Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Master Gardener Program

About

Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to advancing horticultural expertise and environmental stewardship throughout Pennsylvania. Master Gardener volunteers receive comprehensive training from Penn State University faculty and Extension staff, enabling them to educate the public on sustainable gardening practices and native plant conservation. Through research-based programming, the organization addresses critical issues including invasive species management, pollinator habitat creation, and poison prevention education. The Master Gardener Program serves as a cornerstone of Penn State Extension's outreach mission, empowering communities to make informed decisions about native plants, environmental conservation, and healthy landscape design. With programs spanning from youth education to advanced horticultural training, the organization creates multiple pathways for community members to develop gardening skills while contributing to ecological restoration and environmental stewardship.

Programs

Master Gardener volunteer training and certification
Garden Hotline
Spotted Lanternfly Outreach
Speakers' Bureau
Pollinator Monitoring Programs
Pollinator Garden Certification
Grow-Save-Repeat Seed Collection
Seed to Supper Program
Woody Plant Identification Certificate Program
Monthly Diagnostic Webinars
Poison Prevention Program
Growing Gardeners Youth Program
Demonstration Gardens
Bee Monitoring Project

Focus Areas

HorticultureNative PlantsSustainable GardeningEducation