Your volunteer hours are important when calculating the total value of the Master Gardeners of Greene County’s community service by all of our collective efforts. The figures could have an important impact on the Extension office’s future public funding, the decision on continued placement of MU Extension specialists in Greene County and possibly even grants. Plus it’s important to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, our landlord at the Botanical Center.

We are requesting that hours be entered on a monthly basis.  You will receive an email at the beginning of each month to enter your hours.  Please open the link and fill out the information.  If you have no hours check the box for no hours and submit. This link will also be available on the Member Log-in page under the heading HOURS REPORTING. You may also enter your hours at the general meeting each month at the Membership table.

Time spent traveling while volunteering should be tracked and reported as a part of the service you are providing and you may be able to claim a tax deduction, check with your tax advisor. All hours for the prior year must be reported by January 15 of the current year to stay on active status.

Active

Active Master Gardeners are required to report a minimum of 20 service hours in chapter projects and additionally, a minimum of 6 hours of continuing education. Service hours beyond the required 20 hours might include work in church gardens, community garden projects, work in other gardens within the Springfield Botanical Gardens, etc. Guidelines for volunteer service are that the activity should be educational and be performed by Master Gardeners who are representing the University of Missouri Extension. A good rule-of-thumb for determining which activities are appropriate is a positive response to the question, “Does this activity contribute to the goals and mission of the local Extension Program?”

Trainees

Trainees have a different set of requirements, see the trainees page for more details

Emeritus

Emeritus members have no minimum service requirements but all volunteer hours should be reported using the electronic system.