The Colorado State University Colorado Master Gardener Program volunteer network strives to enhance Coloradans’ quality of life by:
- Extending knowledge-based education throughout Colorado communities to foster successful gardeners;
- Helping individuals make informed decisions about plants to protect neighborhood environments.
We are committed to using horticulture to empower gardeners, develop partnerships and build stronger communities.
In Arapahoe County, a dedicated group of approximately 120 Colorado Master Gardener (CMG) volunteers serve nearly 7,000 residents annually by answering questions and providing gardening education.
Learn more about the Colorado Master Gardener program. Check out Master Gardener and horticulture services offered to you in Arapahoe County!
Ask All Your Gardening Questions!
Colorado Master Gardener volunteers are available to answer telephone calls throughout the year and to assist walk-in clients during the growing season (April through October). Professional horticulture staff also available in the office year-round. Contact us at 303-730-1920, by email, or visit us for help with:
- Plant identification and diagnosis
- General garden and yard information
- Environmental garden and landscape plant problems
- Insect identification and diagnosis
- Household insect pests
Check out all services offered by Master Gardeners and horticulture staff!
Learn more about gardening through fact sheets, blog posts and more!
“We will not be accepting applications for Colorado Master Gardeners in 2024. Our program has experienced significant growth in recent years and coupled with high volunteer retention, we are at capacity and will not be accepting apprentice applications for 2025. We know this is disappointing for those interested in the Colorado Master Gardener program in Arapahoe County. Everyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener in Arapahoe county can still take Green School and apply to become a volunteer the following year. Interested folks can also sign up on this email list to be informed about future opportunities when we are accepting CMGs in Arapahoe.
Before you apply:
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Consider the different training options and training fees.
- Financial need-based scholarships (reducing your fee to $100) are available (see application).
- If accepted, the following commitment is expected:
- Complete a minimum 80% of Green School training course.
- Pass the final exam with a 70% or higher.
- Volunteer a minimum of 50 hours during your first year by Oct. 31st.
- Note: Two-year apprenticeships completing 60 hours may be an option if approved by staff.
- Read more about requirements here.
What to know about the application:
- The application will take 30-60 minutes to complete and must be done in one sitting.
- Applications are offered online. (A hardcopy may be obtained from the office if needed.)
- Ensure that your local county is accepting volunteers for 2023.
- The statewide application deadline is October 16, 2022.
- Have the names of three references (names, phone numbers and emails) ready when you apply.
- Background checks are required.
- We require future and current volunteers familiarize themselves with CSU’s policies and guidelines:
- We proudly uphold the CSU Principles of Community
- Colorado Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct
- CSU’s Minors’ Policy
- CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
- Read more about the application process here.
The Arapahoe County Master Gardener program comprises of about 120 volunteers dedicated to providing education around all aspects of gardening! Volunteer projects include managing demonstration gardens throughout the county, staffing the Master Gardener Help Desk, teaching classes, educating people at information booths, participating in the Grow and Give program, collecting data for the Native Bee Watch program, and much more!
Click here to stay informed on future Master Gardener application openings.
Sign up to receive The Garden Buzz, an every-other-month e-newsletter with timely garden education and events written by Master Gardeners.
Featured Master Gardener Projects
Speakers’ Bureau:
Volunteers present gardening topics to garden clubs, schools, civic organizations and other groups. Submit a request to have a Master Gardener speak for your club or organization!
Other Educational Projects:
Colorado Center for the Blind: CMG volunteers help patients and students with indoor and outdoor gardening projects to support curriculum in self-sufficiency.
School Gardens: Volunteers mentor elementary, middle and high school students in vegetable gardens and interior horticulture projects.
Lima Plaza Pollinator Garden: Volunteers educate the public on low-water, native, and pollinator-friendly plants in this new demonstration garden.
Help Desk: Master Gardeners field inquiries through phone, email, and office walk-ins. Ask your gardening questions today!
Grow & Give: All produce grow at demonstration gardens is donated to local food banks as part of the Grow & Give project. Learn about how you can donate produce to those in need.
Native Bee Watch Community Science Program: Many volunteer participate in the Native Bee Watch Community Science program collecting data on bee visitations at demonstration gardens and home gardens for research and education.
Demonstration Gardens
CMG volunteers design and cultivate educational demonstration gardens throughout Arapahoe County! Demonstration gardens include:
- Clayton Elementary School, Englewood
- Hudson Gardens Events Center, Littleton
- Pea Patch, Littleton
- Lima Plaza Pollinator Garden, Centennial
- Plains Conservation Center, Aurora
- Silo Park, Greenwood Village
- Colorado Center for the Blind, Littleton
- TSISTSISTAS HINONÓEI Cheyenne-Arapaho Park Community Garden – Learn more about Cheyenne-Arapahoe Park
Demonstration Garden Locations
Map of Arapahoe Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens
