Arapahoe County Master Gardeners
Growing Plants. Growing People.
Who are the Colorado Master Gardeners?
The Colorado Master Gardener program offers a unique intersection between university horticulture expertise and community volunteers interested in educating locally.
We’re hands-on in educational school gardens. We’re helping grow food for local communities. And, we’re passionate about pollinators. Some of us are tree-huggers, most of us are plant (and insect) lovers.
The Colorado Master Gardener Program is a community-based, horticulture training and volunteer program through CSU Extension. After completing in-depth training, Master Gardeners help the gardening public solve their horticulture-related problems with scientific, research-based knowledge, while providing meaningful outreach.
Arapahoe County Master Gardeners
In Arapahoe County, a dedicated group of approximately 120 Colorado Master Gardener (CMG) volunteers serve nearly 7,000 residents annually by answering questions and providing gardening education. We strives to enhance Coloradans’ quality of life by:
- Extending knowledge-based education throughout Colorado communities to foster successful gardeners;
- Helping individuals make informed decisions about plants to protect neighborhood environments.
Apply to be an Arapahoe County Master Gardener!
Before you apply:
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Financial need-based scholarships (reducing your fee to $100) are available.
- If accepted, the following commitment is expected:
- Complete a minimum 80% of Green School training course.
- Pass the final exam with a 70% or higher.
- Volunteer a minimum of 50 hours during your first year by Oct. 31st.
- Note: Two-year apprenticeships completing 60 hours may be an option if approved by staff.
What to know about the application:
- The application will take 30-60 minutes to complete and must be done in one sitting.
- Applications are offered online. (A hardcopy may be obtained from the office if needed.)
- Have the names of three references (names, phone numbers and emails) ready when you apply.
- Background checks are required.
- We require future and current volunteers familiarize themselves with CSU’s policies and guidelines:
Featured outreach and projects
- Speakers’ Bureau: Volunteers present gardening topics to garden clubs, schools, civic organizations and other groups. Submit a request to have a Master Gardener speak for your club or organization!
- Colorado Center for the Blind: CMG volunteers help patients and students with indoor and outdoor gardening projects to support curriculum in self-sufficiency.
- School Gardens: Volunteers mentor elementary, middle and high school students in vegetable gardens and interior horticulture projects.
- Demonstration Gardens: CMG volunteers design and cultivate educational demonstration gardens throughout Arapahoe County! View all Arapahoe County gardens.
- Help Desk: Master Gardeners field inquiries through phone, email, and office walk-ins. Ask your gardening questions today!
- Grow & Give: All produce grow at demonstration gardens is donated to local food banks as part of the Grow & Give project.
- Native Bee Watch Community Science Program: Many volunteer participate in the Native Bee Watch Community Science program collecting data on bee visitations at demonstration gardens and home gardens for research and education.
Ask a Colorado Master Gardener
Colorado Master Gardeners in Arapahoe County are available to answer emails and phone calls throughout the year. Professional horticulture staff also are available in the office year-round.
Ask your garden and yard questions by calling the Master Gardener Help Desk or e-mail Mastergardener@arapahoegov.com