Join our Interest List!
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are university trained educators who share relevant, unbiased, research-based yard and garden knowledge, specific to Colorado, with their communities.
We are always looking for volunteers interested in learning, education, and community outreach.
There is no need to be an expert gardener, but we look for interest and experience. If you have a passion for gardening and want to learn more, we want you! As a CSU Extension Master Gardener (CMG), you’ll be rewarded by learning new gardening skills, making new friends, and giving back to your community in meaningful ways.
Newly accepted volunteers begin as apprentices and spend a year training to become a certified Extension Master Gardener in Weld County. Apprentice’s gain initial knowledge through CSU’s Green School with learning modules and webinars. Extension Master Gardener apprentices will also participate in in-person training with other new apprentices and current Weld County Master Gardeners to learn more about what it means to be an Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
To learn how to become a Weld County Colorado Master Gardener, visit the Application Process page
Colorado Gardener Certificate (CGC) -
"I want to take the course work but I don’t have time to volunteer. "
The Colorado Gardener Certificate is available for those wanting to obtain education on gardening in Colorado (training occurs with the CMG program). CGC students will not represent Colorado State University Extension as a volunteer upon completion. However, at the end of training, students will receive a certificate of completion showing that they have undergone the training course. The Colorado Gardener Certificate may be displayed in a place of business and used in business marketing. Participants in this training do not have a volunteer commitment, thus there is a higher fee for this program. Currently, the fee for the CGC training is $545.
To become a Certified Colorado Gardener, please visit CGC Course Information.
Colorado Master Gardenersm (CMG) -
"I want to be a volunteer for the Colorado Master Gardener program in my county."
Colorado Master Gardeners are select individuals who have undergone specialized training from CSU to become active volunteers in their home county. Following completion of training**, CMG's volunteer at the local county Extension Office, host info booths at farmers' markets, and assist with various types of local gardening projects.
Participants must apply to become a CMG volunteer. Once accepted to the program, participants must complete a specified number of volunteer hours and continuing education each year. Currently, the fee for the CMG training is $250, followed by a $30 renewal fee for each year in service.
Colorado Master Gardenersm is a registered service mark of Colorado State University Extension. It is used to identify volunteers serving in official CSU Extension activities. It may not be used to infer credentials or otherwise imply endorsement of a private business. It may not be used on marketing materials of a business.
To complete an application, please visit Become a Colorado Master Gardener.
Colorado Master Gardener Application
Please review the application process and program requirements, prior to filling out your application, visit Become a Colorado Master Gardener. We are accepting applications from August 1 – September 2, 2025. Applications are only accepted during this timeframe to join the Colorado Master Gardener Program for the 2025-2026 year. Financial need-based scholarships may be available for a 50% reduced rate through your local county contact after your application has been submitted.
Once the application window has closed, you will be contacted by your county Extension staff on the status of your application. CSU requires all volunteers pass a criminal background check. Background checks are initiated and tracked in your local county. The Weld County Master Gardener Program will hold in-person interviews after background checks have been processed, in October. The acceptance into the program is at the discretion of local staff.
Colorado Master Gardener programs operate at the county level, with primary support from the county government. Applicants should apply to their home county; those who apply to the Weld County CMG program must complete their volunteer hours in Weld County. Colorado Gardening Certificate training is provided for educational purposes only and participants are not eligible to volunteer for the CMG program in Weld County.
If you have questions about the application process for the Colorado Master Gardener Program or Colorado Gardener Certificate Program, please contact the Horticulture Specialist, Jen Rushton.
Jen Rushton
(970) 400-2073
jrushton@weld.gov
The Colorado Master Gardener/Colorado Gardener Certificate training (Green School) is offered once per year from November through March.
The full Green School Program includes a mix of online learning (up to date course content includes readings, videos, activities, and quizzes) and live, in-person review sessions where you have access to CSU subject matter experts who provide instruction and answer your gardening questions. You will have access to 14 self-paced online lessons and live weekly class reviews (online). Registration for CSU Green School is open from August 18 - October 30, 2025. Please visit Green School for more information.
Science-based course material is specific to Colorado’s unique (and challenging) climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants.
Once you have been accepted into the CMG program, a detailed schedule and information will be provided. If you have questions about the application process for the Colorado Master Gardener Program, please contact Jen Rushton at jrushton@weld.gov.