Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Who are Extension Master Gardeners?

The Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Program is an educational volunteer program sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension and Sedgwick County.

Extension Master Gardeners come from a variety of backgrounds and share a passion for gardening, an enthusiasm for learning, and a commitment to helping others. Master Gardeners have successfully completed basic training in the discipline of horticulture and they share their time and expertise as volunteers in their community to promote Sedgwick County Extension's educational mission.

Become an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

Master Gardener volunteer activities include:
  • Answering telephone, email, or Walk-in Clinic questions about gardening
  • Speaking on gardening / horticulture topics to local organizations
  • Conducting workshops for youth and adults
  • Maintaining the Demonstration Garden and Arboretum
  • Volunteering at garden-themed special events
  • Assisting with gardening projects in the community
Impact

Since 1987, 921 Sedgwick County residents have received Master Gardener training from K-State Research & Extension-Sedgwick County. In 2023, Sedgwick County Master Gardeners were able to contribute over 25,460 hours of volunteer service to the Sedgwick County community. This included presenting a series of virtual and in-person gardening classes with the Wichita Public Library, participating in the Community Juneteenth Celebration, collecting fresh produce donations for the community, maintaining educational display gardens across Sedgwick County, and assisting over 3,125 clients with questions via the Master Gardener Hotline.

2023 marked the 36th year of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program in Sedgwick County. Throughout the year, Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners attended over 6,507 hours of continuing horticulture education and then shared that gardening knowledge with over 92,421 residents of Sedgwick County through various public events and workshops.

Important Links

K-State Master Gardener Page

Volunteer Agreement

Master Gardener Application

Master Gardener Awards

Donations/How to Give

For Members Only

Contact Information

Have Questions? Contact:

Sedgwick County
Horticulture
7001 W. 21st St. North
Wichita KS 67205-1759
(316) 660-0144

Debra Harries
MG Volunteer Coordinator
(316) 660-0138
debraharries@ksu.edu

Matt McKernan
Ornamental Horticulture Agent
(316) 660-0140
mckernan@ksu.edu

Abbey Draut
Food Crops Horticulture Agent
(316) 660-0142
abbeyd@ksu.edu