Become a Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

NE-EMGVs volunteering in a community garden

Applications to volunteer in the Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program are now CLOSED for the Spring 2025 training season.

Classes are offered twice a year, starting in late January and October. To find the closest training location, please contact your local county extension office. Please note that enrollment may be limited based on available space.

As a Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (NE-EMGV) Student, you are required to complete a minimum 40 hours of education. Once you fulfill this requirement and pass an open-book test with a score of 70% or higher, you will be classified as a NE-EMGV Trainee. After completing an additional 40 hours of volunteer activities, you will officially become a Volunteer in the Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. This title will remain with you until the next training sessions begin the following year.

Applications and Program Information


For all Counties (including Lancaster - Evenings) except Lancaster (Days) and Douglas/Sarpy

ONLINE APPLICATION - The application is closed for training in the winter/spring of 2025. 

Click here for NE-EMGV Program Application
 

  • East Campus (Lancaster County evening classes) contact Terri James at (402) 472-8973
Lancaster County Extension Office 

For information and an application, see the Lancaster County Extension Master Gardener program (daytime training). This is the daytime program in Lancaster County.

   Applications are CLOSED 

Click here for Lancaster County Application

For more information about the program administered in Lancaster county:

  • Lancaster County office (day classes) contact Mary Jane Frogge at (402) 441-7180
Douglas/Sarpy County 

Applicants from Douglas/Sarpy DO NOT use the application forms listed above. Applications are made available only at the Douglas/Sarpy County NE-EMGV program informational meetings. These meetings (dates, times, and locations listed below) are designed to inform the public about the qualifications necessary to be accepted into the internship program. For more information on the Douglas/Sarpy Program.

  • Friday, November 14, 2025, 6:30 PM – Douglas County Extension Office
  • Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:30 AM – Sump Memorial Library

Douglas/Sarpy 2025 Program Information

For more information, call 402/444-7804. Scott Evans, Douglas-Sarpy, Horticulture Program Coordinator