Extension Volunteers
Volunteers share their knowledge and experience through Extension and expand our capacity to deliver programs in every city and town in Connecticut.
Everything is research based. The greenhouse and garden are about teaching and getting people to grow in their own backyard."
Marlene Mayes, Master Gardener Volunteer
141,097
Volunteer hours across all programs
$3.8 million
Value of volunteer hours served in communities across the state
6,284
Volunteers across all program areas
4,585
Active 4-H volunteers
Volunteer Spotlights
Photo: Kara Bonsack
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I volunteer for an Extension program?
Volunteering allows you to share your knowledge and skills with others and give back to your community. Many volunteers find this a rewarding experience.
What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer?
There are many benefits of volunteering like having a positive impact on a person's life and boosting your leadership skills.
What programs can I volunteer with?
Extension offers various programs to volunteer with based on your interests. The options include but aren’t limited to Master Gardeners Program, Natural Resources Conservation Academy, People Empowering People, UConn 4-H, and the Connecticut Trail Census. Opportunities can be found all around Connecticut. If you don’t see something you like you can make your own. Check out the map below to find volunteer opportunities near you.
How can I get involved?
The first step to getting involved is picking a program you want to dedicate your time to. Then, you should reach out to the program to find where you can be the best fit.
Where can I get more information?
More information can be found by visiting the Extension programs websites. They can be found below.
What is the time requirement for volunteering?
The time requirement is dependent on the program and how many hours you are willing to give. Extension is happy with any time you are able to commit. In one year Extension volunteer hours totaled 201,887 volunteer hours.
What kind of training do I need?
The different Extension programs have various requirements that can be found by visiting the programs website.
Where can I volunteer?
Extension programs can be found throughout all Connecticut towns. Check the map below to find programs close to you.
Is there a cost to volunteer?
This is dependent on the program. Most programs have no cost to volunteer. There are some fees associated with the Master Gardener program for training and ongoing certification.
