Colorado Master Gardener Program | Becoming a CMG Volunteer
Becoming a Colorado Master Gardener Volunteer
- CMG Outreach
- CMG Training
- CMG Application Process
- Colorado Gardener Certificate Enrollment
- County Contact Information
Since the applicant needs county specific information regarding the CMG program, CMG applications are NOT available on-line. Contact you local CSU Extension County Office.
The title "Colorado Master Gardener” is a registered service mark of Colorado State University Extension. It is used to identify volunteers serving in official CSU Extension activities. It may not be used to infer credentials or otherwise imply endorsement of a private business. It may not be used on marketing materials of a business.
The title "Colorado Gardener Certificate" is used by students who have completed the CMG/CGC training in situations where they are not representing CSU Extension as a volunteer. The Colorado Gardener Certificate may be displayed in a place of business and used in business marketing.
CMG Outreach
Colorado Master Gardener Volunteers assist CSU Extension staff in delivering knowledge-based gardening information to foster successful gardening. Annually, 1,800 CMG volunteers serving in 34 county/area based programs donate $1.3 million in volunteer time.
The CMG Volunteer's audience is exclusively home gardeners. Examples of CMG volunteer service include answering phone calls at County Extension Offices, staffing diagnostic clinics, teaching gardening classes, writing newspaper articles, and mentoring community gardening and greening projects. Refer to CMG Outreach for additional details on CMG activities.
CMG/CGC Training
Colorado Master Gardener/Colorado Gardener Certificate, CMG/CGC, Training is offered on a multi-county basis for counties along the Front Range corridor (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo, and Weld Counties) and the Tri River Area (Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Quray Counties).
In rural counties, training is offered via distance education at the local county Extension office. This facilitates training at the county level where class size will be small and extensive travel by the students and instructors become unreasonable. Counties participating in the distance education course include Archuleta, Chaffee, Eagle, Fremont, Golden Plains Area (Kit Carson, Phillips, Washington, and Yuma), Gunnison, La Plata, Montezuma, Morgan, Routt, San Luis Valley Area, San Miguel and West Montrose Area, Summit, and Teller.
See county contacts below for details on locations and training days.
The typical basic curriculum includes nine weeks (54 hours) of classroom instruction. Classes are held January through April, one day per week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an hour for lunch. Evening classes meet two evenings per week from 6 to 9 p.m. Some variations occur in the basic schedule to accommodate local needs. Contact the local county Extension office for county specific details.
Enrollment Options
- Participants may enroll as CMG volunteers (that is apply to become a CMG volunteer). CMG activities include the training class plus 50 hours minimum volunteer CMG service. For additional information on the CMG application process, refer to CMG Application Process below.
- The training is also available without a volunteer commitment (classroom training only) for a higher fees as Colorado Gardener Certificate Students.
CMG Application Process
To start the CMG application process, call or e-mail your county office of CSU Extension. County contact information is listed in the table below.
CMG programs operate at the county level, with primary support from the county government. Applicants should generally apply to their home county. In special situations (such as the work location versus the home location) a potential volunteer may apply to a neighboring county. However, it should be understood that most counties give priority to county residents, being responsive to the local county budget and local taxpayers. Applicants who apply to multiple counties will not be considered.
The program requires that the volunteer work be completed for the county/area program to which the applicant applied. For example, an application to the Jefferson County CMG program necessitates that the volunteer work be completed FOR the Jefferson County CMG program.
Individuals interested in the CMG Training from counties that do not offer the CMG Program may apply to a neighboring county under cross-county enrollment and transfer options.
Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Selection is not based on race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status, disability or handicap.
Students requesting handicap accommodations should directly contact the CSU Resources of Disabled Students Office at 970-491-6385.
Steps in the CMG Application Process
- Step 1 - Contact your local CSU Extension County Office for program information and the application form. County contact information is listed in the table below. Since the applicant needs county specific information, CMG applications are NOT available on-line.
- Step 2 - Submit a completed CMG Application Form by the application deadline.
- The application form asks for background information on gardening and volunteer experiences, general availability for volunteer work (used by program coordinators to help connect volunteers with projects), criminal background information, contact information for three references, and includes a signed contract committing the CMG volunteer to 50 hours minimum volunteer work in exchange for the training.
- For the winter training (January-April), applications are processed in the fall of the year. Colorado Front Range Counties have a October 15th application deadline. For other counties, contact your county office for application deadline.
- For the fall training (September-December) offered in the evenings in Boulder County, applications are processed mid-summer. Contact the county office for application information and deadlines.
- Step 3 - Background check – Colorado State University requires background checks, including driver’s license checks, of all new volunteers. A criminal record or poor driving record does not bar you as a volunteer, but will be considered as it relates to the specifics of the volunteer position.
- The potential volunteer receives an e-mail from CSU Human Resources with a hotlink to the screening company, HireRight. The volunteer logs into a secure site, enters their social security number, answers some questions about where they have lived, etc. and logs off. The university’s IT people have confidence in the security and confidentiality of the HireRight system.
