2026 training class for new volunteers
Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Orange County are preparing to hold their next training program for new volunteers in early 2026.
The class will meet at the Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agricultural Center in Hillsborough on Wednesday mornings, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from Jan. 14 to April 22, 2026 (15 weeks).
If you’d like to learn more about plants and gardening and are interested in sharing your knowledge with the community, consider applying!
Gardening experience is welcome but is not required; we’re interested in people who are willing to become committed and enthusiastic volunteers.
Residents of Orange County have priority for the class but residents of other counties may apply and will be admitted if there is space.
You need to attend an orientation session before you apply for the class. You will receive a class application at the end of the orientation session.
Orientations will be held at the Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agricultural Center on:
July 23, 2025, 9-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 6, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 20, 2025 9-10:30 a.m.
Sign up for an orientation session here.
Applications are due by Oct. 1, 2025, with a nonrefundable $10 application fee. Acceptance notices will be emailed by the week of Oct. 15.
Cost of the class is $125 plus the optional cost of the textbook (North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook). A free version of the textbook is online.