New Volunteer Training Class looking for evidence of pests on a leaf specimen.
Interested in Joining our 2025/2026 New Volunteer Class?
Registration is now open for the Information Sessions on Zoom!
We are especially seeking applicants from East and West Contra Costa County to join our program
You must attend one of the sessions below to apply for the program.
Session #1: Tuesday, June 3, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Session #2: Thursday, June 12, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Session #3: Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Session #4: Saturday, June 21, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
2025/2026 New Volunteer Class Information
Start and End Dates: October 18, 2025 - February 28, 2026
Days and Times:
- Thursdays on Zoom, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Saturdays in person, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (at various locations)
Volunteers for the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County are:
- Residents of Contra Costa County who have been trained to educate the general public on science-based sustainable horticulture practices.
- Part of the University of California Cooperative Extension, functioning as a link between the University and the residents of Contra Costa County.
- Committed to extending best practices on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscaping throughout the county.
Typically, 25-35 people are selected to train as new UC Master Gardener Program volunteers. Qualified candidates are:
- Interested in learning University of California research-based horticultural practices in to bring that knowledge to their community.
- Committed to creating a sustainable environment throughout the county.
- Passionate about volunteering with our organization.
Applicants do not have to be gardening experts to become UC Master Gardener Program volunteers. Successful applicants are trained in University of California best practices.
- Training begins in the fall and continues for 14 weeks of sessions. Each week holds a Thursday night session on Zoom and a Saturday morning in-person session. Weekly reading and home study assignments are also required.
- Classes are taught by University of California instructors as well as outside experts.
- Topics include Soils, Botany, Irrigation, Edible Gardening, Landscape Trees, Plant Diseases, and Integrated Pest Management and much more.
After training, new UC Master Gardeners are ready to volunteer on our many projects:
- Help Desk
- Ask A Master Gardener tables
- Growing Gardeners
- School Gardens
- Demonstration gardens in East, West, and Central County
- Speakers Bureau
- Community Gardens
- Communications
- Plant Sales
People interested in applying to the UC Master Gardener Program must first attend an information session to:
- Learn more about the Contra Costa program and how it serves the community.
- Receive this year’s application along with instructions on how to apply to the training class.