- HireRight conducts a national background check, including driver’s license check, and shares the results with CSU Human Resources. If a potential volunteer elects not provide HireRight with the needed information, they also elect not be become a volunteer for CSU.
- If a potential volunteer does not have email, contact your County Extension Office to process the background check information request by mail.
- Step 4 - Preliminary screening will be off the application form. Primary considerations are based on:
1) interest in volunteer work
2) availability for volunteer work
3) people skills (i.e., ability to assist Extension in home horticulture educational efforts), and
4) gardening experience
- The Colorado Gardener Certificate enrollment option (to participate in the class without any volunteer commitment) provides educational opportunities for those not interested in or available for volunteer work.
- Without fundamental gardening experience, it is unreasonable to expect that someone will develop the background and knowledge base required to work with our clientele by just attending the training. This is not a volunteer program for the novice gardener.
- Staff will send confidential reference letters to the references listed on the application. At least two must be returned before the applicant can be accepted into the CMG program.
- Step 5 - Interview – Most counties invite applicants in for an informal interview giving the applicant a chance to learn more about the CMG Program and ask questions about training and volunteer work. Some counties include a written exam in the application process.
- Step 6 - Applicants will be advised if they were selected for the CMG Program. In counties with a larger population base, significantly more people apply than can be accommodated. Applicants who are not selected as CMG volunteers may enroll under the Colorado Gardener Certificate (non-volunteer) option.
- Correctly stated, interested individuals apply to become a Colorado Master Gardener volunteer representing CSU Extension. The decision to accept or not accept any individual as a volunteers is the right of CSU Extension. Reasons why an individual was or was not selected will not be given.
- Additionally, CMG volunteers serve at the request of Colorado State University Extension. This request can be withdrawn at any time for any reason or no reason.
- Step 7 - Pay class fees – If accepted into a local CMG Program, payment of class fees is the final enrollment step. Class fee for CMG Volunteers in the Denver Metro area is $175 (for 2010). Other counties are simi liar.
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Volunteering is a privilege, not a right.
Under ruling of the US Supreme Court, volunteering for any organization is a privilege, not a right. So correctly stated, a person applies to become a CMG volunteer. Under the Federal Volunteer Protection Act, CSU Extension is expected to screen all applicants; selecting individuals whose interests, values, and availability are appropriate to represent the CMG Program. Additionally, we routinely do not state the reasons why a person is being or is not being accepted into the program. In most counties, we have more qualifying individuals apply than the program can accommodate.
According to CSU Extension policy, volunteers serve at the request of CSU Extension as non-paid staff. The request to serve as a CMG volunteer can be withdrawn at any time with or without reasons stated.
Colorado Gardener Certificate Enrollment
Individuals interested in the CMG Training without a volunteer commitment may enroll for the coursework under the Colorado Gardener Certificate, CGC, training option. The course work is available for a higher fee in-lieu-of the return service. Individuals, who were not selected for the CMG volunteer program, may enroll as Colorado Gardener Certificate students.
Upon completion of the course, CGC students receive the Colorado Gardener Certificate. However, without the volunteer commitment, participants do not become Colorado Master Gardeners.
To receive the Colorado Gardener Certificate, students must satisfactory complete the CMG/CGC training (i.e., attend at least 80% of the class sessions and complete assigned homework). Participants are expected to attend all training sessions. However, that is not always possible due to illness, family emergencies, and weather-related travel issues. When missing a class, the student is responsible for the content and should invest extra time with the study materials. Make-up of the class sessions at another location is not an option.
The Colorado Gardener Certificate may be displayed in a place of business and used in business marketing. The Colorado Gardener Certificate is also given to CMG volunteers upon completion of the class and 50 hours minimum volunteer commitment.
Fees - Cost for the Colorado Gardener Certificate training (as a non-volunteer) is $500 tuition and class fees.
CGC Enrollment - To enroll in the CMG/CGC Training as a Colorado Gardener student (non-volunteer), send in the completed first page of the application form (only) with the tuition and program fees. Contact your County Extension Office for the enrollment form and application. Space is limited and on a first come (paying) basis.
