2026 Texas Extension Master Gardener Program Application

2026 Texas Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

We are NO LONGER accepting applications. We will open up our application process in December of 2026. >>>>>>>>Please read the application carefully before submitting
Training begins February 5th and runs through April 28th. Class size is limited to 25 members. The cost of the training is $250.00, due by January 28th (upon acceptance into the program). A background check is required for all applicants participating in the Master Gardener program. All classes will be held at the Taylor County Extension office located at 1982 Lytle Way in Abilene. See the tentative training schedule below for the dates, times, and topics for each class.

Step 1: Complete a Texas Master Gardener training course

-        receive a minimum of fifty (50) hours of instruction during the training

-        pass an examination at the end of training

Step 2: Volunteer Requirement

-        required to give 50 hours of volunteer service within the Big Country Master Gardener approved projects in Taylor County and surrounding areas.

-        to be completed within one year of the final training class date

-        will receive 1 full year of membership with Big Country Master Gardener Association once initial volunteer service hours are completed. ($40 value)

Step 3: Re-certification Process

-        Retaining the title Texas Master Gardener is an annual process that requires:

o   20 Volunteer Community Service hours each year.

o   10 Continuing Education hours each year.

Important information:

-        Cost of the training is $250.00 payable by January 28, 2026, following acceptance into the Master Gardener Program.

-        Classes run February 5th through April 28th. See page tentative schedule at the end of this application.

- Most classes will be at the Taylor County AgriLife Extension office on the Taylor County Fairgrounds.

-        Must be 18 or older to take the course, unless accompanied by a parent who is also taking the course.

- Refunds will be granted only if requested before the first day of training. Refund amounts will be minus the cost of the required training manual and the mandatory background check fee.

Meet 'N Greet – Come ask questions at our Meet 'N Greet on Tuesday, January 13th 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm – at the Taylor County Extension office.

Please contact the Taylor County Extension Office with any questions at 325-672-6048.

Dawnyel Luckie

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

1982 Lytle Way

Abilene TX 79602

dawnyel.luckie@ag.tamu.edu
Application Deadline: January 15th, 2026

Training begins February 5th and runs through April 28th. Class size is limited to 25 members. The cost of the training is $250.00, due by January 28th (upon acceptance into the program). A background check is required on all applicants participating in the Master Gardener program. All classes will be held at the Taylor County Extension office located at 1982 Lytle Way in Abilene. See the tentative training schedule below for a list of dates, times and topics for each class.
Applicant Information
Legal Name

First NamePreferred First NameLast Name
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityCounty

Postal / Zip Code
E-mail
example@example.com
Mobile Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Phone Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Work Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Why do you want to become a volunteer in the Extension Master Gardener program? (Useful training, increase skills/knowledge, give back to the community, personal accomplishment, creative use of time, etc.)
What is your gardening/horticulture and related fields experience and/or training? Include experience or knowledge of vegetables, herbs, roses, composting, propagation, turf, trees, fruit, nuts, perennials, etc. When did you start gardening, have you worked professionally in horticulture or a related field, what is your favorite thing about gardening, etc.
Advertising info: How did you hear we were accepting applications at this time? Did you receive an e-mail, see it posted on Facebook, see it on our website, see it in the newspaper, hear about it at one of our training events, a friend told you applications were being available this year, Etc?
Volunteer and/or community service: (Limit to within the past 5 years) List the organizations and what you do/did: (school/ youth group/ church/ hospital/ civic group)
Are you presently employed, and if so, where?
When are you most likely available to volunteer? Check each one that applies.
Please rate the statements below on a scale of 1 to 5
(1 = Strongly Disagree | 2=Disagree | 3=Neutral | 4=Agree | 5 = Strongly Agree)

‐ I’m taking this training because I want to make friends with like-minded people.(Scale of 1 - 5) *
‐ I’m taking this training because I want to be part of a volunteer organization.(Scale of 1 - 5) *
- I am taking this training for my own education. I am not interested in
Volunteering or joining the Big Country Master Gardener Association.(Scale of 1 - 5) *
9. Recap of Requirements

- I wish to apply to the Big Country Master Gardener Association, sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
- If accepted, I understand I must pay a $250 training fee for materials and speakers by January 28, 2026.
- I understand there are no refunds after the start of the first session.
- I understand I must attend at least 10 of the 12 training sessions plus attend and pass the final exam to become a Master Gardener INTERN.
- I understand that in addition to the 50 hours of education training, I must also complete 50 hours of volunteer work with the Big Country Master Gardener Association within a twelve-month time period from the end of my training, before becoming a certified Texas Master Gardener.
- I understand that the Master Gardener program is a volunteer program sponsored by the Taylor County office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and that as a Certified Texas Master Gardener, I represent the Taylor County office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M System and will adhere to their policies and guidelines.
Signature - By typing my full name below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the information, requirements, and expectations outlined in this application. I affirm that all information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that typing my name constitutes my electronic signature and carries the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
Date

MonthDayYear
Tentative Training Schedule
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
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2026 Texas Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program