and complete an online training to become a Mandate Reporter.

what does mamga (Madison Area Master Gardeners Association) focus on?

Supporting Madison-Area Master Gardeners

• Providing ongoing service opportunities to help fulfill recertification requirements

• Offering ongoing educational opportunities that count toward recertification

• Awarding grants to nonprofit gardens in the local community

• Recognizing and appreciating local Master Gardeners

• Organizing garden tours

• Facilitating online and in-person social interactions

• Supporting the local UW-Extension office: the Horticulture Outreach Specialist, the plant sale and teaching garden

What doesn't MAMGA do?

• We do not require that you enter hours into ORS to be a member.

• We do not manage or enforce ORS. We do help members navigate ORS.

• We do not define what an "Emeritus" master gardener is. 

• We do not tell you what you can wear or what you can't in regards to name badge/clothing referencing Master Gardeners.

what role does UW-Extension play?

supporting individual master gardeners across the state.

The University of Wisconsin-Extension oversees the official Master Gardener Program and focuses on individual volunteers. Their responsibilities include:

• Managing the Online Reporting System (ORS)

• Providing advanced training for Master Gardeners

• Credentialing and certification

• Issuing name badges   

• Determining eligibility to retain the Master Gardener title

• Awarding milestone and honored status as well as Emeritus

• Communicating official program information directly to volunteers

WHat is WIMGA?

WIMGA serves as a statewide organization that supports all Master Gardener associations in Wisconsin. Its key roles include:

• Offering ongoing educational opportunities

• Providing non-milestone awards for Master Gardeners

• Recognizing and appreciating both individuals and local associations

• Organizing the WIMGA Convention (when held)

• Facilitating networking and mentorship between local associations and their leadership

• Maintaining communication with both association-affiliated and independent members

• Awarding grants to local associations

• Requires you to be in "Good Standing" regarding certification to be a member.

Please see the bottom of our MEMBERSHIP PAGE to find out more about MAMGA and WIMGA!

VOLUNTEERING
There are many ways to volunteer as a MG, including participation in MAMGA’S prairie restoration/pollinator gardens “Signature Project” at the Lussier Center. The Onboarding or Onboarding Lite training will specify which volunteer hours are currently permitted for the Online Recording System (ORS)
Here is a current list of volunteering assignments.

• School Gardens

• Farmer’s Markets

• Community Gardens

• Dane County Extension Teaching Garden

• Additional volunteer hours may be completed for organizations or events such as Garden Expo, UW Arboretum, Dane County Parks, Olbrich Gardens, Henry Vilas Zoo, Allen Centennial Gardens, West Madison Agricultural Station.

• Please make connections and seek out community organizations to support through volunteering.
  Note that as you identify eligible, non-profit organizations needing volunteers, you need to notify wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu to request that the organization be added to the ORS database, otherwise you cannot record those hours. Such a request is best made before volunteering at the site and before November of the calendar year.

If you have questions about which organizations may be included, please email wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu

WHAT IS MG Continuing Education?

Master Gardener Volunteers need 10 hours of education each year to maintain certification, but may still remain in the program as uncertified MGs. Many MAMGA programs qualify for continuing education credit. Another easy way to pick up hours is to listen to Larry Meiller's Garden Talk program on Fridays starting at 11 a.m. on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Not all programs qualify - see criteria for what counts in On-Boarding Lite 2024.

For a list of eligible continuing education opportunities (February 2024) click here.

HELP! Where do I send MAMGA related forms?

You may renew MAMGA/WIMGA memberships and register for the Annual Meeting on-line or print the mail-in the forms.

Mail to:
MAMGA
P.O. Box 259318
Madison, WI 53525-9318