CRESTVIEW, Fla. — The University of Florida/IFAS Extension Office in Okaloosa County is accepting applications for its 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer training course.
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The program is designed for people who enjoy gardening and want to help others learn about plants, lawns, landscapes, and gardens while supporting educational outreach efforts in the community.
Master Gardener Volunteers assist Extension agents by answering gardening questions from residents through phone calls, emails, and visits to Extension offices in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach. Volunteers also help teach classes, give presentations to community groups, and assist with plant clinics that identify lawn, landscape, and garden problems.
Additional volunteer activities may include creating educational displays, working in demonstration gardens, supporting school garden projects, assisting with 4-H youth programs, helping at fairs and contests, and contributing to newsletters.
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According to the Extension Office, the goal of the Master Gardener Volunteer program is to help Extension agents provide research-based gardening information to residents throughout Florida.
Applicants should have an interest in gardening, enjoy helping others, and be willing to complete all training and volunteer requirements.
Training classes will be held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Aug. 6, 2026. The course lasts 14 weeks and will be conducted primarily at the Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road in Crestview.
Classes will be taught by Extension faculty and specialists from the University of Florida. Topics include plant science, soils, insects, plant diseases, landscape plant care, vegetable and fruit gardening, lawn care, irrigation, and diagnostics.
The course fee is $150, and enrollment is limited.
Residents interested in participating may request an application by calling the Extension Office at (850) 689-5850. Applications must be completed by June 22 to be considered.
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