History

The Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City (MGGKC) Chapter started in 1987 as a program of the University of Missouri Extension (MUE). The Extension MGGKC Chapter joined the Missouri Master Gardener Association (MOMGA) in 2012.

In 2025, 272 active EMGs provided 12,932 hours of volunteer services (valued at $433,092) promoting horticulture throughout the Clay and Jackson counties. Approximately 10,900 participants actively engaged in EMG programming, with 147,000 individuals indirectly participating through 48 special events and partnerships. Staffed a “Gardening Hotline” that provided horticultural information to the public, answering 380 questions via phone calls, emails and walk-in visits. Maintained 3 demonstration gardens and worked on 12 partnership gardens and 5 affiliate gardens to provide horticulture information to the public. Over 7,600 pounds of harvested vegetables were donated to local food pantries. Delivered 33 presentations to 800 participants thru our Speakers Bureau.

For more information about our accomplishments, read our Annual Report.

Volunteer opportunities include community and affiliate garden projects, located at historic sites, museum grounds, a nature preserve, schools, and several community gardens. Volunteers provide horticulture education for the public through the Children’s programs, Garden Hotline, Speakers Bureau, and Gardeners’ Gathering lectures.