County Contacts
| County | Contact Person Phone Number |
Training Location | 2010 Dates |
| Adams | Sharon Moore 303-637-8100 |
Training for Adams, Boulder, Larimer and Weld County held at the Larimer County Fairground, Loveland | Wednesdays starting Jan. 13 |
| Arapahoe | Mae Rauen 303-730-1920 |
Training for Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert Counties held in Littleton and Castle Rock | Tuesdays, starting Jan. 12 |
| Archuleta | Bill Nobles 970-264-5931 |
Delivered into Archuleta County (Pagosa Springs) with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 |
| Boulder | Carol O'Meara 303-678-6377 |
Weekday class: training for Adams, Boulder, Gilpin, Larimer and Weld Counties, held at the Larimer County Fairground, Loveland | Daytime class Wednesdays, starting Jan. 13 |
| Fall evening class: training for Boulder and Gilpin Counties, held in Boulder | Evening Class Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Sept. 22, 2009 |
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| Broomfield | Holli Campbell 720-887-2286 |
Training for Broomfield, Denver and Jefferson Counties held in Golden, Denver and Broomfield | Thursdays, starting Jan. 14 |
| Chaffee | Kurt Jones 719-539-6447 |
Delivered into Chaffee County (Salida) with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 |
| Custer | Call the office at 719-783-2514 |
Training for Custer and Pueblo Counties held in Pueblo | Fridays, starting Jan 15 |
| Denver | Merrill Kingsbury 720-913-5272 |
Training for Broomfield, Denver and Jefferson Counties held in Golden, Denver and Broomfield | Thursdays, starting Jan. 14 |
| Dolores | Tom Hooten 970-565-3123 |
Delivered into Dolores County with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 |
| Douglas | Joe Julian 720-733-6930 |
Training for Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert Counties held in Littleton and Castle Rock | Tuesdays, starting Jan. 12 |
| Eagle | Laurel Potts 970-328-8633 |
Delivered into Eagle County (Eagle) with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 |
| Elbert | Gina Boleng 303-621-3162 |
Training for Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert Counties held in Littleton and Castle Rock | Tuesdays, starring Jan. 12 |
| El Paso | Due to the lack of funding by the El Paso County Commission, the CMG Program has closed in El Paso County. | ||
| Fremont | Becky Chace 719-276-7390 |
Delivered into Fremont County with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 |
| Garfield | Laurel Potts 970-328-8633 |
Delivered into Eagle County with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 |
| Gilpin | Irene Shonle 303-582-9106 |
Weekday class: training for Adams, Boulder, Gilpin, Larimer and Weld Counties, held in Loveland | Daytime class - Wednesdays, starting Jan. 13 |
| Fall evening class: training for Boulder and Gilpin Counties, held in Boulder | Evening Class Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Sept. 22, 2009 |
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| Golden Plains Area Washington, Kit Carson, Phillips Sedwick and Yuma |
Linda Langelo 970-854-3616 |
Delivered into Golden Plains Area with Distance Education Technology Classes held in Akron, Burlington, and Holyoke |
Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting Jan. 20 |
| Grand | Brenda Kwang |
Delivered into Grand County (Krembling) with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan 21 |
| Gunnison | Jon Mugglestone 970-641-1260> |
Delivered into Gunnison County (Gunnison) with Distance Education Technology | Daytime class:Thursdays, Evening class: Monday and Wednesdays, starting Jan. 20 |
| Jefferson | Cheryl Mulhauser 303-271-6620 |
Training for Broomfield, Denver and Jefferson Counties in Golden, Denver and Broomfield | Thursdays, starting Jan. 14 |
| La Plata | Darrin Parmenter 970-247-4355 |
Delivered into La Plata County (Durango) with Distance Education Technology | Thursday, starting Jan. 21 |
| Larimer | Alison O'Connor 970-498-6005 |
Training for Adams, Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties held at the Larimer County Fairgrounds, Loveland | Wednesdays, starting Jan. 13 |
| Logan | Joanne Jones 970-542-3542 |
Delivered into Logan County with Distance Education Technology | Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting Jan. 20 |
| Montezuma | Tom Hooten 970-565-3123 |
Delivered into Montezuma County (Cortez) with Distance Education Technology | Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 |
| Morgan | Joanne Jones 970-542-3542 |
Delivered into Morgan County (Ft. Morgan) with Distance Education Technology | Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting Jan. 20 |
| Pueblo | Linda McMulkin 719-583-6579 |
Training for El Paso and Pueblo Counties held in Colorado Springs and Pueblo | Fridays, starting, Jan. 15 |
| Routt | CJ Mucklow 970-879-0825 |
Delivered into Routt County (Steamboat Springs) with Distance Education Technology | Next training in 2011 |
| San Luis Valley Area | Maxine Lujan 719-852-7381 |
Delivered into the San Luis Valley (Monte Vista) with Distance Education Technology | No training offered in 2010 |
| San Miguel and West Montrose | Yvette Henson 970-327-4393 |
Delivered into San Miguel County (Telluride) with Distance Education Technology | Next training in 2011 |
| Summit | Beth Huron 970-668-3595 |
Delivered into Summit County (Frisco) with Distance Education Technology | TBA |
| Teller | Mark Platten 719-689-2552 |
Delivered into Teller County (Cripple Creek) with Distance Education Technology | Contact office |
| Tri River Area Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray |
Susan Rose 970-244-1834 |
Training for Tri River Area held in Grand Junction | Wednesdays |
| Weld | Sharon Benson 970-304-6535 ext. 207 |
Training for Adams, Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties held at the Larimer County Fairground, Loveland | Wednesdays, starting, Jan. 13 |