MSU Extension Master Gardener Program

In 2021, all MSU Extension Master Gardener® (EMG) training courses are virtual and will take place online, via Zoom. Any Michigan residents can register and choose their training site (unless full). It is beneficial to enroll in a training site nearest to your place of residence for the best opportunity to interact with local coordinators and participants you may volunteer with in the future. The total cost for the training course is $325 and there are partial scholarship opportunities (separate registration required). The course manual and background check are covered in this fee. 

To participate in an EMG training, there are TWO REQUIRED STEPS that must be completed prior to the class registration deadline:

1. Register and submit payment for the training course.
2. Register and complete the MSU Extension Volunteer Screening Process (VSP). (VSP must be completed within 10 days of registering for the course)

To complete both steps, start by clicking the link for the course you wish to take. That link will take you to a website where you can register for your selected training course, submit your payment and apply/register for a partial scholarship (if desired). 

Once the training registration information and payment are submitted (step one), watch your email with the payment receipt and the link to the VSP site, which is where you will be screened for approval as a future MSU Extension volunteer (step two). For this process you, will be required to authorize a background check, accept and sign the MSUE Code of Conduct, provide contact information for 3-5 non-family references, and meet with staff for a volunteer interview.

MSU Extension staff can assist you with these steps – simply email the contact person for the training for which you have registered.   

 Learn more about becoming an MSU Extension Master Gardener 

Fall 2021

OAKLAND COUNTY

Location: All classes will be offered online via Zoom. 
When: Saturdays, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
            August 14 - November 20, 2021
            (make up date if needed, December 4, no class September 4 and November 27)
Application Deadline: July 24, 2021
Contact Person: Lori Imboden, imbodenl@msu.edu 
Application and Registration Link: Click here to register for the Oakland Fall Extension Master Gardener Training Course

LEELANAU COUNTY

Location: All classes will be offered online via Zoom.
When: Thursdays, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
            August 19 - November 18, 2021
           (makeup date, if needed, December 2)
Application Deadline: August 12, 2021
Contact Person: Nate Walton, waltonn2@msu.edu 
Application and Registration Link: Click here to register for the Leelanau Fall Extension Master Gardener Training Course

UPPER PENINSULA

Location: All classes will be offered online via Zoom.
When: Thursdays, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
            August 19 - November 18, 2021
           (makeup date, if needed, December 2)
Application Deadline: August 12, 2021
Contact Person: Rebecca Krans, kransr@msu.edu 
Application and Registration Link: Click here to register for the UP Fall Extension Master Gardener Training Course

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

Location: All classes will be offered online via Zoom. 
When: Fridays, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
            August 20 - November 26, 2021
            (makeup date, if needed, December 10, no class September 3 and November 26)
Application Deadline: August 5, 2021
Contact Person: Julie Ford, fordjul2@msu.edu 
Application and Registration Link: Click here to register for the Kalamazoo Fall Extension Master Gardener Training Course

KENT COUNTY

Location: All classes will be offered online via Zoom. 
When: Tuesdays, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
            August 31 - November 30, 2021
            (makeup date, if needed, December 7)
Application Deadline: August 17, 2021
Contact Person: Deb Gulick, gulickde@msu.edu 
Application and Registration Link: Click here to register for the Kent Fall Extension Master Gardener Training Course

WAYNE/GENESEE COUNTY

Location: All classes will be offered online via Zoom. 
When: Wednesdays, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
            August 18 - November 17, 2021
            (makeup date, if needed, December 1)
Application Deadline: August 4, 2021
Contact Person: Barslund Judd, juddbars@msu.edu or hopedeir@msu.edu 
Application and Registration Link: Click here to register for the Wayne/Genesee Fall Extension Master Gardener Training Course

Current Training