Alaska Master Gardener Program

Alaska Master Gardeners are volunteers for the University of Ãå±±½ûµØ Cooperative Extension Service and are located in communities throughout the state. To become a Master Gardener, you must complete 40 hours of horticultural training and, in return, volunteer 40 hours of time.

The training provides a broad horticultural background and includes the topics of botany, soils, vegetable production using organic and conventional techniques, integrated pest management, greenhouses, lawns, houseplants, trees/shrubs, flowers and invasive plants.

The prerequisites for becoming a Master Gardener include familiarity with Alaska gardening conditions and a commitment to 40 hours of volunteer time. Face-to-face Master Gardener training is only available in certain locations. The dates of classes vary as well. Our calendar is updated each spring prior to registration.

Contacts by Region

Anchorage
Molly Johansson, 907-786-6313, mjohansson@alaska.edu
 
Palmer, Wasilla, Glennallen, Valdez, Trapper Creek, Talkeetna, Willow, Bethel, Kuskokwim Campus, Fairbanks
Casey Matney, 907-262-5824, camatney@alaska.edu
 
Delta Junction, Tok
Phil Kaspari, 907-895-4215, pnkaspari@alaska.edu
 
Juneau, Haines, Skagway, Gustavus, Yakutat, Elfin Cove
Darren Snyder, 907-523-3280 x2, darren.snyder@alaska.edu
 
Soldotna, Kenai, Kodiak, Dillingham, Seward, Homer, Cooper Landing
Casey Matney, 907-262-5824, camatney@alaska.edu
 
Sitka, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Craig, Prince of Wales Island, Aleutians, Western Alaska
Darren Snyder, 907-523-3280 x2, darren.snyder@alaska.edu
 

Events

Man holding CabbageVolunteering Responsibilities

Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 40 hours. Your instructor will provide direction for your volunteer work. Master Gardener volunteers work independently and may become involved in beautification projects. Examples of volunteer activities include the following:

  • Teaching garden classes
  • Working with youth and adult groups, such as horticulture therapy
  • groups, community gardeners, and 4-H clubs
  • Staffing garden clinics and displays
  • Answering phone inquires on horticultural topics
  • Developing demonstration gardens

Master Gardener Associations

Many communities have created independent, nonprofit organizations to support master gardeners. 

The Interior Master Gardeners will discuss new topics, grow our skills and connect with fellow gardeners at its monthly meetings. This is a great opportunity to learn, share, and socialize with our community. 

What to expect:

Education: Each month features an educational presentation from a guest speaker or one of our own master gardeners. We'll cover a wide range of topics, including pest management, soil health, plant propagation, and more.

Business meeting: We'll briefly discuss important updates, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.

Socialization: Catch up with friends, share your latest gardening triumphs and challenges, and get advice from experienced gardeners. This is your chance to connect with others who share your passion.

Location: 725 26th Ave., Suite 101, Fairbanks. 

The next meeting is from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

For more information, contact Matthew Anderson, mranderson@alaska.edu, 907-474-2427.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.