Every year, approximately 50 new Master Gardeners go through a 10 week, 80 hour classroom training plus many more hours of individual on-line education and reading to qualify to become a Master Gardener intern.  During their first year as a Master Gardener, interns must devote at least 60 hours of volunteer time working in demonstration gardens, clinics and other outreach programs.  This "real world" experience helps reinforce their classroom education in addition to comprising part of their "payback" for the extensive education they received.

Every year, some interns demonstrate exceptional commitment to the Master Gardener program through their eager participation above and beyond the minimum required hours and often take on leadership roles in areas of particular interest and talent. 

The individuals below have been selected by the Master Gardener community during their first year as Intern of the Year:
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2023 - Fred Huston Jr

2022   Lana Growe
           Robbie Harris
           Karen Schneider

2020/2021   Jim Rudy
                    Richard Simpson
                    Patty Smith

2019    Kathryn Ladines

2018    Pam Gallagher

​2017    Mary Foster
            Ravensara Travillian
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2016    Srikanth Naidu

2015    Lynn Woods

2014    Teri Gaul
           Dave Hofeditz
           Alex Johnson

2013  Maggie Gunthardt
           Sandra (Sam) Means
           Dennis Olson

2012  Frank Cooper

2011   Veronica Leahy

2010  Danise Shields
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2009  Rick Douge