Extension's 35,000 volunteers give their time and expertise to serve their communities and help create a stronger Minnesota. Whether you're passionate about youth, conservation, healthy eating or healthy gardens, you can find an opportunity to join Extension in making a difference in Minnesota. Read on to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Minnesota Master Naturalists can volunteer as seed collectors, targeting plants from early-blooming pasqueflowers and prairie smoke to late-blooming asters and bottle gentian.
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteers share the bounty while getting whole communities out into the garden.
More than 2,000 Minnesota youth choose the 4-H dog project each year. They can advance from obedience basics to competing in shows and knowledge bowls.
Help youth build the skills for life and leadership
If you want to help young people, we need you! You can volunteer in a 4-H club, at one of our events, or other ways.
Volunteers come from many backgrounds. And they give to the program in many different ways!
Teach those in need how to cook healthy and affordable meals
Cooking Matters Minnesota empowers families at risk of hunger with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make healthy, delicious and affordable meals.
Cooking Matters volunteer opportunities include serving as a culinary instructor, a class manager, a class shopper and a class assistant.
Share University horticulture expertise with your community
Master Gardener volunteers promote healthy landscapes, healthy people and a healthy planet.
Master Gardeners will answer your yard and garden questions by email, in person or over the phone.
Find out how to apply to be a Master Gardener and register for the core course.
Master Gardener volunteers are active in communities throughout Minnesota. Learn about the impacts we're making across the state.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers share their experiences and give an overview of the program in a series of videos.
Learn about natural resources in Minnesota and educate your community
The Minnesota Master Naturalist program promotes awareness, understanding and stewardship of Minnesota’s natural environment.
Any adult who is curious and enjoys learning about the natural world can become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
Master Naturalist volunteers, students and instructors reach people in almost every county in Minnesota. Learn about the impacts we're making across the state.
Help increase natural resource volunteering in participatory science, interpretation and stewardship throughout Minnesota.
Protect Minnesota’s ecosystems through a variety of opportunities
AIS Detectors and Trackers are statewide volunteer invasive species surveillance programs that target high-risk areas with trained observers.
Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer (AVID) volunteers collect data to monitor the impacts of deer on vegetation in Minnesota woodlands.
Forest Pest First Detector volunteers detect and diagnose early infestations of invasive plants, insects and other pests.
Participating in the Minnesota Woodland Steward program will help you create a plan to keep your woods healthy for future generations.
The Minnesota Bee Atlas is a citizen science volunteer program working to create a state-wide list of native bees found in Minnesota.
Join Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships in promoting sustainability in your community
Learn more about opportunities to work with fellow community members and University faculty and staff who are passionate about sustainability in your region.
Serve as an ambassador for RSDP in your community and help us identify local sustainability needs and ideas.
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