Information Night for Fall 2026 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training!
Our next volunteer training class will take place in Fall 2026. We will hold our Information Night on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom, where you can learn about our program, its requirements, and the application process.
This program will be recorded and posted on our website. All applicants will be required to attend Information Night or watch the recording prior to submission of an application.
You will need to register in advance to attend Information Night.
- Register in advance for this meeting:
https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/lsC9iVhtQtWCk46uNS7m3A - After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
After Information Night, we will open our application period on June 5 and accept applications for our limited number of class spots from June 6–28.
Check back for further details on the application process after Information Night.
See below for more information.
Thank you for your interest in our Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteer training program for Arlington and the City of Alexandria.
VCE is your local connection to Virginia’s land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University.
Offered by VCE, Arlington County Office, and in partnership with the City of Alexandria, the VCE Master Gardener volunteer program trains participants in best management practices for gardening and landscaping that preserve and sustain the environment.
EMGs are supported by our association, MGNV, a 501(C)(3) non-profit, which collaborates with VCE to further our parallel goals of providing community education about sustainable gardening practices.
What is an Extension Master Gardener (EMG)?
An EMG is an individual who, after receiving specialized training in environmental horticulture through the VCE, acts as a volunteer educator within his or her community. An EMG provides education on all aspects of sustainable landscape management, including turf and soil fertility management, vegetable and ornamental gardening, tree and shrub care, storm water control, and insect and plant disease management.
When and where will the next EMG volunteer training program be held – and how can I apply?
We anticipate our next volunteer training class will start on Tuesday September 1st, 2026. We will be in a full-day in-person format for our volunteer training this year. Trainees will attend classes in person at the Fairlington Community Center (pending acceptance of our room reservations) on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. over the course of 11 to 12 weeks. We will also have 3 in-person field trips on Saturdays over the same time period.
Further class and application details will be posted here after our Information Night. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME.
Who should take the class?
If you want to be a volunteer educator, love gardening, and want to protect our environment by sharing what you learn with our community, this class is for you! Once certified, EMGs teach the community about our best management practices for urban agriculture and sustainable landscaping. EMGs retain their certifications by annually completing 20 volunteer hours and 8 hours of continuing education.
For more information about training or becoming an EMG, please contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Claudia Gerwin, by email at cgerwin@vt.edu or phone at 703-228-6423. You may also visit us at 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington VA 22206.