COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The UC Master Gardener Program of Colusa County is accepting applications for its 2026 volunteer training.
The 16-week course begins Jan. 28, 2026, and will be held Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. in Yuba City. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. All applicants must attend an informational meeting on Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.
UC Master Gardeners are University of California Cooperative Extension–trained volunteers who share research-based horticultural information with home gardeners, schools and community groups. Training is provided by experts, and applicants are not required to have prior gardening experience.
Graduates of the program volunteer at events including the Colusa Farm Show, Colusa County Fair, and local plant clinics. They also lead workshops such as landscape tree care, pumpkin centerpieces and wreath making. Other activities include maintaining the Donna Critchfield demonstration garden in Williams, producing a monthly newsletter, podcast and weekly gardening articles for the Pioneer Review.
To become certified, participants must complete the training program, pass a written exam, and volunteer at least 50 hours within a year of graduation.
For information or to apply, contact the University of California Cooperative Extension Colusa County office at 100 Sunrise Blvd., Suite E, Colusa, CA 95932, call (530) 458-0570, email karbarrera@ucanr.edu, or visit https://ucanr.edu/county/colusa-county/master-gardeners.