Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities
This page has been updated by Whitney Foughty as of February 16, 2024. If any information is inaccurate, please contact comm@indymcmga.org with correct information.
Extension Office Opportunities
Master Gardener AnswerLine (Phone Center & E-mail)
The Master Gardener AnswerLine phone center was established in the 1990’s, and an e-mail Master Gardener AnswerLine started in 2001. The phone center is normally staffed during the day Monday through Friday to provide the public with answers to gardening questions. Home gardeners may contact Master Gardener volunteers by phone (317-275-9292) or e-mail (marioncountymg@gmail.edu). If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Carey Grable (cagrable@purdue.edu).
Master Gardener Speakers Bureau
Speakers are always needed for various groups including libraries, garden clubs, neighborhood associations and service clubs. If you are a Master Gardener who can speak on any gardening-related topic, you are needed. If you are willing to speak on one or more topics, please send your name, contact information, and topic(s) to: Barb Rusin (rusin0@purdue.edu). A MCMGA laptop computer with PowerPoint is available for Master Gardeners to use when speaking to groups. Projectors are also available from the Extension office. Contact Carey Grable (cagrable@purdue.edu) for checkout.
Community Gardening
Purdue Extension-Marion County
Indiana State Fairgrounds,
Discovery Hall, Ste 201
1202 E 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Website: Go to https://indyfoodpolicy.org/indyagmap/
Contact for Starting a Community Garden: Jayde Grisham
E-mail: jmgrish@purdue.edu
Volunteers are often needed at community garden locations in Indianapolis. Contact Nick for current volunteer opportunities.
Gardening with Youth
This includes the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program and school gardens.
Purdue Extension-Marion County
Indiana State Fairgrounds,
Discovery Hall, Ste 201
1202 E 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Website: www.jmgkids.us/
Gardening-Related Youth Contact: Ashley Shufflebarger
E-mail: adshuffl@purdue.edu
or Nick Schwaberow
E-mail: nschwabe@purdue.edu
This opportunity includes the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program and school gardens. Working with youth requires a brief online “working with minors” training. Contact Alex or watch for possible opportunities from the Extension office.
Marion County Fair
Purdue Extension-Marion County
Indiana State Fairgrounds,
Discovery Hall, Ste 201
1202 E 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Website: www.marioncountyfair.org
Contact: Carey Grable
Phone: 317-275-9290
E-mail: cagrable@purdue.edu
Watch for possible opportunities from the Extension office.
Purdue Extension-Marion County Demonstration Garden
Purdue Extension-Marion County
Indiana State Fairgrounds,
Discovery Hall, Ste 201
1202 E 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Website: Purdue Extension-Marion County Demonstration Garden
Contact: Steve Mayer
E-mail: MayerSL@purdue.edu
MG Contact: Steve Cline
Email: skcmgccs@gmail.com
Additional volunteer opportunities will be somewhat limited until things get back to normal.