Interesting....our Master Gardeners Association is an independent, non-profit group that is separate from becoming a certified Master Gardener. You may choose to join the association to take part in the many, many actitivies we support that are approved for projects that count toward your required MG hours each year. Our association works closely with our county education (formerly called Extension Agent) to determine which community project will be approved MG projects. The cost to join our assocation is only $10/year, and we provide all of the education hours needed on an annual basis for recertification. Our association does not allow non MG members to attend most meetings or participate in MG programs. We do offer educational programs on a yearly basis where non-MG can attend.
Our fundraising activities go toward supporting the community activities and gardens we are approved for, and we also provide 5-$3000 scholarships for college and post-grad students studying agriculture or horticulture programs and reside within our county.
I find it really interesting to hear how the different associations operate.
